Downtown Spokane: 201 W. North River Dr. Suite 100 Spokane, Wa 99201

To schedule an appointment, call us at (509)-462-7070 or click here.

Undergoing an infertility journey can take a toll on you physically and emotionally.

In times of stress, it can be easy to forget about your mental health, but paying attention to your emotional well-being is crucial to helping you thrive throughout fertility treatment. Many aspects of infertility are outside of your control and the doctor’s control. This can lead to self-blame, feelings of ineffectiveness, and comparing yourself to everybody else. Negative thinking can lead to more stress and magnify unfavorable circumstances.

Anxiety is another common mental health issue experienced by those facing fertility challenges. Center for Reproductive Health patients have shared their anxieties about whether or not treatment will work, a lot of worry after procedures, and endless thoughts about being pregnant while waiting for the next appointment or pregnancy test.

The team at Center for Reproductive Health suggests three things people can do to improve their mental well-being during times of stress.

1. Communicate with your partner

Stress and anxiety can create distance between you and your partner. By sharing the emotional burden and setting time aside to reflect and talk together, you can close that gap. It is important to accept that both males and females are emotionally affected by infertility, so both partners need to share, support and listen to each other.

With all the complex thoughts racing through your mind, daily mindfulness activities can help keep you in the present moment, even if you only do it for 5 minutes a day. Many Center for Reproductive Health patients have said that yoga and meditation have helped them manage stress during fertility treatment. There are several smartphone apps, such as headspace, available to download that include guided mediation.

3. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help at any stage of your journey

Mental health professionals provide many patients with support, tools and strategies to help them cope with stress and anxiety related to fertility treatment. Whether you’ve just had an initial consultation or recently completed a procedure, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. Center for Reproductive Health can refer you to local mental health counselors with experience helping people going through fertility treatment.

Center for Reproductive Health offers personalized fertility treatments and support for couples and individuals. Founded in 1998, Center for Reproductive Health has helped more than 4,000 Inland Northwest families conceive babies and has grown to be Spokane’s largest reproductive health clinic. To learn more or to make an appointment, call (509) 462-7070.