Assisted reproduction treatments can cause significant emotional upset. Added to the anxiety and stress, there’s also a sense of failure if things don’t turn out the way we want them to. Before resorting to this type of procedure, normally the road travelled in the hope of getting pregnant has been a long one.
The prospect of having assisted reproduction treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster, where the happy anticipation of getting pregnant is mixed with the thought of yet another potential disappointment if it doesn’t work out.
It’s a time when many factors come into play. From the constant search for information about why we haven’t been able to get pregnant, changes in diet, routines and physical exercise, to programming sexual relations, which takes all the spontaneity out of these encounters. All of this can be physically and psychologically draining in the midst of a fertility procedure that can be stressful in itself.
Therefore, it’s essential to know what we’re facing and learn to take control of all these psychological factors, which can have a very negative impact on our probabilities of getting pregnant. This is one of the reasons why between 15% and 45% of couples end up abandoning the treatment.
HOW TO PREPARE PHYSICALLY FOR FERTILITY TREATMENT
The preparation for a fertility treatment depends on the type of procedure, as timing is the key factor. There are different processes for artificial insemination, IVF and egg donation. In the case of men providing a semen sample, the medical team will give you specific guidelines, so that the treatment can be performed optimally.
In any case, there are little things you can do in your daily routine to feel better and make things a bit easier. In this sense, you should try to eat a healthy diet, avoid caffeine, reduce alcohol consumption, and get quality rest and sleep. It’s also advisable to do regular exercise, such as swimming or walking.
But it’s important that during this preparation period you feel fit, motivated and relaxed.
EAT A HEALTHY AND BALANCED DIET
Before starting fertility treatment, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. Foods that are high in trans fats and sugars should be avoided – in other words, junk food. Ideally, you should eat a diet that’s rich in fruit, green leafy vegetables, protein and calcium.
GET QUALITY SLEEP
It’s essential to get a good night’s rest, and try to get 8 hours of sleep before starting an assisted reproduction treatment. Try to stick to a bedtime and wake-up schedule to help normalise your cycles.
DO REGULAR EXERCISE
If you’re overweight, your chances of getting pregnant are greatly reduced. For this reason, you should do moderate exercise on a daily basis. Walking, swimming or yoga are activities that promote fertility, as they improve oxygen delivery, blood flow and hormonal balance, as well as reducing stress – one of the main enemies of fertility.
HOW TO PREPARE EMOTIONALLY FOR FERTILITY TREATMENT
Patience is fundamental to feeling emotionally prepared for fertility treatment. These treatments are usually carried out over a period of time, so you must be willing to wait, and not fret if you don’t get pregnant in the first attempt. Just remember that assisted reproduction takes time.
If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner should try to give each other as much mutual support as possible. And if you’re alone, turn to that person of trust you can open up to about your problems and how you’re feeling.
You should also bear in mind that stress has a significant impact on the success rates of this type of treatment. For this reason, peace of mind is important, as each negative thought generates a message or state of mind that could influence the results.
And don’t forget to have a “plan B” ready, in case you don’t succeed in the end. Analyse your probabilities of getting pregnant, the resources you have at your disposal, and the treatments you’re willing to try. This way, you’ll be able to take control of your feelings and move on.
