IVF case study – Chloe and Colin

Chloe was 36 years old and had been trying to conceive for over 2 years.  She and Colin had been fully investigated and no cause was found for their infertility.  She had been prescribed clomiphene which she took for three cycles, but she did not conceive.  It was suggested that in her case intra-uterine insemination (IUI) would not have a very high success rate so they should consider moving straight to in-vitro fertilization (IVF). 

 

Chloe was very unsure about IVF.  She was very confused about all the clinic statistics.  She felt this was very much the end of the road and had always felt IVF was for other women, not for her.  She was very health-conscious and refused to take any medication unless absolutely necessary.  She was concerned as she had a family history of breast cancer and was very anxious about the side effects of the drugs which would be used to stimulate her ovaries.  She had friends who had split up due to the tensions during IVF treatment and was really concerned for her own relationship which she felt was good.

 

At the initial consultation, the fertility nurse specialist was able to help Chloe to consider the whole process of IVF – the physical and emotional aspects.  Chloe was feeling very isolated as she did not want to tell family or friends about their fertility problems.  She described herself as a very private person.  She also found work very stressful and was unsure how she would manage a demanding job with the pressures of an IVF cycle.  It became apparent that Chloe’s desire for a child was much stronger than she dared to admit to herself and she was trying to protect herself from the possible thought of not having a family and the devastation she might feel if an IVF cycle failed. 

 

By the end of her initial consultation, Chloe was feeling more sure about her feelings about IVF and her resistance to the treatment.  She felt she had a focused plan.  She wanted to see the fertility counselor with her husband to help support them through IVF.  She also had 2 sessions of hypnotherapy and positive visualization, which helped her to manage her emotions through her IVF cycle.