Healing Hope: Overcoming Infertility with EFT Tapping
Many couples struggle to experience the joy of parenting because of not being able to conceive. In the journey of overcoming infertility, finding hope and healing is necessary. In this article, you will learn about a tapping technique called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and its role in steering the emotional complexities of infertility. Through an empathetic lens, learn to deal with the challenges faced while experiencing fertility struggles and how EFT Tapping can offer solace and empowerment in overcoming infertility.
WHAT IS INFERTILITY | TYPES OF INFERTILITY | SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFERTILITY | COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY | Causes of infertility in females | Causes of infertility in males | Infertility test and treatment for men | Infertility test and treatment for women | Emotional Toll of Infertility on couples | WHY NURTURE A SELF-CONNECTION IN THE FERTILITY JOURNEY | How Emotional Freedom TechniqueS (EFT) help to overcome infertility challenges | EFT TAPPING Steps to navigate the journey of infertility | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | Does PCOS cause infertility | Can abortion cause infertility | Can ovarian cyst cause infertility | Does endometriosis cause infertility | Does masturbation lead to infertility in men and women | CONCLUSION
A couple was sitting in a doctor's clinic, their hearts heavy with longing, their minds clouded with uncertainty. As they decided to begin a journey filled with hope, only to be met time and again with disappointment and despair.
Have you also felt a similar weight of longing in your heart for childbearing so heavy that it feels like it might crush your spirit?
The pain of not being able to have a child feels like a heavy load on every couple trying hard, making their hearts heavier with each day that goes by.
But there is hope for you.
Today, medical science has advanced and can treat infertility with techniques like IVF, hormone therapy, and surgery, addressing issues such as ovulation, sperm production, and anatomical abnormalities to enhance fertility.
But what if medical science also falls short in addressing infertility?
It can obviously become a challenging and emotionally taxing situation for you in hoping to conceive. In such cases, you can explore alternative options redirecting focus towards other aspects of treatment and healing like exploring natural or holistic approaches.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a profound lifeline to overcome infertility. It empowers you to drive the emotional aspects of infertility with greater resilience, clarity, and self-compassion. And yes, you will be amazed by the results feeling calmer, more relaxed, more focussed on your goal, and not distracted by all the negative emotions and feelings from before.
WHAT IS INFERTILITY?
Infertility is generally defined as a condition of a reproductive system where you are not able to get pregnant or conceive even after one year or longer period of unprotected sex.
Types of infertility
There are 3 types of infertility which include:
1.
Primary Infertility
This occurs when a couple has never been able to conceive a pregnancy after at least one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. It's the inability to conceive a child despite regular attempts.
2.
Secondary Infertility
Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after having previously given birth to one or more children. Couples experiencing secondary infertility may have had successful pregnancies in the past but are struggling to conceive again.
3.
Unexplained Infertility
In some cases, despite thorough medical evaluations, the cause of infertility remains unidentified. This is known as unexplained infertility. It can be frustrating for couples who cannot pinpoint a specific reason for their difficulty in conceiving.
Signs and Symptoms of infertility
Trouble conceiving is the key sign of infertility. While that's the main sign, there can be other clues as well. These can include:
- Changes in your period: This could be heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, irregular periods, or missing them altogether.
- Pelvic pain: A general ache or pain in your lower belly area.
- Problems with sex: This includes difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, or problems with ejaculation for men. For women, it could be uncomfortable levels of pain during sex.
It's important to remember that not everyone will have all of these symptoms as each body is unique in its own way.
Common causes of infertility
Various factors can influence fertility, affecting either one partner or both. For example, advanced maternal age, typically in the late 30s or 40s, can impact fertility. For men, fertility may start declining closer to age 50.
Following are the common causes of infertility:
- Eating disorders
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Over-exercising
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
- Untreated sexually transmitted infections
- Excessive smoking and tobacco use
- Substance abuse
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Other chronic conditions like weight gain
Causes of infertility in females
Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of infertility in women. Ovulation is the process in which the ovary releases an egg to meet sperm for fertilisation.
Other than the above, these factors can also contribute to female infertility:
1.
Endometriosis
Fertility is affected when uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus.
2.
