How Is Infertility Related to Depression?

Infertility can be debilitating and frustrating which gives an easy pathway to depression. When you shift your whole focus on infertility then it will lead to depression, anxiety and stress. The condition is like vice versa, infertility can hand out depression and so depression can also dish out infertility.

Do you think about getting pregnant every moment? Are you feeling stuck in this situation? It is obvious to feel like this, when you face challenges in getting pregnant for a prolonged period.  Infertility is emotionally, mentally and physically fatiguing. You really need to overcome infertility related depression before it becomes worse for your health.

Why do people with infertility struggle with depression?

There are some factors related to infertility which get people in depression. Know it all below,

• Medical conditions: first of all, there are some factors which can cause infertility, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis etc, which may elevate the risk of depression. Theses condition may bring high mood swings and stress which at the end lead to depression
• Stress: dealing with infertility is never an easy task. It takes a lot of sacrifice, effort and emotional traumas. It can be a stressful experience because of having a lot of pressure on getting pregnant.
• Side effects of medications and treatments: people when undergoing treatments or any medications may experience some side effects such as stress and depression. As treatments and medications embrace use of hormones which results in negative effects on the mind and body.

When do you need to visit our doctor?

When you experience certain symptoms, then it is best to visit a doctor for your betterment.

• When you constantly think about infertility all the time
• In depressed mood all the time for most days
• Losing interest in interesting and enjoyable activities
• Less energy or feel inactive whole day
• Sleeplessness or feel like sleeping all the time
• Sudden change in weight
• Negative thoughts or thoughts of suicide
• Unable to focus or concentrate on anything
• When you feel extremely guilty
• If you feel worthless or ashamed
• You feel alone or isolated
• Change in diet either more or less willing to eat

Hey! No matter what, you should not feel like this. You are not alone in this. Whatever you feel, we are here to hear you because we have solutions to every problem. There are various medications and treatments available for infertility related depression. Antidepressants come in many forms, involving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin modulators and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

All you need to do is to stay honest with our doctor and share whatever you feel. At Sneh Hospital, our fertility specialists offer infertility counseling to couples to guide and advise them for the further step.