Cheryl Dowling
Founder of The IVF Warrior
Amidst a landscape where fertility struggles impact an estimated 17.5 percent of adults, the support for those grappling with infertility remains sparse. The IVF Warrior sheds light on the emotional toll of fertility journeys and advocates for comprehensive support that addresses mental health alongside physical symptoms, urging for increased awareness, empathy, and understanding for those navigating infertility challenges
An estimated 17.5 percent of the adult population is impacted by infertility, but how are we supporting those struggling?
With so many people being impacted by fertility issues, you may assume there is a lot of support out there for those struggling. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, it wasn’t until recent years that infertility was a topic being more openly discussed. Still, when fertility treatments or infertility are discussed, there is so much focus on the physical symptoms, leaving out an important piece out of the conversation, mental health.
My fertility journey began in my mid-twenties. For years, my life revolved around tests, surgeries, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, pregnancy loss, and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. The rollercoaster of infertility and IVF was incredibly draining and overwhelming. I felt completely unprepared for the emotional toll, and often felt alone and very misunderstood by those around me.
During my fifth IVF cycle and second pregnancy loss, I founded The IVF Warrior, a leading digital fertility platform dedicated to providing support, resources, and empowerment to those on a fertility journey. My mission was to change the conversation surrounding infertility and provide a safe space for those who felt alone. I recognized that there were so many struggling who needed community and support.
Infertility and IVF can have a significant emotional and mental toll on patients.
Mental health is a critical component of patient care, yet the necessary support is lacking. Studies show a high correlation between fertility patients and mental health issues including stress, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. ¹ As someone who has experienced both infertility and is a mental health professional, I cannot emphasise enough how much of an impact infertility and fertility treatments, such as IVF, have on a patient’s overall well-being.
Infertility is one of the most stressful life experiences. Research has shown that the stress levels of women with infertility are equivalent to women with cancer, AIDS or heart disease. ² More awareness and conversations are imperative to reduce stigma and increase patient care.
We all likely know someone struggling.
Infertility rates are continuing to decline. Chances are, we all know someone impacted. We must strive to offer more support, empathy, and understanding to those struggling with infertility. Individuals need support, empathy, and understanding. The IVF Warrior is committed to changing the conversation surrounding fertility health and wellness and providing patients with the support they deserve.
To learn more about The IVF Warrior, visit theivfwarrior.ca or find us on social media @the.ivf.warrior
References
1 National Library of Medicine (NIH). (2021 Oct-Dec; 22(4): 282–288). The Relationship Between Infertility, Stress, and Quality of Life with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Infertile Women. Retrieved March 4, 2024 from The Relationship Between Infertility, Stress, and Quality of Life with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Infertile Women – PMC (nih.gov)
2 Psychology Today. (2010, August 31). New Research: Stress and Infertility. Retrieved March 4, 2024 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-youre-not-expecting/201008/new-research-stress-and-infertility
