Hypnotherapy can help with fertility issues and IVF support

An increasing number of couples are experiencing difficulty conceiving. According to the NHS, around one in seven couples in the UK are affected by fertility issues. Specialist fertility treatments such as clomid or IVF might be offered.

But, one often forgotten complementary therapy option for fertility issues is hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can help with stress reduction, offer support throughout fertility treatments and seek to identify any mental blocks or fears that may be present. Reducing stress and releasing fear, replacing it with a sense of inner calm, can help to give the best chance of success.

How does stress affect fertility?

When stressed, the subconscious mind is in ‘survival’ mode. We are not designed for prolonged periods of stress, and our bodies react accordingly. In ‘survival’ mode, dating back to primitive times, the primary focus was to survive and preserve life. In this state, our subconscious autonomic responses focus on essential bodily functions to help us to fight, flight or freeze.

The reproductive system is of least concern when in a state of survival mode from perceived stress, and can be temporarily switched off by the subconscious mind. This is in order to prioritise the most crucial functions in order to survive the perceived danger that stress can trigger in the subconscious mind.

In addition to this, anyone who has experienced fertility treatment may find the procedures and treatment itself to be stressful. This is perfectly understandable as the worry of not being able to conceive, when a baby is longed for more than anything else in the world, is highly emotionally charged. Hypnosis can help to reduce stress and restore inner calm.

Subconscious blockages and fertility

There is a belief that some women may have a subconscious emotional blockage which can stop them from getting pregnant. They are not consciously aware of the issue or blockage, which may be something really simple and easy to address.

An example, a young 16 year old is terrified of getting pregnant at an early age. She is almost willing herself not to get pregnant as she has an intimate relationship with a boyfriend. The subconscious mind might receive the message that conceiving a baby would be the worst thing possible, and the autonomic function of fertility is switched off as a form of protection.

Another example is where childhood may not have been an easy experience, and subconsciously, there is a fear of not wishing to repeat the cycle for their own child, thus creating a blockage to fertility.

Blockages are personal to each person experiencing them and are not something they are consciously aware of. In a state of deep relaxation, in hypnosis, the subconscious mind can be accessed. Any blockages can be brought up, explored, healed or removed.

IVF support

Hypnotherapy can be really beneficial in supporting the entire IVF cycle, using natural imagery to encourage the subconscious mind at each stage to feel calm and embrace the process taking place.

Starting with the egg stimulation stage, then egg collection, embryo transfer and the waiting period between transfer and potential pregnancy. Each has its own hypnosis with imagery and metaphors from nature to help relax, encouraging inner calm and optimism for each stage of the cycle.

The hormones used in IVF can cause side effects and temporarily affect mood. Hypnosis seeks to support this and can help with relaxation.

Dr Eliahu Levitas and his team led a research study in Israel (2006), where hypnosis was used to help women receiving embryo transfer in IVF treatment. This is known to be a particularly stressful time for patients, and they found that “hypnosis may significantly contribute to an increased pregnancy rate” due to the possible “tranquilising effect” of hypnosis.

Support when IVF isn’t successful

An important part of supporting the entire IVF process is to provide support if IVF is not successful. The emotional rollercoaster of going through egg stimulation, egg collection, desperately hoping for as many viable embryos as possible, embryo transfer and then the wait before the pregnancy tests or period to arrive can be extremely stressful and cause a significant negative impact for anyone experiencing it.

To be so full of hope, knowing that embryos have been implanted and desperately wanting them to develop and grow into a baby, only to find a negative pregnancy test or bleeding commences, can feel almost soul-destroying. A sense of grief and loss is natural and understandable.

Hypnosis can offer some comfort at this difficult time, recognising that it is OK to be upset and to take some time to come to terms with it all. A personalised approach is fundamental to providing support. We all deal with emotional situations differently and have varying needs.

Fertility journey support

I experienced difficulty conceiving, was offered fertility treatment and experienced early miscarriage, before successful conception. My personal experience helps me to empathise and have an understanding of the emotions and stress experienced whilst trying to conceive. Fertility and IVF journey support is one of my specialisms, as a result of my own experiences. Offering kind words and reassurance where appropriate is all part of the support.

Hypnosis is a natural, lovely state of deep relaxation (almost like daydreaming). It is perfectly safe, where you are awake and in control at all times. A personalised approach is used for each individual client. Talking directly to the subconscious mind, we explore together the optimum state of mind and body for encouraging and nurturing fertility.

Helping to cope with challenges that might be encountered when trying to conceive is encouraged. Side effects, the emotional rollercoaster and other issues fertility treatments (particularly IVF) may bring are acknowledged, supported, and self-care is nurtured. Comfort and support are fostered where miscarriage occurs or fertility treatment is unsuccessful. Fertility hypnosis-coaching can assist and support you on each step of the fertility journey.

Personalised recordings, for use in between appointments, can help to reinforce deep relaxation. These can be particularly beneficial just before embryo transfer, or during embryo transfer (where permitted by the medical team involved).

If you are struggling with fertility issues or are on your own IVF journey, it is worth considering hypnotherapy.