The psychological factor in Assisted Reproduction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is a biological dysfunction that could be included within chronic disease. Still, it is noteworthy that their symptoms are not physical if they are in emotional reactions that generate discomfort.

Infertility is diagnosed when at least one year has elapsed without achieving pregnancy in women under 35, and at least six months for women over 40. During the period in which the couple does not get pregnant, frustration levels increase over time are generated.

This reaction is due to an emotional maladjustment, which are alterations of character manifested when we have to face stressful situations that are beyond our control. These alterations may represent the first phase of a normal process of adaptation; but when they appear, if the person is suffering is not always able to see the normality of this adaptive process.

The most common reactions to this emotional maladjustment are related anxiety-depressive symptoms.

Infertility Treatment

When you start with high expectations treatments can play tricks. It is common for couples who come to see do think that, once in the hands of specialists Assisted Reproduction , the problem is easily solved and get pregnant quickly.

But the result of treatment can not be controlled, nor can know the probability that there may be a series of "treatment failures". In this situation, it is normal for an emotional imbalance arises with force, because the person is facing the fear of a life without children.

Psychology Assisted Reproduction

The role of the specialist in Psychology in Assisted Reproduction is essential, since it will allow to assess what is the degree of emotional adjustment of the couple; if they are at risk of developing a disorder or if there is an inability to cope with both treatment and possible negative results.

Stress and depressive symptoms may impact negatively on the process, because they make us more vulnerable to tackling all obstacles; They can make us lose sight of reality and disrupt our ability when making decisions.

In the Tambre Clinic we have a Psychological Support Unit for all patients who are in assisted reproduction treatment and requiring some kind of emotional support character.