Fertility
Dr Jenna Brough
Perinatal Clinical Psychologist
When trying to conceive becomes challenging,
taking care of your emotional well-being is vital
I’m here to support and strengthen you as an individual or couple if your journey to parenthood becomes stressful and complicated.
If you:
Are having a difficult time conceiving
Have been diagnosed with infertility
Are undergoing fertility treatment
Have had unsuccessful fertility treatment
Are experiencing secondary infertility
Then I'm here to help reduce the stress and emotional pain that
you may be experiencing. When trying to grow your family is not quick
or easy and I am here with you every step of the way
What we know so far
The psychological effects of stress on fertility
For many people, having their own children is a major part of their life plan. If this desire remains unfulfilled it understandably can have a major influence on mood and stress levels. The impact of stress on the body is often underestimated. This can have a significant effect on hormone production and regulation, which importantly exclusively controls the menstrual cycle. Therefore, if you are significantly stressed it is possible that your menstrual cycle could be affected including ovulation.
Stress is also thought to reduce sperm production meaning semen contains fewer sperm cells.
Of course there are gynaecological and other medical conditions which can be key in impacting fertility, and being diagnosed and coping with these can bring about additional stress and difficult emotions.
The impact on relationships
Stress, guilt and anger are common emotions for individuals experiencing infertility. The pressure of trying to conceive (unassisted or through fertility treatment) can also put a strain on relationships. This in turn increases stress and the cycle continues.
If you are 1 in 8 couples who experience infertility take a look at the TTC course to reduce stress and encourage acceptance & compassion in yourself and your relationship. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a private consultation to consider individual therapeutic support.
If you are
1 in 8
Course Information
TTC: Time To Connect
The Time to Connect fertility course consists of three modules which will support you to evaluate and address the impact fertility difficulties are having on you and give you the tools to connect with and show compassion for your mind and body on a psychological and emotional level. It is about understanding how our brains work against us at times and how we can remedy this to achieve a more calm and centred mindset.
