What is fertility counselling?
It is a type of support that can help individuals and partners deal with the emotional stress and challenges brought by conception challenges. It provides emotional support, stress-relief tools, and assistance in making decisions about treatments and alternatives.
Who can benefit from fertility counselling?
It can be beneficial to individuals or partners who experience conception difficulties, planning to undergo conception assistance, dealing with stress and emotional burden of this journey, or exploring other options like adoption or living child-free.
When is the right time to seek fertility counseling?
There’s no ‘right’ time. An inability to reproduce is a deeply personal and emotional issue, and support can be sought at any stage – whether you’re just starting to have concerns about fertility, already undergoing procedures, or dealing with the emotional aftermath of fertility treatment.
What can I expect from fertility counselling sessions?
During sessions, you can expect to discuss your feelings, fears, and concerns related to your journey. You will learn ways to manage stress, help with decision-making, and address any relationship issues that might arise due to an inability to start a family.
How can fertility counseling help me?
It can help by providing support, addressing your feelings about your current journey, guide in decision-making, and improving your overall emotional well-being during this challenging time.
Coping strategies can also be developed to help you and your significant other better understand the process of the procedures, survive disappointment, and find ways to communicate better while learning how to cope with infertility.
Can fertility counseling improve the chances of conception?
While counselling itself doesn’t directly impact your ability to become pregnant, it can greatly reduce stress levels, and high stress levels may contribute to difficulties conceiving in some people. Thus, by mitigating stress and improving mental health, receiving support may indirectly improve outcomes.
How long does fertility counselling usually last?
The duration varies widely depending on the individual needs. It might involve only a few sessions or might continue over several months or years, depending on the circumstances.
What types of fertility counselling are available?
Depending on the individual needs, there are different types – individual, couples, or groups.
In individual sessions, you will work one on one with the therapist to understand your feelings, emotions, and reactions surrounding your troubles in getting pregnant and develop a plan for managing stress, exploring options, and making decisions. As you work collaboratively with the therapist, you can develop tools to better manage your stress and concerns.
In couples sessions, the focus is on the relationship and how it has been affected. It can help you and your partner communicate more effectively about your fertility concerns by addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to your relationship difficulties. Support can also help address and find common ground when there are disagreements on what the next steps should be or when to stop procedures.
Groups can be another great resource for both individuals and partners to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. It also provides an opportunity for participants to learn about new resources and interventions that may be available.
The type of support you receive will depend on your specific needs and difficulties you are experiencing and need help or assistance with.
Can fertility counselling help with decision making?
Undoubtedly, therapy can play an incredibly crucial role in decision making. This specialized form of mental health care offers a supportive environment to explore emotions, explore options, and make informed decisions about your journey. It can you help understand options, the implications of choices, and how to manage stress.
Can fertility counseling help my partner and I communicate better?
Yes, conception difficulties often put a strain on relationships. Counselling can provide insights and a safe space for open communication, helping to strengthen your relationship during this challenging journey.
How should I prepare for my first fertility counselling session?
Before your first session, write down any issues or questions you want to discuss. Be prepared to talk about your emotional experiences related to your journey. Remember, it’s okay to be emotional or unsure – that’s the purpose of getting support, to help you manage these feelings.
What is the main cause of infertility?
The causes can be due to a variety of reasons. In women, common causes include ovulation issues, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or complications with the cervix. Age can also contribute to an inability to conceive because a woman’s fertility naturally decreases as she gets older. In men, reproductive challenges are often due to concerns with the quality and quantity of sperm.
How is infertility diagnosed?
Doctors usually start by performing a physical exam and going through your sexual and medical history. They might then run certain tests (i.e., semen analysis for men, and ovulation tests, hysterosalpingography, ovarian reserve testing, and more, for women).
How common is infertility?
It is quite common, especially among couples struggling with infertility. About 1 in 6 partners have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant according to Statistics.
Can stress cause infertility?
While stress doesn’t cause infertility directly, it can push us towards unhealthy behaviours which can affect our fertility. It might also affect the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, disrupting the hormonal balance that manages reproduction.
Is infertility a male or female problem?
Challenges in getting pregnant is not just a female problem. About one-third of cases are due to female factors, one-third are related to male factors, and the rest are caused by a mixture of male and female or by unknown issues.
Why do you need counselling for IVF?
Counselling is an important component of the In Vitro Fertilization process. In Vitro Fertilization is a complex procedure that can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. This specialized kind of support can help individuals make informed decisions about the procedures, determine the best course of intervention for their specific needs, and prepare for the possible emotional, financial, and physical toll of this procedure.
