Can You Take A Break from Fertility Treatments?

Getting fertility treatments definitely has its ups and downs—and it’s not for the faint of heart. Your feelings may change from hopeful to frustrated to a range of different emotions over the course of the treatment. Dealing with the doctor’s appointments, medications, blood draws, medical jargon, and various procedures can leave even the most dedicated soon-to-be-mom feeling burned out.

This sense of fertility treatment burnout can signal it’s time for a break. We understand that you’re eager to conceive and start your family. And if you are over 35, you may also feel like you are on a time crunch to get pregnant. But in the grander scheme of things, it can be beneficial mentally and physically to take a break from your treatment after consulting with your fertility specialist. Depending on your situation, we may recommend taking a few days, weeks, or even months off as a “reset” to restore your emotional health and regain confidence. The fertility journey can leave you emotionally exhausted. You may have had an unsuccessful treatment cycle or even a miscarriage, which is why you may needtime to process disappointment and to step away from it all.

This pause in fertility treatment isn’t “stopping” or “giving up”—it’s all part of the journey. When you return to more of a normal life without a constant preoccupation on ovulation and timing and hCG hormones, you can find joy in rediscovering pleasant activities like reading, cooking, traveling, painting, or seeing your friends. You’ll be able to rest, recharge, and clear your head, which results in a better ability to make decisions about how best to proceed with your fertility treatment. When you do return to try another cycle, you may be more successful because your whole self will feel more relaxed and hopeful.

For those of you who visit the Alabama Center for Reproductive Medicine, don’t be afraid to turn to our fertility specialists and staff for support. We partner with you and your family to help you make the best decision about whether to take a break from your treatments and can provide consultation on how to plan a vacation around your fertility cycles. We’re also here to help you through the emotional aspects of the journey. Our fertility specialists and staff have seen hundreds of families through this process, and we understand the worries, fears, frustrations, or sense of loss that you may be experiencing. With our collective wisdom and compassion, we seek to provide the utmost support to our patients.

Ready to start the fertility journey? Get in touch with a fertility specialist at the Alabama Center for Reproductive Medicine to the treatment options available to you. Schedule a consultation at 205-307-0484.