Counseling and psychotherapy

Counseling and psychotherapy

Infertility counseling has a major impact on the end result of treatments, psycho-emotional health and the evolution of the couple and the whole family.

Many patients miss their chance of having a child due to premature treatment or making wrong decisions.

Counseling for recipients of donated oocytes, sperm or embryos

Focus on the best interests of the child

Issues to be discussed:

Medical treatment options
Legal and privacy issues that may change over time
Concerns about the donor’s genetic material
Decide if, what and how to tell the child and others
Possibility to find out information through subsequent medical tests
Emotional challenges

The decision to disclose the design method is good because:

Establishes trust and allows life without secrets in the family
Lack of honesty can permanently destroy a relationship
Avoid unhealthy alliances between those who know and those who do not
Eliminates the permanent threat of betrayal or disappointment
It is the child’s right to know the genetic origin
It allows the family to be open in the future related to the medical history

Tips for talking to your child

The earlier, the better (4-5 years) – later the trust can be destroyed
The truth told in warm, age-appropriate language
With openness to questions and understanding the child’s feelings
Without asking to keep a secret (induces shame)
Understanding the genetic identity is necessary for the child
Connections are made through relationships, not just genetics

Counseling for homosexual couples

Focus on the best interests of the child

Issues to be discussed:

Medical treatment options
Legal aspects
Socio-cultural climate
Emotional challenges and personal dilemmas

7 lesser known aspects of infertility

One in 10 patients who are recommended treatment chooses not to follow it
A considerable number of patients have a lifestyle that affects their fertility
After finding out the result of the pregnancy test, 1 in 4 women has a depressive disorder
Waiting induces more stress than active and rational involvement
Partner participation reduces stress levels
In an IVF procedure, a woman is absent on average 23 hours from work
1 in 5 couples does not continue treatment after the failure of the first IVF cycle

Reasons for giving up:

the emotional stress associated with treatment
logistical or financial problems
reduced chances of success
relational problems
personal problems

Reproductive counseling covers extremely complex issues:
  • Information for understanding the options and steps to follow
    Emotional support for managing diagnosis and treatment
    Challenges for single women or men, patients or LGBT couples
    Reproductive and family management in old age
    Decisions related to the conservation or destruction of embryos
    Making other decisions with important consequences
    Reproduction with oocytes or sperm from donors
    If and how the way of conception is revealed to the child
    Sexual or relationship problems in the couple
    Management of treatment failure and chronic stress
    Loss of one or more pregnancies
    Alternatives – adoption, family without children
    Legal, moral, ethical or religious aspects in the treatment of infertility
    Problems with self-confidence, identity or image
    Issues related to confidentiality and discretion in the family or social circle
    Resources for information, support or alternative therapies
    Discussing concerns and ambiguities