Blockages
Structural problems in the vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
3.
Health conditions
Pre-existing health problems like autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, sickle cell anaemia, and thyroid issues also play a role.
4.
Hormonal imbalances
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian insufficiency disrupt ovulation in females.
5.
Past surgeries
Procedures like tubal ligation or removal of the uterus impact fertility.
6.
Other factors
Genetics, infrequent periods, and sexual dysfunction can also contribute to infertility.
Causes of infertility in males
The primary cause of male infertility often relates to issues concerning the shape, movement (motility), or amount (low sperm count) of sperm.
Other reasons could be:
1.
Varicocele
Enlarged veins in the scrotum affect sperm production in men.
2.
Genetics
Hereditary conditions like Cystic Fibrosis and Klinefelter syndrome can also impact male fertility.
3.
Heat exposure
Tight clothing, hot tubs, and frequent use of laptops on the lap raise the scrotal temperature, harming sperm.
4.
Testicular Defects
Injuries, low testosterone, or undescended testicles are known to impact sperm production (1).
5.
Medications
Intake of medications and treatments such as Anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, and radiation impact sperm health.
6.
Sexual dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation, or previous vasectomy can also be contributing to male infertility.
Infertility test and treatment for men
Testing for male infertility typically involves a semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additional tests may include hormonal evaluations, genetic testing, and imaging studies to identify any underlying issues.
Treatment options for male infertility depend on the specific cause but may include lifestyle changes, medication to improve sperm production or function, surgical procedures to correct anatomical abnormalities or retrieve sperm, and assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
In some cases, addressing underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors may improve fertility outcomes.
Infertility test and treatment for women
Testing for female infertility typically involves a series of assessments to evaluate reproductive health.
This may include hormone testing to assess ovarian function, imaging studies such as ultrasound to evaluate the uterus and ovaries, and tests to check fallopian tube patency, such as an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) or laparoscopy.
Treatment for female infertility varies depending on the underlying cause. It may involve medication to stimulate ovulation, surgery to address structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids, lifestyle modifications, and assisted reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
In some cases, addressing underlying health conditions or making lifestyle changes may improve fertility outcomes.
Emotional Toll of Infertility on couples
Infertility isn't a mere medical condition. It's more of an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a couple overwhelmed and isolated.
From the initial shock to the ongoing swings of emotions like sadness and frustration, every day feels like an uphill battle. The weight of societal expectations adds even more pressure.
For women, infertility can chip away at self-confidence, leaving them feeling invisible and powerless.
Men, too, are affected, with studies showing that stress can impact sperm quality. And then there's the added stress of treatment. The medications, the side effects, the uncertainty of it all.
Yet, amid this turmoil, EFT Tapping is a hope –that understands and supports a couple, giving them a chance to build a family despite the odds.
WHY NURTURE A SELF-CONNECTION IN THE FERTILITY JOURNEY?
The fertility journey also begins with birthing yourself. Before you want to truly become a parent, you need to undergo a process of unlearning and reprogramming yourself.
This involves letting go of old beliefs and behaviours that no longer serve you. Just as fertile soil is essential for growing healthy plants, a clean inner being is necessary for birthing a healthy baby.
So, couples who want to conceive get emotional benefits from creating a sacred space for conception. This is one of the secrets to getting pregnant. Stop focusing solely on ovulation timing and instead enjoy the act of conception.
Get clear about why you want to conceive and ensure you both as partners are aligned in your desires.
The womb is more than just a physical space, it is deeply connected to all aspects of the self and the universe. Connecting with the womb and not yet born child on a spiritual level is crucial part of the birthing process.
How Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can help to overcome infertility challenges?
One of the ways to manage negative emotions and support your well-being throughout the fertility process is EFT Tapping.
While doctors often focus on the physical aspects of fertility, your emotional state plays a significant role too. When you consciously slow down and check in with your body, thoughts, and feelings you open up yourself to a wider perspective.
Emotional Freedom Techniques is a holistic healing approach to help you and your partner manage the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive. It is a safe-to-use and easy-to-learn tool that you can use alongside any medical treatments you might be receiving.
