Infertility is a complex medical condition. It is defined as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the function of reproduction.  In the US, alone, infertility affects 7.3 million women and their partners.  This represents about 12%, or 1 in 8 couples.  The cause of the infertility is equal for men and women and 25% of infertile couples have more than one contributing factor.

 

Infertility can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life and can stir up a host of emotional responses, such as shock, anger, grief, depression, guilt and feelings of helplessness or dispair. These emotional responses are not unique to women, as men may also experience significant emotional distress during this time.  Many live through this in silence and isolation.

How Can Therapy Help

Therapy offers a supportive environment for you to explore your feelings and concerns, as well as to learn new coping skills.  During the infertility diagnostic and treatment process, you may also have to confront difficult issues and decisions.  As a therapist I can help guide you through these challenges. I have extensive post-graduate training and experience, specializing in Women’s health, prenatal/postnatal difficulties, and fertility support.  In particular, I help individuals and couples cope with fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and adjusting to newly acquired parenthood. I provide psychotherapy, education, and support to individuals and couples to addressing cruical infertility issues such as:

• Coping with stress, anxiety or depression related to fertility issues
• Fertility treatment decision-making
• Dealing with family and friends
• Relationship adjustment
• Pregnancy loss and grief
• Postpartum depression
• Exploring third party family building choices
• Adoption or child free living

Professional Affiilations:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work
National Association of Social Workers
International Association for Trauma Professionals

Resources
Compassionate Friends (Support for Families after loss of a child) serving Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford Counties
SHARE (Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support)
Postpartum International
Postpartum Virginia

Websites:

www.asrm.org - The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is non-profit devoted to advancing knowledge in reproductive medicine including infertility, menopause, contraception, and sexuality.

www.resolve.org - RESOLVE is a nationwide education, advocacy and support network for those experiencing infertility.

http://www.cdc.gov/ART/ - Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Success Rates: National Summary and Fertility Clinic Reports published by the Centers for Disease Control that details clinic success rates.

www.inciid.org - The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination (INCIID ï¿¿ pronounced "inside") is a nonprofit that helps individuals and couples explore their family-building options.

www.ivfconnections.com - Connecting people going through IVF.

www.infertilitynetwork.org/miscarriage - Resources for those struggling with pregnancy loss.

www.aplacetoremember.com - Uplifting support resources for those affected by pregnancy loss and death of a baby.

www.surromomsonline.com - Information and support for individuals interested in pursuing a surrogacy arrangement.

www.opts.com/opts.htm - The Organization of Parents Through Surrogacy is a national surrogacy support organization for both couples as well as surrogate mothers.www.naic.acf.hhs.gov - National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

www.pved.org - Parents via Egg Donation provides support and information to parents having children through egg donation.

www.dcnetwork.org - Donor connection network for parents who have children through gamete donation.

www.sharedjourney.com - Links to information about sperm donation, egg donation, and surrogacy.

www.sogladwewaited.com - Support and parent education to over parents age 35+.