Coping with a diagnosis of Infertility can have a huge impact on a couple and their relationship. Infertility can also affect relationships within family, friends and identity especially for couples of colour and specific religions. Advances in assisted reproduction techniques mean that some couples can fulfil their dream of having a child but usually at great financial, physical and empotional cost.
70% of couples report that infertility treatment affected their relationship negatively. Couples experienced increased anxiety, depression, a loss of intimacy, decreased self esteem and an increased feeling of isolation. Counselling with a fully qualified British Infertility Counsellor (BICA) can support you through the highs, lows, grief and loss associated with infertility treatment.
The impact of infertility treatment on sex and intimacy is complex. Sex becomes procreative and clinical rather than focusing on pleasure and the joy of intimate connection can be lost. Sexual intimacy and pleasure can help reduce stress levels, high levels of stress can inhibit positive treatment outcomes. Working with a specially trained sex and relationship therapist can help couples with intimacy issues, communication difficulties and help them to maintain the connection that they had before a diagnosis.
One third of couples who do not conceive successfully are more likely to divorce and 1 in 5 women find themselves alone at the end of a failed treatment cycle. A recent study by Fertility Network UK (2016) showed that a huge 90% of negative outcome infertility patients experienced depression. 42% of patients experienced suicidal feelings which is significantly higher than the national average. 93% of men said that their well being was affected by male infertility and 50% of men felt that they were not being supported during treatment.
How can I help?
As an experienced couple therapist with a scientific and clinical embryology background I have a unique ability to support couples throughout infertility treatment. I have witnessed first hand the highs and lows of the treatment cycle and unpredictable outcomes for couples. I can give you emotional support and therapeutic tool box that will help you sustain yourself and your relationship during and after your treatment cycle whatever the final outcome.
Involuntary Childlessness
Specific Issues that may need support :
Ready to find out more?
Please use the contact form to enquire about working with Louise. Alternatively you can call her and speak to her using the mobile number and she will usually respond to you within 24 hours.