It helps manage stress and anxiety often linked to infertility and also effectively alters limiting beliefs and negative thoughts that may be inhibiting your fertility process. The importance of improving and strengthening your emotional health is to give you an advantage in your reproductive health.
A 2013 study investigated the impact of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) on emotional distress among infertile couples, as infertility can often lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety The results revealed that the couples who underwent EFT therapy experienced significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress compared to the control group (2).
The way EFT Tapping works is that it delves beyond surface-level symptoms to address the root causes of infertility. As a result, you can approach your fertility journey with renewed hope and confidence.
In case, you have past trauma, consider working with a certified therapist or EFT Practitioner who can guide with deep-rooted emotional challenges.
EFT TAPPING Steps to navigate the journey of infertility
Step 1:
First, use EFT Tapping to acknowledge your current state.
Bring into your awareness, a time when you felt the most overwhelming emotion around not getting pregnant.
1.
Temperature Check
Begin by exploring your emotions and beliefs surrounding infertility. Reflect on questions such as:
- What emotions do you experience when thinking about infertility?
- How does not bearing a child make you feel about yourself and your future?
- What negative beliefs or fears does infertility trigger in you?
- Where in your body do you feel tension or discomfort related to infertility?
For this tapping sequence, we are taking ‘anxiety' as an example. Feel free to replace it with whichever emotion you are experiencing the most.
2.
Explore the Physical Sensations
Rate the intensity of your emotional distress related to infertility (fear, frustration, stress, anxiety, pain, pessimism) on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of distress.
"What number is the infertility anxiety (fear or worry) at, where 10 is really high and 1 is not high at all."
Just, go with whatever number comes up spontaneously, without thinking too much about it.
3.
Start Tapping on the Karate Chop (Side of the Hand)
Use tapping to address the emotions and beliefs identified in step 1, for example,
“Even though I feel like I am struggling with infertility and I can feel it in my ..... [location] and it is a number ..... (0 - 10), [__] in colour, and it makes me feel [describe the sensation], I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Sample Sequence:
- "Even though I feel like I am struggling with infertility, and I can feel the weight of it in my heart, and it's at a number 9, grey in colour and it makes me feel lost & hopeless, I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
(Repeat 3 times)
4.
Tap on the Facial and Upper Body EFT Tapping points
Tap on the facial and upper body points using the reminder phrases while saying them out loud:
- Eyebrow: This feeling ... (incident/event/memory name)
- Side of the Eye: It's at a number ... (SUDs)
- Under the Eye: So anxious ... (feeling or sensation)
- Under the Nose: It makes me feel so ... (feeling or sensation)
- Chin: This feeling ...
- Collarbone: It makes me feel so ...
- Thumb: I just feel so ...
- Index Finger: In my ... (location)
- Middle Finger: This feeling ...
- Little Finger: It feels so ...
5.
Close the Sequence by Tapping on the Karate Chop Again
Close the sequence by coming back to the EFT Karate Chop tapping point and repeat the initial setup statement once again,
"Even though I feel like I am struggling with infertility, and I can feel the weight of it in my heart, and it's at a number 9, grey in colour and it makes me feel lost & hopeless, I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
6.
Relax
Take a gentle breath in and out. Relax and take a sip of water.
7.
Test
At the end of the EFT Tapping sequence, test the intensity of your emotions by asking yourself:
- What number is the anxiety at?
- What happens when you think of infertility now?
- How does not being able to get pregnant make you feel?
- How does that memory make you feel now?
If it has reduced to a level that you feel happy with, you can stop. Otherwise, you can repeat this process by going back to Step 1.
Step 2:
Argumentative Tapping
Use argumentative tapping to challenge any negative beliefs and thoughts related to infertility.
For example:
- From "I'll never conceive" to "I am open to the possibility of conception."
- From "My body is failing me" to "My body is capable of creating life."
Step 3:
Address Any Limiting Beliefs From the Past
Reflect on past incidents that may have contributed to your current feelings of anxiety and any limiting beliefs about your fertility process.
Work on transforming these beliefs into positive affirmations that support your recovery journey.
Step 4:
Conclude with Positive Tapping.
