Infertility and the stress of COVID-19 can feel overwhelming, but there’s help
Even as states begin to reopen, everyone’s stress level remains a bit (or a lot) higher in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This is especially true if you’re facing infertility. No matter where you are on your journey, infertility and the stress of COVID-19 is likely taking its toll. Whether you’re just starting treatment, or right in the middle of IVF, you likely feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Our Tennessee fertility specialists want to give you some peace of mind during this trying time. This blog will provide four stress management tips for patients facing infertility. We’ll also explain how to cope if your treatment cycle has been delayed.
4 ways to cope with infertility and the stress of COVID-19
If COVID-19 has you worried about visiting our Tennessee fertility specialists, you can still start learning more about infertility diagnosis and treatment. Our telemedicine offering allows you to have a consultation with one of our doctors and learn more about your options. This can help you feel empowered and proactive so that you’re ready to begin treatment as soon as the stay-at-home orders end.
In addition to telemedicine, here are some other ways to cope with infertility and the stress of COVID-19.
- Detox from the news and social media. Information overload can lead to higher stress levels. Consider taking a break from the news and social media, even if it’s just for one day. We also recommend setting daily limits on how much you engage with these information sources.
- Reach out for support. If it all feels like too much right now, you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your own. Reach out to your partner, loved ones, friends or even a therapist to discuss your feelings.
- Take care of yourself. If might seem basic, but it’s easy to forget about self-care in times of stress. Be sure you’re eating right, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and taking time to relax. Not only will this help you now, it can optimize your natural fertility and help you prepare for pregnancy.
What you should know if your fertility treatment cycle has been delayed
You may have heard that you shouldn’t wait to seek treatment for infertility. However, in mid-March, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommended that doctors put most treatment cycles on hold. This news sent many patients into a worry spiral, wondering whether this delay would harm their chance of conceiving in the future.
Our Tennessee fertility specialists know that you’ve likely been on a long and emotional journey with infertility by the time you seek treatment. This can be magnified when you add in the stress and uncertainty of COVID-19 and delayed cycles. However, you can take comfort in two important facts.
- No evidence suggests that delaying fertility treatment for a month or two will harm your ability to have a child.
- This is true even if you are over 35 or have a reduced egg supply (diminished ovarian reserve).
If you have questions about dealing with infertility and the stress of COVID-19, our team is here for you. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a virtual or an in-person appointment with us.
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