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15 Signs that Suggest Infertility has Taken Over Your Life

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

The struggles of infertility can be extremely stressful. For several couples dealing with infertility, getting on with their regular lives can be an immense ordeal. However, it is important not to let infertility take over your life. Here are 15 signs that suggest infertility may be overwhelming you and your life.

Contents

1. Depression

Being in a depressed mood for the major part of the day on most days is a sign that you may need help. It is typical to feel low and sad if you are unable to get pregnant. However, if this sinks to the level of depression, you may need to seek professional help.

2. Loss of interest in surroundings

You may experience feelings of disinterestedness towards various activities, even things you once used to enjoy. This loss of interest in most activities is a warning sign.

3. Binge-eating

When we are under stress or unhappy, it is a typical human reaction to either turn to food as a comfort measure. Monitor your eating habits and see if you find yourself binge eating to numb your emotions, and then feel guilty for eating so much. If you keep eating to drown your emotions, you may feel worse instead of better, after indulging.

4. Undereating

During times of excess anxiety, some people lose their appetites partially or completely. Monitor your eating patterns, as well as changes in your weight, to check for signs of depression.

5. Excessive or too little sleep

A person’s sleep habits can be majorly impacted by the strain and anxiety of infertility. Too much or too little sleep can have a negative effect on your health. You may have trouble falling asleep at night, be waking frequently, or be up all night and then feel exhausted throughout the day.

6. Low energy levels

Excess stress often has a debilitating effect on people. Energy levels may drop dramatically, leading to a reduced ability to do simple, every day tasks, or an innate lethargy that could inhibit day to day regular functioning. If you experience such symptoms, you should consult a professional without delay.

7. Excessive drinking

People often turn to alcohol to drown their troubles, and it is no different with the strain of trying to get pregnant. If you are drinking excessively, concealing how much you drink from your family, or finding that your drinking habits are hampering your daily activities, it is definitely a sign of concern.

8. Excess weight gain or loss

You may find that along with problems of infertility, you are struggling with issues of excess weight loss or gain. This can be due to anxiety, health problems, or over or under eating. Joining a support group or consulting a weight specialist can be of great help in such a situation.

9. Constant feeling of anger

Feelings of stress and depression can result in your feeling more frustrated than normal. It is normal to feel rage and helplessness over a diagnosis of infertility. If you find yourself exploding at people around you over the slightest provocation, it indicates feelings of anger that are buried within you. Counselling can help you express these negative emotions in a healthier manner.

10. Feeling worthless, guilty, or ashamed

A very common reaction to a diagnosis of infertility is a feeling of unworthiness or guilt. You tend to see yourself as broken or useless for not being able to become pregnant. What you need to remember is: it is NOT your fault. Remind yourself of all your wonderful qualities. Life is still beautiful and you are worthy of love and happiness.

11. Problems with sexual performance

When you’re struggling to conceive, the burden of having to have sex on fertile days, even when you may not feel like it, can put immense strain on you and your sexual performance. Sex becomes a mechanical chore to be completed, and you forget that sex is much more than just making babies. This can seriously impact your sex life and your relationship. In such cases, consult a specialist.

12. Infertility is all you can think about

Do you find yourself thinking and agonizing about infertility and treatments all the time? This may be a sign that your mind is obsessed with your inability to conceive. Even when you are with other people, you may be unable to talk about anything else. You need to make an effort to deliberately break out of this pattern. Take up a new hobby or keep yourself engrossed in something you enjoy.

13. You feel that you are socially isolated

When you are unable to get pregnant, you seem to see babies or pregnant women around you all the time. A typical reaction to infertility is a tendency to avoid society. You feel like no one else understands what you are going through, and that you are isolated from everyone else. Just remember, it is normal to avoid pregnant women, baby showers, or people with young children when struggling with infertility.

14. You have panic attacks

Infertility can result in immense strain and tension. You are constantly going through invasive procedures, waiting anxiously for results, worrying about treatment side effects, etc. Often this strain can reveal itself through panic attacks. You may experience symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeats, dizziness, etc. In this case, it is best to consult a specialist who can help you with techniques to calm your nerves.

15. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide

One of the most negative reactions to infertility can be thoughts of self-harm or death. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of intense depression. If you find yourself thinking such thoughts, you need to seek counseling immediately.

Explore More Articles on Emotions

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The Impact of Stress on Fertility

Lifestyle Choices & Infertility: What You should Know

11 ways to Cope with Infertility Stress

15 Signs that Suggest Infertility has Taken Over Your Life

3 Ways to Cope with the Stress of Infertility

13 Infertility Myths: BUSTED

Infertility and Society: Everything You should Know

How to Support your Partner during Infertility Treatment?

6 Things Women Struggling with Infertility Want Others to Know

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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