Psychological Infertility Post Reply

[ThePeelClinic]

Hi,

I am doing some research to find out how many mums and dads who suffered from unexplained infertility were told about psychological infertility (Psychogenic Infertility) which is where some emotional issue or trauma can prevent or hinder a mum conceiving or which can lower a man's sperm count.

I ran a local workshop on this topic earlier this year and not one person attending had been told about this reason for infertility which having worked in the area for over 15 years surprised me.

I would be grateful if you you would let me know if you were told and if you were who by and what did they tell you?

Many thanks

Christopher
The Peel Clinic
Clapham Common

[MrsAmanda]

We had fertility problems, and had ICSI. At no time was there ever any mention that the problems might have been psychological.

[ThePeelClinic]

Thanks Amanda,

Over many years I have not found anyone with unnexplained infertility who had even been told about Psychogenic Infertility yet alone been referred to have that option eliminated or treated at the begining which is usually simple, cheap and painless.

Over the years the only patients I have seen who were referred were those who had been through several courses of unsuccessful, painful and expensive infertility treatments. I have always wondered why patients aren't told about this possibilty at the begining when it could be easily and cheaply checked out before embarking on painful and expensive treatment.

Kind Regards

Christopher

[ThePeelClinic]

Hi Amanda,

I have had three private replies so far and non have been told about the possibility that your emotional state can reduce fertility for both mum or dad. It is like it does not exist yet I trained in it almost 15 years ago so it is not new. I willl keep you posted. Christopher

[littlelady]

We have two children, then couldn't have any more which was odd. We had 6 cycles of IVF with no luck (but obviously v.v. grateful for the children we have).

"Just try to relax" seemed to be the most psychological advice from the two hospitals we were at for treatment plus shaking of heads about my age (I was 39 at the time, not past it yet). I found the whole process very focussed on medical science and not at all on "feelings" etc, which is fair enough I suppose if you opt for full blown clinically managed IVF.

Good luck and my warmest wishes to anyone going through this!

[ThePeelClinic]

Ironically being told to relax or stop worrying about it is good advice but as we all know that is not easy to do. It is like being told not to think about a pink elephant when automatically that is exactly what you think about.

I have had a few private emails from this discussion one from a journo who would like to write an article about this topic and another from a caring GP who would like to know more as when she trained they had very little on this subject so she is keen to know more and about the research.

I can give you a lot more information of psychogenic infertility if viewers would like but I do not want to bore you with too much background if you do not want it. Just let me know on this site or through the private email facility if you are interested to find out more.