When a couple decides to have a family, it is an exciting time, but things can quickly become disappointing when the pregnancy does not happen as planned. Some may have to try fertility treatments, and this can cause anxiety and stress. You may want to support your partner through this journey but do not know how to do so. There are plenty of things that you can do to ease the physical and emotional stress your partner goes through. Continue reading to learn ways to support your partner through the IUI journey.
Fertility treatments are mostly unknown to common people and time-consuming. Apart from these reasons, here are a few more reasons why an IUI treatment is stressful.
● Fertility treatment is an emotional roller coaster ride, as there is a cycle of hope as well as disappointment when things don't work out.
● Treatment includes frequent appointments with healthcare providers and medications, hormones, etc., which can upset your daily schedules and routine.
● When you are going through fertility treatment, you are most likely doing it in private, and that means there is not much outside support. So, there is a feeling of loneliness when things get tough during the treatment phase.
● Treatment can be expensive and put a dent in your pocket, and sometimes with no positive outcome.
All this stress and anxiety can even impact your relationship. Even minor problems may get blown out of proportion and lead to arguments. So, how do you help your partner through this journey? Read on.
Even though you want to be supportive of your partner during the IUI journey, you do not know what to do and feel helpless. Here are a few tips:
Reduce Everyday Stress
Daily stresses may seem minor and trivial, but they can become a huge driver of the negative mood your partner has over the long treatment phase that she goes through. For instance, consider having help if your partner is stressed about household chores, consider getting groceries delivered, etc. Anything that may make life easy should be implemented, and you can think of it as part of the treatment investment.
During the IUI treatment, you must provide practical support. Go with your spouse for the treatment appointments and show your unconditional support through your presence. Offer emotional support by taking your partner for lab tests, ultrasounds, and appointments. Additionally, help with the documentation in the clinic and choosing the treatment plans. To ensure you don't miss out on dates like the start date of medication, Intrauterine insemination, etc., note these things in a notebook or an app. By participating willingly and actively in the treatment's logical aspects, you can relieve some responsibilities and be free to concentrate on the physical and emotional aspects of the treatment.
One of the most important things to do as a partner is to understand the IUI process. Educate yourself about the procedures, treatment options, and possible side effects. Speak with experts, read reliable information, and attend support groups or workshops with your partner. When you are armed with information, you understand the difficulties your spouse goes through and bring up pertinent issues during appointments. Your efforts show that you are a supportive and dedicated spouse, which gives you the confidence to help whenever needed.
When helping your spouse to get the IUI treatment, there must be effective communication between the two, and there must be mutual decision-making. Attend doctor's appointments, actively involve yourself in the process, and participate in the choices about possible treatments. This not only shows you are dedicated but also enables you to be on the same page. Have an honest conversation to communicate your hopes, thoughts, and worries. Pay attention to what your partner says and provide opinions when needed. Participate in the decision-making so that there is a feeling of collaboration throughout the journey.
Sometimes, even close friends and relatives can be invasive and nosy. As a couple, you should decide whom to share information with and how much. Do not feel pressured to disclose details, even to close family if you are not ready to.
While you should set boundaries on what you share, that does not mean you should not lean on close friends for support. You may have each other for support, but sometimes confiding in trusted people helps relieve pressure on each other and allows you to destress.
Accept Differences in Coping Mechanisms
Different people have different coping mechanisms, and as partners, you should accept that. Many partners try to force one another into using their coping mechanisms. That can lead to arguments about whether it is better to be logical, optimistic, or emotional, etc. Also, a few want to fix problems, but they need to actively listen and offer a fix to make the other person feel supported. Ensure you actively listen and understand the needs instead of offering a solution.
Avoiding something adds to stress in the long run. Also, isolating yourself from couples who have children reduces your resilience. So, the best way forward is to accept the situation and understand that you are in a different situation from them.
Take restorative breaks to increase your resilience. Being supportive should mean being focused on the treatment only some of the time. Take breaks as a couple and as individuals to re-energize and enhance your resilience.
Infertility is a challenging path, and it can test even the best of relationships. By enduring this phase of difficulty and emotional struggle, you can emerge as a stronger couple. Use the IUI support strategies to keep your relationship strong and healthy to make the challenges easy to bear.
Be present, be involved, and show love, compassion and care to be the emotional anchor of your partner.
Help her around the house, listen to her, respect her decisions, take help when needed, and most importantly, be sensitive to her needs.
Let them know you care and are always there to provide support. Give them the space, listen, and be sensitive when they are ready to talk.
Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, etc. Connect with others and practice mindfulness.
