Stress
Question:
How does stress actually affect fertility? I am having one of the worse months in the past three years, (scheduled for a lap on 6/4 — and it has nothing to do with worrying about that, just in addition to it). Is there a safe remedy for panic attacks while being treated by an RE? (As i write this, i am in the middle of one so sorry if i babble) I do have access to a wonderful psychologist through the clinic — but i feel that the stress isn’t related to IF. Anyone have any suggestions?
Response:
Pick up a copy of Healing Mind, Healthy Woman by Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. and Henry Dreher. It speaks about the connection between stress and fertility, and gives you some goodexercises to reduce stress in your life. I haven’t gotten through the whole thing, but it has helped me quite a bit. Bright blessings.
Response:
Don’t mislead yourself. I would venture to guess that your anxiety has a lot to do with the stress of infertility, especially if your infertility is unexplained. Does your psychologist have experience with IF? That would be very helpful. There are also some good books out there to help understand the emotional pain of IF. The newest is What to Expect When You’re Experiencing Infertility, published in 1998. The names of the authors escape me at present, but it was very worthwhile reading. Dealing with this IF is tough stuff, and at times it is terrifying to hope which only increases the anxiety. Good luck. Anne