It can also help understand the potential risks associated and make sure they are comfortable with the decision to move forward with assisted interventions. During sessions, partners will discuss the pros and cons of the procedure, the cost involved, and any potential risks associated with the procedure. By doing so, partners can make sure they understand exactly what they are getting into before committing to the procedure.
Additionally, counselling can provide guidance on how to manage expectations, as well as dealing with stress and disappointment if the procedure is not successful. It helps partners create realistic goals and expectations for their journey and prepares them to handle any potential disappointments that may arise.
For more information about our approaches, please contact us at [email protected]
If you are ready to book an introductory session, you can do so here.
Is fertility counselling covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Your sessions may be covered through your extended health benefits. Because coverage varies between insurance providers and plans, it’s best to review your benefits before your first appointment.
Do I need a referral for fertility counselling?
No. You do not need a referral from your family doctor or clinic to book sessions. You can schedule an appointment directly with Get Reconnected at any time.
Can my partner attend my sessions?
Absolutely. You can attend sessions on your own or with your partner. Some people prefer individual sessions, while others attend together. Depending on your needs and circumstances, it’s also possible to combine both approaches.
Is online fertility counselling effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health concerns. Virtual sessions also make it easier to connect with a therapist from anywhere in Ontario, without adding more travel to an already busy schedule.
How many fertility counselling sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions. Some people benefit from just a few sessions during a specific stage, while others prefer ongoing care through treatments or other family-building experiences. We’ll work together to determine what feels most helpful for you.
Can fertility counselling help after failed IVF?
Yes. A failed cycle or unsuccessful embryo transfer can bring grief, uncertainty, and difficult decisions about what comes next. You’ll have the time and space to process those experiences, explore your options, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Can fertility counselling help after pregnancy loss?
Yes. Therapy can help after losses, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or recurrent losses. Whether your loss happened recently or years ago, you’ll have the time and space to process your experience at a pace that feels right for you.
Do you support LGBTQ+ individuals and families?
Yes. We welcome LGBTQ+ individuals and couples pursuing donor conception, reciprocal IVF, surrogacy, preserving future family-building options, and other paths to parenthood. Every session is tailored to your unique goals, experiences, and family-building journey.
Do you offer fertility counselling for men?
Yes. Men experience infertility too, but their struggles often go unrecognized. Whether you’re facing male infertility or the emotional impact of family building, you’ll have a place to speak openly about what you’re going through.
What is the meaning of fertility counselling?
Designed for facing the emotional challenges of building a family, this specialized service helps you navigate uncertainty, work through difficult emotions, and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
You can read more about the benefits of fertility counselling here.
Can mental health affect fertility?
Stress, anxiety, and depression do not directly cause infertility, but they can affect your overall well-being and make an already difficult journey feel even more overwhelming. Learning healthy ways to manage stress and uncertainty can help protect your mental health every step of the way.
What are five common causes of infertility in women?
Some of the most common causes include ovulation disorders such as PMOS, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, diminished ovarian reserve, and uterine conditions such as fibroids or polyps. A specialist can identify the underlying cause and discuss the options available to you.
Can trauma cause infertility?
Emotional trauma does not directly cause infertility, but it can make an already difficult experience even more overwhelming. Reproductive trauma is also common after pregnancy loss, failed cycle, or repeated unsuccessful cycles. Taking time to process what you’ve been through can help you heal and move forward.
What are the signs that you should see a fertility specialist?
You should consider speaking with a specialist if you’ve been trying to become pregnant for 12 months without success, or for 6 months if you’re over 35. Other reasons include irregular menstrual cycles, recurrent losses or concerns about male infertility.
How many couples separate because of infertility?
Infertility can place significant stress on a relationship, but it doesn’t mean a relationship is destined to end. Many couples grow closer by learning to communicate openly, understand each other’s experiences, and navigate difficult decisions as a team.
Can anxiety stop you from getting pregnant?
Anxiety alone is not considered a direct cause of infertility. However, living with chronic stress and anxiety can make an already difficult journey feel even more overwhelming. Learning practical ways to manage anxiety can help protect your emotional well-being throughout the process.
Why does infertility feel so isolating?
One of the hardest parts can be feeling like no one truly understands. Even well-meaning advice can make you feel more isolated. Here, your experience is understood without having to explain why it hurts so much.
Does infertility grief ever go away?
Healing isn’t about forgetting what you’ve been through. Over time, many people find they can carry their grief differently, rebuild hope, and move forward while honouring their experience.
You can read more about infertility grief here.