Depression and Infertility

Infertility is a difficult medical condition that affects a higher and higher percentage of couples who wish to have children. Recent percentages put it between 8 and 33%. Some of this increased difficulty is because many women are putting off their child bearing until their careers have been established.  Other women and men have undiagnosed underlying medical conditions that can impact their fertility and decrease their ability to conceive a child.

Because of the stress that accompanies infertility, many women will suffer from depression.  Infertility is associated with a number of different invasive and uncomfortable tests, fertility treatments and increasing financial strain, all of which contribute to the development of anxiety and depression.  Dealing with these conflicting emotions alone can also lead to numerous physical side effects and put a huge strain on relationships, work performance and enjoyment of life.

Both men and women can be affected by these emotions and the side effects they perpetuate.  One day couples are hopeful and the next experience anger and frustration.

Researchers and doctors recognize that women who are undergoing fertility treatments are at high risk for developing depression.  According to a recent study, more than 10% of men who are also undergoing fertility treatments may experience some type of clinical depression.  Some researchers have also found that couples who are undergoing infertility treatments suffer depression at the same levels as those couples who are battling chronic illnesses and cancer.

Interestingly research has found that women who are depressed are known to be less fertile than women who don\’t experience depression – possibly because these women may be using anti-depressant medications, may have prior pelvic inflammatory disease, smokers, or use alcohol.  In one study researchers found that women who were taking anti-depressants for more than six months were three times more likely to be infertile.

Women who have a pre-existing history of depression may also find themselves with worsening symptoms brought on by stress.  Many women find the process of treatments, testing and stress an emotional roller coaster.  In one study researchers studied women who were presenting for IVF treatments and found that they were more depressed and had lower self-esteem than a control of women who were fertile.

Other comparisons of women who have been undergoing treatment and those who were going through their first cycle suggested that ongoing treatment may lead to an increasing exhibition of depressive symptoms.

While some doctors may want to prescribe medication to treat depression, unless the depression is moderate to severe, women should first attempt to use more natural means of treatment such as exercise, nutrition and improving vitamin intake.  If these measures aren\’t successful then medication should be considered before the depression becomes worse or threatens the overall health of the woman.

Depression associated with infertility is a condition that can be treated with appropriate medications or natural means.  Women who are treated appropriately may find that the reduced stress they experience will help to improve their fertility.