In the United States, IVF treatment is expensive. A complete cycle, which includes egg stimulation and transfer, embryo transfer, medications, ultrasounds, monitoring appointments, and lab work, can cost as much as $30,000 or more. In addition, many women require more than one IVF cycle to conceive.
So how can you reduce the cost of building your family? Although spending more money may seem counterintuitive, investing in your mental health at this time can be a wise financial decision. Read on to learn more.
What the Research Says
Many women undergoing IVF are negatively affected by the strain IVF places on them. As such, their mental health can begin to decline. Specifically, 76% of women struggling with infertility reported significant signs of anxiety, while over half reported substantial symptoms of depression [1]. Further, infertility has been shown to cause similar levels of anxiety and depression as being diagnosed with cancer or HIV. [2]
Anxiety, depression, and stress can impact your fertility outcomes. Emotional states can impact hormones, add to inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupt sleep patterns, and affect lifestyle habits negatively, all of which are detrimental to pregnancy outcomes.
As such, improving mental health significantly affects pregnancy outcomes when undergoing IVF. Research conducted by Harvard indicated an almost tri-fold increase in pregnancy rates when women participated in a mind-body program led by a psychologist. Another study found a 60% increase in pregnancy rates when women were provided with specific types of therapy.
The Bottom Line
With so much money, time, and emotional investment on the line during one course of IVF, it makes sense to maximize your investment using research-backed mental health techniques from a qualified provider. For the cost of paying for a mental health provider, which pales in comparison to the cost of IVF, you have the potential to make additional rounds of IVF unnecessary.
Where to Find Support
We recommended someone clinically trained in these tools, like a therapist or psychologist, to reap the benefits described here. These professionals have completed rigorous training, supervision, and licensure requirements to provide you with top-notch service.
You may also want to look for someone who specializes in infertility due to the unique nature of the IVF process and your intended outcome of improving pregnancy rates.
To support those in our community considering adding mental health services, we would like to highlight one of our partners – Lea Nicole, Licensed Therapist and IVF Coach.
About Lea Nicole
Lea's lifelong passion and dedication have revolved around assisting others. Holding dual licenses as a school psychologist and a licensed psychological associate, she has been actively practicing psychology since 2010. Throughout a challenging span of seven years, she encountered the emotional upheaval that accompanies infertility. However, she found peace through numerous self-care techniques and collaboration with her therapist. She welcomed her child into the world in 2023 via IVF. Drawing from her personal experience, she redirected her professional endeavors towards supporting individuals facing infertility and established Lea Nicole Coaching.
About Lea Nicole Coaching
Lea Nicole Coaching uses research-backed tools and clinical practices to not only improve mental wellness for women struggling with infertility but also to improve pregnancy rates. If you're interested in learning more, check out her services below:
1:1 coaching services based on the tools proven to improve pregnancy outcomes
Learn more about the specific tools and get examples of implementing them with her free masterclass, Triple your IVF Success with Less Stress
Stay informed with valuable, actionable information to improve your mental well-being and optimize fertility by getting the Mindful IVF Newsletter.
Follow her on Instagram or Facebook for relatable talk, emotional wellness, and coping tools and tips for IVF and Fertility.
For any questions about support or services, book a free consult call with Lea.
Comentarios