Fertility test anxiety is a normal part of infertility. Before a fertility test, you may be preoccupied with what the testing will be like. After the testing, you will probably spend a fair amount of time obsessing about the results. While there is no mythical fairy wand available to remove fertility test anxiety, there are some tips and practical solutions available that will help you cope with the added stress and anxiety that you may feel.
Before any fertility testing is done, be sure to ask your doctor what you can expect. Most of the testing, such as diagnostic laparoscopy, HSG, or ultrasound, may be new experiences. Understanding what each test entails will certainly lessen your pre-test anxiety.
You might want to ask the following:
- Will the test hurt?
- What are the risks involved?
- What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
- How will I feel after the test
- Why are you recommending this fertility test?
- How long after the test will I receive the results?
It may also be helpful to ask others, either friends or support group members, about their testing experiences. Online fertility forums or blogs are another place where you can find people who have already gone through fertility testing. Typically, you will get helpful advice and words of encouragement when you participate in a fertility forum.
Coping With Anxiety During the Fertility Test
Some fertility tests are quick, taking just a few short minutes. On the other hand, there are some tests that may take more than 30 minutes. If you are nervous during the testing, it can seem like the tests are taking forever. If you think you may be nervous during the testing process, bring along a friend or your significant other. They may be able to stay with you during the testing just to provide a little extra support. If you are nervous, let the doctor or medical staff know. They will certainly understand your anxiety and will most likely offer words of comfort, reassurance, and encouragement.
Coping With Anxiety Regarding Fertility Test Results
With some fertility tests, you will most likely get the results right away. Sometimes though, the results won’t be available immediately and you will need to wait. Understandably, the waiting feels like forever, making you feel apprehensive and even more anxious. Staying busy with your regular routine and talking with others can all help to make time pass more quickly as you wait for the results.
Your doctor will probably give you a timeline regarding when to expect information about the test results. Be sure to call your doctor’s office to find out if the results are available if you have not received the results within the expected time period. When you get the test results, you will probably have some overwhelming emotions, including a sense of anxiety about what the test results mean for you and your partner and what’s going to happen next. These feelings are normal. Talk to your partner, a close family member or friend, or even your doctor about your feelings. You can also get words of understanding and encouragement from a support group or online fertility forum.
Your doctor should give you an explanation of what the results mean, what your options are, and what the next step might be. If you do not understand any part of the explanation, ask your doctor for further clarification.
The initial test results may show that that there are no issues and everything is okay. If that is the case, your doctor may determine that further testing is needed. Once the test results are in, do not hesitate at any point to ask questions regarding the specifics of your personal situation. You will want to be fully aware of your available choices so you can make informed decisions.
It is important to note that, while most infertility cases can be linked to a specific cause, almost 1 in 10 couples never find out the exact cause of their infertility (this is typically called “unexplained infertility”). Learning that your doctor doesn’t have a clear understanding of why you can’t get pregnant can be extremely discouraging, causing further feelings of anxiety. However, even though you may never get an official diagnosis or root cause, you CAN still get help. There are several alternatives for a doctor to consider when treating unexplained infertility. Your doctor may suggest possible lifestyle changes, taking fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
The Center of Reproductive Medicine treats infertile couples in the greater Houston area, serving patients through two conveniently located clinics in Webster and Beaumont. CORM is a fertility center with one of the highest success rates and some of the most affordable infertility costs on the market. The fertility specialists at CORM are dedicated to providing a nurturing and positive experience for all fertility treatment patients. While the doctors and staff understand your anxiety, they will make every attempt to minimize your fertility test-related anxieties, and they will support you with respect and compassion every step of the way. The professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine is dedicated to examining and investigating the specific cause of each fertility issue, recommending and implementing the best infertility treatment with a minimally invasive approach.
For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need. Our goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.