Canadian Infertility Awareness: Infertility During A Pandemic
Posted by Dr. Alda Ngo
April 18 – 24 is Canadian Infertility Awareness Week.
Roughly 1 in 6 who are trying to conceive in Canada experience infertility & this number has doubled since the 1980’s.
Research shows that the psychological symptoms associated with infertility are similar to those associated with other serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer and HIV.
Infertility is already unpredictable, but with the added stresses of the pandemic, fertility patients are having to not only grapple with economic and societal uncertainty, but also disruption to fertility treatments related to fertility clinic closures and limited elective in-office services.
Many patients who are already on tight biological timelines are finding themselves under even more pressure.
Surveys conducted since the onset of the pandemic have revealed that infertility remains a top stressor, despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
The stress of infertility remains significant & is comparable to the pandemic itself.
For fertility patients, when, why, how & where become whether, if, what if or even oh no.
There are already so many loaded decisions to be made in the face of uncertainty when dealing with infertility, and all of these are made extra difficult with hormonally influenced emotions. The pandemic only complicates the process.
Additional common questions that fertility patients are having to deal with are:
“ Is it safe for me to get bloodwork & ultrasound while exposing myself to potential COVID-19 in the office?”
“ I don’t want to wait any longer, but what are the implications of starting a potentially high risk pregnancy during a pandemic?”
“How will I grieve failed treatments or delays if I can’t even get together with my community.”
“ Will my partner be able to join me for this appointment or will I have to face it alone?”
“ What if I start a treatment cycle & we have to cancel midway through because there’s a lock down again? “
Infertility is Isolating
Infertility is already an isolating experience, which is also exacerbated by the isolation of the pandemic. As fertility specialists, and in honour of CIAW, we’d like to recognize those who are currently struggling to grow your families and the hardships that you endure, often alone and in silence.
That’s why we are teaming up with Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) & 3 courageous women who have struggled with infertility, to offer a free virtual event on Sunday, April 25th from 2 – 3:30pm.
Together, we are taking the opportunity to educate, openly share stories, empower and change the conversation around infertility. We want you to know that you are not alone and offer you some hope and inspiration.
Join us online:
Infertility During a Pandemic
Sunday, April 25th from 2 – 3:30pm MDT
Three courageous women will share their personal fertility journeys & what has helped them most along the way.
Dr. Caitlin Dunne, Co-director of PCRM will speak to infertility & treatment options, as well as the impacts of COVID-19 on fertility & treatments.
With the increased stressors of dealing with infertility during the pandemic, WFH’s Dr. Alda Ngo will be offering some free evidence-based mindfulness tools to help you deal with fertility stress.
WFH natural fertility specialist, Christina Pistotnik will share some accessible lifestyle advice to empower you to support and optimize your fertility during this time.
Click here for more information
Or
Register:
780.756.7736
Stay tuned for more blogs throughout the month for more tips on how to support yourself on your fertility journey!
To find out more about how we can support you with your fertility, book a free 15-minute phone consultation with one our fertility specialists.
