In-vitro Fertilization
It is the process in which fertilisation of egg and the sperm is carried outside the body in specialized laboratory.It is a type of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in which there is a need to monitor and stimulate a woman's ovulatory process.
First ovulation induction is carried out followed by egg retrieval. Then sperm is collected from the partner or donor and fertilized with the egg in the laboratory. The resulting fertilized egg or the zygote develops into embryo within 2-6days and is further implanted in the woman's uterus. This procedure is useful for infertile couples to carry out a successful pregnancy.
IVF may involve a lot of emotional turmoil, so couples going through the whole procedure of ART can access confidential counselling from mental health professionals.
Infertility counselling
- A comprehensive approach towards patient's mental well being throughout the procedure of IVF.
It’s a highly recommended step that patient should seek before, during and after the commencement of IVF so that they get a better understanding of the choices made by them about infertility treatment and what they actually feel about their infertility.
- Basically it should be a must step for patients who are seeking IVF as it helps them to cope up with their emotions and feelings that range from anguish , hope, anger, despair, anxiety and isolation.
- Couples may not feel necessary to undergo counselling as topic of mental health is still stigmatized in our country and may continue to suffer silently.
- It is noted that women suffer more than men because they blame themselves for the infertility and hence end up with low self-esteem, guilt and depression.
Importance of IVF counselling:
- IVF counselling is completely non judgemental and patients can freely open about their feelings to the counsellor.
- It covers all the possibilities regarding psychological, social and legal implications of donor treatments.
- Counselling helps partners decide about starting, changing or stopping treatments.
- All the confusions and questions regarding the procedure are clarified.
- It should be clear that counselling doesn’t provide answers for thesituation; instead it encourages the couples to explore options and choose the best.
- It never interferes with couples own decisions about the situation.
- Patients are heard out without any judgement or advice.
- Sometimes, there is lack of free communication between the partners resulting in the negligence of some important issues faced by one of the partners. So counsellor must conduct sessions with both the partners where they are open talk to each other and all issues are addressed.
- IVF counselling is beneficial not only for couples who have been through unsuccessful treatment, miscarriage and pregnancy loss but for successful treatment also.
- It provides an empathetic environment where in both emotional and psychological support is provided to the couples dealing with the uncertainty of the procedure.
- Counsellors are specially trained in dealing with the psychological and emotional implications of the in vitro fertilisation process.
- Clinics of IVF provide mainly pre treatment counselling, supportive counselling and donor and surrogacy counselling.
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