Men’s Health week – Looking after yourself when you’re navigating fertility challenges.
Navigating fertility challenges can affect men's overall wellbeing, including physical, mental, and emotional health. To cope effectively, educate yourself, manage stress, support each other, stay active, recognise limits, and acknowledge the difficulties.
Men’s health encompasses so many facets of your wellbeing. From the physical, mental, social and relationship, with each taking priority at distinct stages of your life.
Deciding to become a parent is a tremendous life decision and can be a time of hope and joy as you begin on the path to explore becoming a parent. However, for one in six couples, this may involve the challenging diagnosis of fertility challenges. It can be hard to come to terms with the diagnosis which for many, arises after they may have been trying for some time.
Equally, it is important to acknowledge the emotional impact. The world will always have challenges and life goes on whilst you are putting energy into growing your family. At times it can feel overwhelming.
Seeking assistance often starts with a chat with your partner and GP, then a referral to a fertility specialist. Your specialist and your clinic will then organise appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the most appropriate treatment options for your situation. Each persons journey is unique and the support you may need throughout will also be unique to you. A great place to start is to have a chat with your clinic or nursing team about booking in to talk with one of our skilled counsellors. They can help you explore any concerns you may have, further supporting you with your treatment options and ensuring you have strategies in place to support your mental and emotional health throughout your fertility journey.
An infertility diagnosis can bring up a diverse range of feelings, that may include; loss, sadness, disappointment, grief, esteem issues, anxiety, embarrassment, or inadequacy. Emotional, financial, or relationship pressures may emerge. There is no right or wrong way to feel and support is available. Couples often report that they are not sure how to best support their partner and may struggle to communicate how they are feeling. Acknowledge that it can be a stressful time. Think about what you need and make those needs known to each other.
These tips might be helpful for supporting yourself throughout your fertility journey:
- Educate yourself. learn about treatment options available as every journey is unique. Ask your fertility doctor what you can do to optimise your preconception health. Do you need to cut back on alcohol, get help to stop smoking, improve nutrition, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, stop exposure to chemicals, avoid excessive heat to your testicles (wear boxers) etc.
- Control what you can. While there are many uncontrollable factors in trying to conceive, focusing on what you can control such as optimising modifiable preconception health, can reduce anxiety as you know you are giving every attempt 100%. If you get the result you hope for, then cause for celebration, if not, then no regrets.
- Manage stress. Do you do it well? Could it be better? How do you refill your emotional tank? Be it physical, mental, social, sensory, emotional, spiritual, creative, routines, values based - whatever works for you – protect these activities and invest in your well-being.
- Support each other. Consider how you and your partner have supported each other through past challenges. For many couples, this may be the first significant challenge. Strengthen your connection by acknowledging the shared aspects of your experience.
- Stay active. Move your body. Find something you like to do and do it regularly. Even a daily walk can significantly benefit your physical and mental health.
- Recognise your limits. Be aware of your boundaries. Understand which aspects of your life are sources of satisfaction or stress. Notice when you need to improve your work life balance and prioritise selfcare. Look after your sleep and ask for help.
- Acknowledge the challenge. Recognise that this period may be difficult, and although at times it may feel like it, it won’t last forever. Be patient with each other and find ways to be present and feel connected with your partner. Partners may experience treatment differently, which can lead to feelings of resentment or misunderstanding. Strive to attend all significant appointments together to share each step of the journey. Videocalls have transformed the ability for couples to share in appointments together and juggle work commitments. Likewise, tell your partner what you need. Keep communication open. If it is a struggle – reach out to your clinic counsellors.
- Should you share your experience? Decide whether you prefer to keep your experience private or share it with trusted family or friends. Many people find support via community in online forums and websites such as www.healthymale.org.au or www.resolve.org and www.himfertility.com. Be mindful of signs of significant stress, for instance emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation, sleep difficulties, uncharacteristic desire for isolation or unusual irritability. Seek counselling if needed.
- Celebrate milestones. Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones in your journey, showing appreciation for each other. Recognise that you are already a family and the dedication you have shown to growing your family.
- Maintain Hope. Allow yourself to hope, it provided the emotional energy to remember that all family building journeys are unique and there are many ways to create a family.
Navigating fertility can be challenging, and it’s important to prioritise your well-being. Support is available, please reach out to the skilled Genea counselling team.
Questions about your fertility health?
Please feel free to contact us at any time and one of our Fertility Concierge would be happy to answer your questions.
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