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| "When I started your program, I felt completely out of control, isolated, and didn't know how to help myself... Now, the program has turned me back into the person I am." | Judy Lopes
Former Patient,
Mind/Body Program
for Infertility and Expectant Mother |
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Our typical infertility patient is married, in her mid- to late- thirties, has been trying to conceive for more than one year, and has finished the infertility work-up and basic treatment. Many patients are either contemplating high-tech treatment or have had failed cycles. The average patient reports two to three physical symptoms, which have become worse since the infertility, as well as heightened depression scores, often in the moderate to severe range.
Emotionally, she may find herself at odds with her husband over her decisions regarding infertility and often isolates herself from family and friends who have babies and small children. She finds it difficult to balance the rigors of infertility treatment with her job demands, and may find herself in a spiritual crisis as well. She will report that this is the worst experience of her life, and feels completely unable to cope. Most patients state that they have "hit bottom."
Within two to three weeks of beginning the program, the effects of the relaxation response and other stress management techniques have taken hold and she generally reports that physical symptoms have begun to improve and she is crying less often. By mid-program, after cognitive/behavioral strategies have been introduced, she will report that she is getting along better with her husband, feels much better able to cope with infertility treatment, and has begun to think about other options, ranging from more advanced infertility treatment to adoption. By program end, most physical symptoms are notably less frequent and intense, her depression score will be in the normal range, and she reports that she feels like "her old self" again.
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