Conceivable Options assists individuals and couples in dealing with the emotional, psychological, and physical stresses associated with infertility.

Infertility...

..."is the inability to achieve and maintain a pregnancy after regular intercourse without contraception for one year. If over 35, it is after six months."

…is an "unanticipated life crisis, very often unexplained, and lasting for an indeterminate length of time."

"Women who can’t easily conceive have the same level of distress as women with cancer, heart disease, or who are HIV positive."

~ Alice Domar, PhD

Infertility's Multiple Effects

The impact of infertility is immense. It affects the individual, the couple, and their relationship. It is unrelenting and can impact every aspect of life – self-esteem, sense of control, relationships, finances, career, and spirituality. It can cause a roller coaster of emotions – hopelessness, anxiety, depression, hostility, anger, despair, loss, isolation and loneliness.

A multitude of difficulties may arise. These may include communication problems; differing views on treatment goals/options; sexual relationship issues for the couple; and an inordinate level of stress.

MIND/BODY WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Watch for exciting new programs coming in the Fall 2010

MYTHS OF INFERTILITY

MYTH: Infertility isn't very common.

FACT: One in six couples has difficulty conceiving a child.

MYTH: Relax and you'll get pregnant.

FACT: Relaxing is not a guarantee of pregnancy. Infertility is often due to problems of the reproductive system. However, a number of studies have shown that the more distressed a woman is when starting a fertility treatment cycle, the lower the pregnancy rates. The interaction between biological and psychological factors is complex and still being researched.

MYTH: Adopt and you'll get pregnant.

FACT: Infertile adoptive couples become pregnant at about the same rate as infertile couples who do not adopt.

MYTH: Infertility is a woman's problem.

FACT: Infertility affects men and women equally. About 40% of cases are attributable to male factors, 40% to factors affecting women, 10% are a combination of male/ female factors, and 10% of cases are unexplained.

MYTH: Men and women react to infertility in the same way(s)

FACT: Men and women respond to infertility differently. Women tend to express a lot more distress than men do. "During infertility investigations or treatment, women reported higher psychological levels of distress than men on measures of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and psychological adjustment." (Burns & Covington) Society expects men to conceal rather than reveal their emotions. Men do react differently, but still have much to cope with when a diagnosis of infertility is given.

Face Infertility with Support

Infertility may be a long road with countless moments of hope and disappointment. It is a complex issue requiring an integrated treatment approach.

With Conceivable Options You Can:

Give voice to your feelings by expressing your thoughts and emotions
Learn to set goals and regain control of your life by gaining an understanding of your thoughts and feelings.
Discover/Renew healthy coping mechanisms that will help reduce your feelings of overwhelming grief, isolation, depression, stress and anxiety around your infertility.
Enhance communication skills with your partner, family, friends and others.
Understand where you are going as an individual and as a couple.
Learn mind/body techniques that you can use to help cope with infertility and other stressors now and for the rest of your life.

The treatment of infertility is a demanding process and doesn’t have a certain outcome. Conceivable Options Counselling will help you regain a sense of control and well being in your life, reduce stress and renew your sense of hope.

How Conceivable Options Works

Through the counselling process individuals and couples have the opportunity to explore themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs so that they may come to a greater understanding of their current situation.

A comfortably paced assessment is completed in a supportive environment. During the assessment your CONCEIVABLE Options counsellor helps you identify what has taken place on your infertility journey, where you are now, and empowers you to look at your options and develop specific goals for the future.

Areas that are causing difficulties are explored and specific treatment strategies are provided to help you cope and regain control of your life, while enhancing your chance of reaching your goals.