End the sequence with affirmations that develop hope and a positive outlook for the future,
"Even though I might be struggling with infertility right now and it’s making me anxious, suppose somehow I can choose to focus on building my inner strength and hope for a better future filled with the joys of parenthood. I deeply and completely love and accept myself."
Follow these EFT tapping steps to address and alleviate the emotional distress concerning infertility.
“Coping with infertility is a process and if you rush to move forward before you are ready it may set you backwards in the long run. Allow yourself to process everything you are feeling.”
GREG
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
Does PCOS cause infertility?
Even though you have PCOS, it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is a common, yet treatable, cause of infertility in women. With PCOS, hormonal imbalances affect ovulation, hindering the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. If you don't ovulate, pregnancy becomes challenging (3).
However, your doctor can discuss options to stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of conceiving. You can also utilise tools like the Ovulation Calculator to identify your most fertile days in the menstrual cycle.
2.
Can abortion cause infertility?
Undergoing an abortion typically doesn't significantly impact your future fertility or the likelihood of having normal pregnancies. While there's a slight increase in the risk of premature birth in subsequent pregnancies, the overall effect on fertility is minimal. However, there's a small risk of fertility complications if a womb infection occurs post-procedure and isn't promptly treated (4).
The infection may progress to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), potentially affecting fertility or leading to ectopic pregnancies. Fortunately, most infections are detected and treated early, often with antibiotics administered before the abortion to mitigate infection risks.
3.
Can ovarian cyst cause infertility?
Typically, ovarian cysts themselves do not pose significant barriers to fertility or cause infertility. However, certain underlying conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be associated with cyst formation and may lead to fertility challenges. It's essential for women with ovarian cysts to attend regular gynaecological screenings and seek additional testing if fertility concerns arise (5).
Most women with ovarian cysts can conceive without difficulty and experience few pregnancy-related issues so proactive monitoring is advisable.
4.
Does endometriosis cause infertility?
While endometriosis is associated with fertility challenges, it doesn't invariably cause infertility, although the exact reasons remain unclear.
The precise links between endometriosis and fertility are not fully understood due to limited research, although distortion of reproductive organs by the disease may contribute in some instances. Age remains the primary factor influencing fertility, with egg supply diminishing and fertility declining significantly after the age of 38 (6).
For women with endometriosis facing fertility issues, some may conceive after medical interventions such as surgical removal of endometriosis or assisted reproduction technologies like IVF.
5.
Does masturbation lead to infertility in men and women?
Masturbation does not lead to infertility in men or women. However, frequent ejaculation, more than once every 1–2 days, may result in a slightly lower sperm count.
Therefore, if you're trying to conceive (TTC), undergoing IVF, semen analysis, or sperm freezing, it's advisable to abstain from masturbating for 2–5 days beforehand. Outside of fertility-related periods, masturbation poses no harm and may offer various health benefits (7).
Conclusion
Infertility is one challenging journey, filled with emotional ups and downs. Yet, EFT Tapping offers a gentle yet powerful solution. By acknowledging and processing your emotions, you can cultivate resilience, hope, and self-compassion.
Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to support you in your journey to parenthood.
In addition to EFT Tapping, consider joining a support group or therapy session to connect with others who understand your struggles. You can also connect with one of our EFT Practitioners for safe and confidential one-to-one sessions to help manage your emotions.
Love,
Dr Rangana Rupavi Choudhuri (PhD)
P.S. Want to discover if EFT is right for you? Book a Complimentary Discovery Call.
In summary, there are challenges and pains associated with infertility. Having emotional support for couples struggling with infertility is vital. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a powerful way to manage your emotional distress and address unresolved emotions. Use EFT Tapping steps now to process negative thoughts and beliefs related to infertility.
References
- Male Infertility - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901179/
- Polycystic ovary syndrome | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
- https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/can-having-an-abortion-affect-my-fertility/#:~:text=Having%20an%20abortion%20will%20not,born%20early%20in%20future%20pregnancies
- https://gynem.co.uk/blog/what-are-ovarian-cysts-and-can-they-cause-infertility#2
- https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-fertility-and-pregnancy
- https://www.givelegacy.com/resources/does-masturbation-affect-fertility/#:~:text=No%2C%20masturbation%20does%20not%20cause,for%202%E2%80%935%20days%20prior
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