STATS DON’T SHOW THE PAIN

Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as a failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. The average fertility rate in South Africa is declining in line with global trends, but up to 20 percent of couples face a battle with infertility. Yes, of course you can seek medical help, but make sure that psychological support is part of your plan, both before starting and during treatment, because good mental health can have a positive impact on the success of fertility treatment, says Prof. Renata Schoeman, psychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists.

She says infertility is a complex phenomenon with a range of biological causes. Risk factors include an existing diagnosis of depression or anxiety disorder, lower levels of happiness and poor overall health, while strong mental health – self-acceptance, independence, positive relationships and social skills, personal growth and a sense of meaning in life – contributes to better outcomes of fertility treatment, she says.

Also make sure your healthcare team looks out for the psychiatric side-effects of some medications used for infertility treatment, which could lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, decreased libido, irritability, concentration and memory problems, sleeping problems, fatigue, changes in appetite, and even psychosis. Similarly, anti-depressant medication can influence fertility treatment – so a collaborative approach to infertility treatment that focuses as much on mental health as physical health is really important, Prof. Schoeman says.

The average fertility rate in South Africa is declining in line with global trends, but up to 20 percent of couples face a battle with infertility.