Is Infertility A Trauma?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“Psychologists must understand that

infertility is a trauma

, and often a complex trauma,” Bradow writes. “While anxiety, depression, and grief and loss are all a part of the psychological impact of infertility, there is much more to the experience which is defined by the individual.”

Can infertility cause PTSD?

The process is so stressful, in fact, that research found that women who undergo

fertility treatments may become distressed

enough to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Can physical trauma make you infertile?

There are a number of ways that

testicular trauma

can lead to male infertility. The most common reasons for it include: Problems with Sperm Production – Scar tissue and other problems with the testicular tissue may result in reduced or halted sperm production.

What is infertility usually caused by?

Infertility is commonly caused by

problems with ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries)

. Some problems stop an egg being released at all, while others prevent an egg being released during some cycles but not others. Ovulation problems can be a result of: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Can infertility be psychological?

While the infertility is not a disease, it and its

treatment can affect all aspects of people’s lives

, which can cause various psychological-emotional disorders or consequences including turmoil, frustration, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness in life (7-12).

Can anxiety affect your fertility?

Still, studies show that

stress and anxiety may impact fertility

, which can amplify the difficulties you’re already experiencing while trying to conceive. The reverse is also true: Dealing with fertility issues can affect your mental health.

Can infertility cause anxiety?

Infertility is often a silent struggle. Patients who are struggling to conceive report feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation, and loss of control. Depression levels in patients with infertility have been compared with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

What does infertility feel like?

The main symptom of infertility is

the inability to get pregnant

. A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you’re not ovulating. There might be no other signs or symptoms.

Why is infertility so painful?

Infertility is, indeed, a

very painful struggle

.

The pain is similar to the grief over losing a loved one, but it is unique because it is a recurring grief. Infertile people grieve the loss of the baby that they may never know. They grieve the loss of that baby who would have had mommy’s nose and daddy’s eyes.

How do I feel better with infertility?

  1. Give yourself a mental health check-up. Look for the three “D” s. …
  2. Focus on the present. …
  3. Practice self-care. …
  4. Talk to yourself. …
  5. Talk to others. …
  6. Focus on your work. …
  7. Try cognitive restructuring. …
  8. Check for Depression.

Can PTSD cause infertility in males?

When the question of type of infertility,

secondary infertility is significantly higher in patients with PTSD

(62% vs 20%) (Table 2). The total number of sperm and semen volume no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Can a man become infertile from being kicked in the balls?

A swift kick to the balls or any forceful trauma can cause damage to any of your scrotum’s contents, especially if the protective covering is torn in the process. Given that your testicles produce semen, infertility is a possibility if you do

enough damage

.

What are the chances of a man being infertile?

Male infertility refers to a sexually mature male’s inability to impregnate a fertile female. In humans it accounts for 40–50% of infertility. It affects

approximately 7% of all men

. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fecundity.

What are 4 causes of female infertility?

  • Age.
  • Hormone issue that prevents ovulation.
  • Abnormal menstrual cycle.
  • Obesity.
  • Being underweight.
  • Having a low body-fat content from extreme exercise.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Structural problems (problems with the fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries).

Can infertility be cured?

Some

causes of infertility can’t be corrected

. In cases where spontaneous pregnancy doesn’t happen, couples can often still achieve a pregnancy through use of assisted reproductive technology. Infertility treatment may involve significant financial, physical, psychological and time commitments.

What are the signs of good fertility?

  • Sign #1: A Positive Result from Your Ovulation Predictor. …
  • Sign #2: A Change in Your Cervical Mucus. …
  • Sign #3: Increased Sex Drive. …
  • Sign #4: Increased Sense of Smell. …
  • Sign #5: Lower Abdominal Pain. …
  • Sign #6: Change in Your Cervical Position. …
  • Sign #7: Breast Tenderness.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.