At IRMS, we recognize the
myriad of emotions experienced by many people struggling with infertility.
Treatment can be stressful even under the best of circumstances, and there are
many issues you need to consider both before and during the process. As you
proceed with treatment, you may experience discomfort or face a range of
conflicting emotions that can strain even the strongest of relationships.
For these reasons, we offer a holistic approach to care that focuses on both the
mind and body. In addition to advanced medical and laboratory services, we
provide a variety of support and other services designed to address your
emotional needs and help you cope with difficult issues, including:
- The impact of your decision to seek
treatment;
- Dilemmas in decision making, including
ethical and practical concerns related to treatment options;
- The highs and lows that often accompany
infertility treatment;
- Feelings of anger, depression, anxiety,
guilt or low self esteem;
- Marital stress or communication problems
with each other, friends, family members and your children
- Knowing when to end infertility treatment
and consider other options.
Psychological Screening
Although screening is not mandatory, in some cases your physician may require
that you meet with our psychologist to discuss the many issues related to in
vitro fertilization before you begin. Also, if you are contemplating treatment
that requires an egg donor or a sperm donor, screening is required before you begin your
infertility cycle.
Individual and Couples Infertility Counseling
These services are available, upon request, to IRMS patients and others who
require them. Counseling can address a variety of issues, including but not
limited to coping with the various aspects of infertility, pregnancy loss,
miscarriage, pregnancy after infertility treatments, multiple gestations, selective reduction
and the use of donor gametes. Counseling services are available from our mental
health staff, and we have a referral list of community-based professionals who
specialize in infertility.
Support Groups
In addition to individual and couples counseling, we also offer various support
groups focusing on infertility, in vitro fertilization and egg donation. These
groups provide you with the opportunity to share experiences, to discuss
pertinent topics and gain emotional support. They are led by our staff
psychologist, Claudia Pascale, Ph.D. Current sessions include:
- Infertility and IVF
This ongoing group is for women experiencing any aspect of infertility
treatment. It is offered on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from
7 to 8:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required but it is suggested.
- Egg Donor/Sperm Recipient Couple
Group
This intensive, eight-week session for couples explores all aspects of egg
and sperm donation. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd
Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required.
