Fertility counselling is for anyone who has concerns about their fertility. However, myths and misinformation can sometimes lead to people missing out on getting the support they need and to which they should be able to feel entitled.
Access Counselling therapist Miriam Christie busts some of the most common misconceptions she hears about fertility counselling.
Myth: Emotional and psychological support is unnecessary in fertility treatment
Fact: The emotional and psychological toll of infertility can be significant. Several academic studies point to stress as a negative factor for both male and female fertility. Fertility counselling often includes support for coping with stress, anxiety, and relationship issues, which can be crucial for overall wellbeing and can potentially improve treatment outcomes.
Myth: Fertility counselling is only needed after a loss or trauma
Fact: Fertility issues can be extremely stressful for both men and women at any stage of their fertility journey. Fertility counselling is there to provide a safe, confidential space for people to talk through their feelings with a specialist counsellor, enabling people to feel better able to manage, reconcile or reframe difficult experiences and emotions.
Myth: Fertility Counselling is just for women
Fact: Fertility issues can affect both men and women. Male factors are responsible for about 30-40% of infertility cases. However, the stigma that persists around men acknowledging and expressing emotional distress can prevent men from accessing support that could help them. Access Counselling therapists understand the emotional impact that fertility issues can have, and the stress that undergoing fertility treatment can place upon men and women. It is important that men are made aware that counselling is available to them too.
Myth: Fertility counselling is just for people undergoing IVF
Fact: Fertility counselling is available to anybody at any stage of their fertility journey, and you do not need to be undergoing any form of fertility treatment to have counselling with Access Fertility. Our therapists recognise that fertility issues, at any stage of a person’s journey, can bring up all manner of emotions, hopes and fears.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, your clinic may refer you to us. However, you are more than welcome to refer yourself to one of our qualified specialist therapists.