Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue

Infertility and Depression

posted by Beyond Blue | 9:45am Tuesday September 2, 2008

We’ve discussed the topic of infertility and depression often on the discussion boards of Group Beyond Blue. The risk for depression is real among women having difficulty getting pregnant and this is why, according to Dr. Ruta Nonacs in “A Deeper Shade of Blue”:

Also at high risk for depression are those women who are struggling to have children. For about 10 percent to 20 percent of women, pregnancy ends in miscarriage. Although the emotional impact of minimized, many women suffer from depression after the loss of a pregnancy. In addition, it is estimated that about 9 million American women have experienced fertility problems, and as more women delay their plans to have children, this number is steadily rising. Obviously, discovering that one may be infertile is stressful and potentially devastating in and of itself; however, as a woman pursues infertility treatment and attempts to get pregnant, her emotional distress may be intensified and she is particularly vulnerable to depression. In fact, recent studies indicate that about one-quarter of women receiving infertility treatment may develop significant depression or anxiety.

To read more Beyond Blue, go to www.beliefnet.com/beyondblue, and to get to Group Beyond Blue, a support group at Beliefnet Community, click here.



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Comments read comments(9)
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Karen

posted September 2, 2008 at 4:38 pm


After suffering 3 miscarriages in 2 years, I was able to carry a pregnancy to term. Due to high blood pressure, labor was induced 3 weeks before my due date with little results from the medication that was used. This med was pitocin, a form of oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions. I was given increasing doses of pitocin for 8 hours; when no dilation was noted, a caesarian birth was performed.
2 days after ny daughter’s birth, I fell into a deep postpartum depression that lasted for over 9 months. There is little question in my mind that the pitocin was a major cause of this depression. My husband and i chose to have no more children because of this.



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Chrissy

posted September 2, 2008 at 9:35 pm


Hi Karen, thank you for sharing this with us! I had a similar experience.
I too have suffered miscarriages in the past few years. I haven’t yet had the pleasure to conceive without miscarrying though. I envy you! One day I know I will, and if not I’ll be okay with that.
I wanted to pass along a book recommendation that has helped me through my ordeal. I have found a lot of comfort within this book I could not put down. It’s called Tiny Toes, by Kelly Damron.
This is an amazing book! A very frank, open, scary, and uplifting look at the highs and lows of infertility, premature birth, marriage troubles, and depression. I know – it sounds like a really hard, depressing read – but it’s written with such passion, hope, and honesty that it is truly inspiring!
Enjoy!



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Karen

posted September 4, 2008 at 9:56 pm


Dear Chrissy,
Thanks for your letter. Please explore all available avenues to aid in conception and successful pregnancy. At the time of my miscarriages, my husband and I did not have adequate insurance for
genetic counseling, etc. Now, we probably do, but since I’m 54, i do believe i’m done with pregnancy and childbirth!
You and your husband are in my prayers. Children are such a blessing–karen



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Your Name

posted June 25, 2009 at 2:48 pm


My husband & I have been trying to conceive for over 4 years now. I’ve had 2 miscarriages – 1 in January 2005 & one on Christmas eve 2008. We continue to try, but I am terrified of losing another baby. I’m even terrified that my husband will grow tired of having an infertile wife & move on to a woman who is able to have children. My heart aches & I feel less like myself as time goes by. I want to become one of those women who is someday able to share my “I finally did it” story, but I fear that I’ll never get there.
Thank you for letting me share my story & I wish you all much luck in the future.



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Marie

posted July 22, 2010 at 7:40 am


If a couple is infertile, this means that they have been unable to conceive a child after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without birth control.
I recommended TIENS Product for you.
Please visit http://www.tiensshop.com



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Tubal Reversal Surgery

posted November 6, 2010 at 7:39 am


Here is useful info about Tubal Reversal Surgery.
Tubal ligation surgery is very common for many women to have if they decide they have had their last child. However, some women will decide that they made a mistake and would like to have more children. When this happens, they might learn that there is another option called tubal reversal surgery. There are costs associated with having this procedure done which is why the topic of tubal reversal funding often comes up.



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Tubal Ligation Reversal

posted January 13, 2011 at 2:40 am


Here I wanna some information about a Medical term that is called Tubal Ligation reversal …
An overwhelmingly large number of women who have previously had children will make an early decision to have a tubal ligation as a method of contraception. After their tubes are ligated (“tied”), the tubes are closed so that an egg and a sperm are thereby prevented from moving into the uterus for implantation and growth. Many women, however, regret this decision later in life as they desire to have more children. Some will decide to have their Tubal Ligation reversed. Certain gynecologists who have been specially trained to put these delicate tubes back together can perform a reversal through a Microsurgical Tubal Reanastomosis (MTR).



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Mack

posted February 14, 2011 at 3:28 am


Its really a nice and informative blog..
I wanna some information about Tubal Reversal
Mothers who had done Tubal Ligation to stop pregnancy can become a mother again after Tubal Reversal..



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Tubal Ligation Reversal

posted March 2, 2011 at 6:37 am


Yeah this is great..
now in this modern world nothing is impossible..
Tubal Ligation Reversal is now become very secure..
but remember successions of this operation depends upon the doctor’s moves.so be sure that Doctor is experienced in this field.



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