Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a period of one year. What initially starts out as a very excited time for parents to be, soon turns into a period marked with stress and disappointment. Medical evaluation and treatment can be taxing physically, psychologically, and financially. Seeing a Clinical Psychologist trained in infertility issues can help parents to navigate their way through the complex world of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART).

Individuals undergoing such treatments typically struggle with feelings of anger, worry, sadness, and hopelessness. In addition, couple issues often arise such as sex becoming a chore, lack of communication, and not being in the same emotional space regarding the infertility. A Clinical Psychologist can help deal with the stress and other issues that may impact conception and pregnancy. Therapy may also be helpful in exploring alternative family building, disclosure issues, and the transition to becoming a parent.

Psychotherapy has become an integral part of treatment for infertility. In studies at Harvard, 55 percent of the women who attended a psychotherapy group became pregnant. In the group that did not get psychotherapy, only 20 percent became pregnant (Domar et al, Fertility and Sterility, 2000).

A Clinical Psychologist that specializes in infertility issues can also help with psychological assessments that may be required for ART: Assessment of gamete (Sperm/Egg) donors and recipients, assessment of embryo donors and recipients, and assessment of gestational carriers.

Dr. Donna Duffin, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of infertility. She has completed the renowned Mind/Body program for infertility at the Domar Center, which is part of the Harvard Medical School & Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. In addition, she has completed Harvard Medical School's training on Building the Contemporary Family. She has presented research on infertility at the National Convention for the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy. Dr. Duffin is also a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

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Donna Duffin, Psy.D.
9720 Stirling Road
Suite 107 C
Cooper City, FL 33024

Phone: 954-551-5678 | Fax: 954-434-9036
E-mail: DrDonna1@bellsouth.net

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