It is understandable how depression could result from infertility. Family building is linked to many individual goals, aspirations for the future, and social expectations. Furthermore, if you can obtain them, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can be costly and challenging. How depression affects fertility is a little less apparent. However, there is some evidence to support this. This article investigates how depression and its treatment may impede your efforts to conceive, as well as how infertility and its treatment may induce depression. It also provides some advice on how to handle both.
Understanding About Infertility And Depression
Infertility and depression have a reciprocal link. Studies
indicate that depression can result from infertility. Additionally, some data
suggests depression may have an impact on fertility. To be clear, infertility
is not caused by depression alone.
It was found that somewhat lower pregnancy rates occur when
a spouse who donates sperm has severe depression. Scientists speculate that
this could be because depression can reduce a person's desire for sexual
activity. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that depression drugs may
have an impact on the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
What’s The Link Between Infertility and Depression?
You are more likely to develop depressive symptoms in
conjunction with infertility if you have ever experienced depression. For a
variety of reasons, infertility can increase your risk of depression even if
you have never experienced it before.
Depression Can Result From The Stress Of Reproductive Difficulties
Whether the pressure to get pregnant comes from friends and family, the larger community in which you live, or your personal goals and aspirations, it can hurt your mental health. Identity is impacted by infertility for many people. Some people may doubt their value or believe their bodies are failing them. It could give you the impression that you've failed.
It can also be a very isolated experience due to the stigma attached to infertility. Furthermore, stress may be brought on by the procedures themselves. ARTs can be costly, time-consuming, physically uncomfortable, and exhausting. Additional stress is a cause of depression. Research indicates that between 25 and 60 per cent of infertile individuals also experience symptoms of sadness.
Medication Side Effects Could Bring On Depression Symptoms
Your symptoms may be linked to the hormones used in your therapy if you acquired depression after beginning assisted reproductive technology (ART) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Those receiving ovarian stimulation as part of their therapy for infertility had higher symptoms of depression than those not receiving medicine to stimulate their ovaries.
Several of the drugs frequently used to treat infertility
can also make people feel depressed. Among them are:
- Clomiphene
- Leuprolide
- Gonadotropin-producing
As your treatment progresses, these adverse effects may
intensify. In particular, depression symptoms are likely to get worse if
treatment doesn't lead to getting pregnant.
You Might Have Difficulties Falling Asleep
Depression, sleep, and fertility all interact in complex
ways. Many infertile individuals frequently struggle to get a good night's
sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation and disruption might exacerbate
reproductive issues.
For instance, those who struggle with sleep may find it more
difficult to become pregnant and may be more likely to miscarry their child at
an early age. However, more investigation is required to determine the cause of
this connection.
Lack of sleep frequently causes or exacerbates depressive symptoms in people, such as:
- Exhaustion
- Severe drowsiness during the day
- Headaches
- Anger
- Difficulty focusing
Health conditions associated with infertility are also associated with depression.
Specific medical issues may make it more difficult to
conceive. Some are linked to an increased chance of miscarrying a child. Drugs
utilized for managing a condition may sometimes be the cause of fertility
issues rather than the condition itself.
Depression symptoms are frequently associated with multiple health problems as well. Among the illnesses that have been connected to decreased fertility and depression are:
- Ovarian polycystic syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Celiac disease
- Thyroid problems
- Erythematous lupus systemic
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Elevated blood pressure
What Signs Of Depression Are Present?
The signs of depression vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms consist of:
- Sentiments of melancholy, grief, or despair
- Poor self-worth and guilt-ridden sentiments
- Fatigue that persists even after getting a whole night's
rest
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia
- Alterations in your appetite or weight
- Difficulty digesting
- Headaches, aches throughout the body, and inflammation
- Shifts in temperament, like irritation or rage
- Loss of interest in your previous hobbies and sexual
activities
- Difficulties focusing or recalling details
- A sensation of lacking words to describe yourself
Ways To Cope With Depression And Infertility
For various people, self-care might mean different things.
This is an opportune moment to pause and consider what you will need to get
through this stage of your life. These are some tactics to include in your
toolbox of emotional necessities.
Depends on your circle of friends and family.
Only some have a supportive network of close relatives and
friends to accompany them through the ups and downs of infertility treatment.
If so, this is the moment to take advantage of their assistance. Request the
things you require. Accept offers of assistance when you need them.
People who receive social assistance throughout infertility difficulties tend to be more self-compassionate, self-sufficient, and satisfied with their lives than people who do not. Having strong social support, which includes that of your family and significant other, reduces psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Don't worry if you don't have this support; you can still express yourself and get assistance by using the techniques listed below.
Locate a secure space to discuss it.
Feelings around reproductive issues and treatments can
appear quite personal. However, individuals who talk about their emotions while
undergoing infertility treatment typically experience lower levels of
depression than those who do not.
What you feel uncomfortable stating aloud, put in writing
At least journaling techniques like expressive writing
helped infertile women experience less depressive symptoms.
For twenty minutes, research participants wrote in private
about their sentiments regarding their infertility struggles, particularly
those emotions they were uneasy discussing with others. Researchers found that
while journaling did not miraculously reduce anxiety, it did improve
depression.
Try practising body scans and breath awareness meditations
Anxiety and depression are known to be helped by a variety of meditation techniques. Daily body scan meditations and guided breathing exercises are two techniques that have been shown to reduce depression in women with infertility issues. Researchers found that women in groups using these practices experienced fewer symptoms of depression than those who kept gratitude notebooks.
What Is The Prognosis For Those Who Are Infertile And Depressed?
Depression is often triggered by the psychological and physical difficulties associated with infertility. The good news is that there are treatments available for depression. Specific symptoms of depression can be lessened with the use of medication, social support, counselling, healthy eating and sleeping habits, and other self-care techniques. Regardless of whether a pregnancy develops, it's crucial to be on the lookout for indications that depression isn't improving or is growing worse.
In Summary
Depression and infertility have a very complex link. A variety of depressive symptoms may result from difficulties with conception and reproductive therapies. Antidepressants and depression can occasionally interfere with a woman's ability to conceive a healthy child. It might take time to overcome depression and difficulties getting pregnant, so it's critical to surround yourself with support as you go through them.
Along with supporting friends and family, if you have any, you'll need a positive working relationship with your healthcare team. Therapy might benefit you, and mind-body self-care techniques help you feel like you have agency in something that often feels out of control.
Please book an appointment with the best Psychiatrist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
