Interview with Natalia Nogal on Mental Health and Fertility: “Do Not Judge or Blame Yourself for Not Being Able to Conceive”
There are many factors that have a significant impact on fertility. Some of the most decisive are stress and anxiety, which, by altering hormonal balance, make ovulation difficult and affect sperm. These physiological reactions have very negative consequences for conception, increasing the risk of miscarriage, for example.
Therefore, taking this cause of infertility into account is essential when trying to conceive naturally or through assisted reproduction. Today, like every October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. From Ovoclinic, we have asked our fertility-specialized psychologist, Natalia Nogal, some of the most frequently asked questions among patients who suffer from stress or anxiety and are undergoing reproductive treatment.
Frequently Asked Patient Questions: Answered by Natalia Nogal
1. I feel like I’ve failed as a woman, how can I calm this anxiety?
It is normal to think or feel that “you have failed as a woman” if you cannot become a mother. This awakens anxiety, guilt, and sadness. Many women experience this and share it with me during consultations. However, your ability to be a woman is not measured by your ability to conceive, but by your story, your strength, and your capacity to feel and love.
2. Is it wrong that it hurts me to see other people’s pregnancies or babies?
Do not judge yourself for feeling bad or for being hurt by seeing other people’s pregnancies or babies. It is normal to feel this way when seeing women achieving what you long for.
3. Why do I feel lonely even though I have a partner or family supporting me?
Many women tell me: “I feel lonely, even though my partner and family support me.” Your feeling of loneliness arises because, even if your environment accompanies you, it does not always manage to understand or support your emotions correctly.
4. How do I explain to my environment that their comments hurt me?
It is okay to want to set boundaries. It does not mean rejecting your family or friends, but caring for yourself.
5. How can I manage anxiety during the beta waiting period?
The beta waiting period is one of the most intense moments in infertility, and anxiety often overflows. Anxiety appears because you want to control something that is out of your control: this is normal and does not mean you are failing. I recommend practicing mindful breathing, avoiding Google searches, and writing down your thoughts during this time.
6. Is it normal to feel like my life revolves only around treatments?
It is completely normal to feel like your life revolves solely around assisted reproduction treatments, as it has most likely become the epicenter of your life: the need to become a mother.
7. How can I maintain my relationship with my partner during this process?
You can maintain your relationship by sharing quality time together, trying not to always focus conversations on the possibility of becoming parents, and listening to and validating your partner’s emotions without judgment.
8. How can I prevent negative thoughts from invading me every day?
Wanting to prevent negative thoughts from invading your days is completely normal. However, it is better to accept them as what they are: a defense mechanism of your mind. I recommend recognizing and naming that thought + limiting the time you allow it in your mind + directing your attention to your breathing.
9. I have trouble sleeping because of this, how can I fall asleep?
It is normal to have trouble sleeping if you suffer from infertility. Your mind is full of fear, expectations, and thoughts that never stop. Every night, practice sleep hygiene routines: before going to bed, write down all your worries in a notebook, practice mindful breathing, and finally, imagine a safe and relaxing place, leaving fears aside.
10. What can I do to improve my self-esteem at this time?
To improve your self-esteem, I recommend separating your identity from your motherhood. You are more than your ability to conceive. Practice self-care routines (beauty rituals, physical activity, rest…), change your inner dialogue to be kinder to yourself, and celebrate your own achievements.
More information: https://aliceblue-cod-147901.hostingersite.com/natalia-nogal-y-ovoclinic/
You can follow Natalia Nogal on her social media profile (@natalianogalpsicologia)
