Is IVF Treatment Causing Stress? Here Are A Few Ways Singles And Couples Can Handle The Testing Times

IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, can be extremely emotionally challenging for both singles and couples. IVF treatment has its ups and downs as you walk into unknown territory anxiously. So, if you are dealing with emotional stress, then this article will help you tread smoothly along the path.

Understanding the basics of IVF

IVF stands for in vitro fertilisation, which is a medical procedure that helps singles and other people get pregnant. In this procedure, the sperm and the egg undergo fertilisation outside the body in a laboratory.

Anxious and feeling the lows of life

  • Recognizing the stress factors: IVF can at times take you on a roller coaster ride with plenty of highs and lows, which is why it is necessary to understand the unique stress factors it might cause. You and your partner might go through a lot of feelings and easily get anxious, worried, disappointed, and desolate. However, as the world is surviving on hope, it would be a wise decision not to fall for negativity and fight out the negative emotions. Realise that such feelings come and go, while the treatment can give you results when followed with the help of a trained and certified doctor.
  • Stress and a feeling of hopelessness can affect your fertility: IVF treatment cannot be affected by emotional stress, but your levels of fertility can further dip. IVF treatments do fail at times, but a strong couple or an adamant single would go for repeated attempts until they reached success. While it’s easier said than done, doing yoga, journaling, meditation, and reading can help a lot to navigate through stressful situations.

Dealing with stress during your IVF treatment

Now that we are talking about the mental challenges faced during IVF, here are some tips that singles and couples can embrace that would help them in the IVF treatment and navigate through the process peacefully.

  • Talk about the issue bothering you: Talking and sharing your feelings with your partner or friend can help you navigate through the emotional upheavals faced during IVF. This releases stress and helps you develop a deeper bond with the other person.
  • Ask help from a professional: Go for therapy sessions or speak to a counsellor about your experiences and share how you can control the negativity from pouring in. Professional help can help you deal with mental problems and also provide useful information when it comes to IVF treatment and stress associated with it.
  • Self care is a must: It’s important to take care of yourself during this phase. Participate in activities that keep you happy and calm. Self care can help to deal with stress. Indulge in activities like walking, exercising, reading a book etc.
  • Get in touch with support and help groups: Joining any IVF support group can help you a lot. People going through the same phase and battling the same negative emotions can help you feel better and a great bonding might develop to lift each other up. IRM often sets up such kinds of activities and support groups where people meet, interact and finds a safe place to be in!
  • Be reasonable: It’s great to be optimistic but also realistic. IVF can work exceptionally yet there may be times, it might fail. Realising this, it is important to keep stress at bay and confide in your healthcare professional when things don’t work out as expected.

At IRM – We understand that mental health is as important as physical well-being

At IRM, the team of doctors are compassionate yet knowledgeable and qualified enough to help you with the IVF procedure without losing the humane touch. Our team understands that IVF can be hard on people and helps to create a supportive atmosphere for individuals and couples going through IVF. Connect with our team and start your parenthood journey now!

Is IUI Painful? All You Wanted To Know About Intrauterine Insemination

While people find it extremely challenging to adapt to the various ways of getting pregnant, one of the most standard procedures was IUI, or intrauterine insemination. This procedure involves the direct implantation of sperm into the uterus to maximise the chances of pregnancy. This procedure ensures that the sperm has higher chances of getting access to the egg and thus increases the possibility of conception. However, people have the misconception that IUI is painful, but that’s a complete myth. In this blog, we will explain how things work and whether or not IUI is a painful procedure.

What is IUI?

IUI addresses male infertility-related issues, which include a low sperm count or if the sperm is too frail and slow to reach the fallopian tubes. With the IUI (intrauterine insemination) procedure, the sperm is inserted into the uterus very close to the egg. The best thing about IUI is that it’s non-invasive and cost-effective compared to other expensive fertility treatments. The process takes no longer than 15 minutes and is significantly safer and more comfortable for improving fertility.

Is IUI painful?

Truth be told, the first time the sperm is placed inside the uterus, slight discomfort might be experienced. While some might find things intolerable, most women do not experience any sort of pain. However, as it’s a minimally intrusive process, the patient won’t be sedated or need to take painkillers. The IUI procedure is conducted only when you are anticipating ovulation. The sperm cells are directly injected into the uterus to facilitate the proximity between the egg and the sperm. This makes the fertilisation process easier by cutting down the sperm’s journey to the uterus.

Mild cramping and a minor feeling of pinching might be experienced by a few patients when the catheter is inserted into the cervix. However, if this sensation intensifies, then the doctor needs to be informed to handle the situation immediately. During the treatment, minor bleeding and cramps might occur, but the pain subsides as soon as the catheter is withdrawn. A small amount of bleeding happens when the tube scratches the cervix, but overall, it’s not dangerous.

It can be concluded that IUI is not a painful treatment, but if the uterus is inflamed, then minor cramping and bleeding might be experienced. However, our team of doctors at IRM can help you go through the procedure smoothly with minor complaints.

People who go for the IUI treatment

If the male partner’s sperm count is low or sperm mobility is not sufficient, then this procedure is performed. IUI is recommended in the following situations:

  • • Single women looking to get pregnant
  • • Undiagnosed infertility
  • • Males with insufficient sperm
  • • Mucous issues in the cervix
  • • Men having trouble getting an erection
  • • Mild endometriosis
  • • Same-sex couples wishing to have a baby
  • • Couples who do not want to pass on the genetic abnormalities of their male partner to their unborn child

Who should avoid the IUI procedure?

Women with acute fallopian tube conditions should avoid this procedure. Even people with mild to severe endometriosis shouldn’t undergo the IUI treatment.

Which procedure is more painful, IVF or IUI?

The level of pain experienced during IVF, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) varies depending on the person.  Both procedures are not entirely comfortable but depend on the techniques used, individual tolerance, and the patient’s overall health.

IUI is generally less painful than IVF as it is generally faster, does not require anaesthesia, and the discomfort subsides shortly after the procedure is over. IVF might be more painful, but since it is performed under sedation or anaesthesia, patients don’t face any discomfort right away. However, some women complain of mild cramping and bloating. IVF is more invasive, and the procedure has to go through multiple stages.

Take the final call

The decision between IUI and IVF needs to be based on medical recommendations, and while discomfort might be a factor to consider, the focus should be on which treatment offers better chances of pregnancy. IRM can be a great choice for IUI or IVF. Our team of doctors is trained and qualified enough to diagnose the underlying cause and perform treatments that ensure success, keeping in mind your safety and comfort. Connect with our team to get more details for ensuring a seamless experience.