in this issue
Sonja Kristiansen, MD
Medical Director & co-founder
of
the
Infertility Center
of Houston, Dr. Kristiansen is double board certified in
Reproductive
Endocrinology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and
specializes in surgical and IVF procedures.
She has
advanced training in hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and
microtubal reconstruction. She also works with
female endocrine abnormalities relating to
menstrual and reproductive development.
Quick Links...
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As we enter the holiday season, many us find our
calendars more packed than usual with places to be,
things to do, and people to see. If you're trying to get
pregnant, your higher-than-usual stress level can really
work against your best efforts. Fortunately, we've
learned a lot in recent years about how your mind and
body can be trained to work together in order to affect
positive change.
Our patients have the opportunity to use the expertise
of Kathy Stern, M.A., a Licensed Professional Counselor
who is accredited through the International Association
of Mind/Body Professionals.
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Hocus Pocus?
While many people have already heard the latest about
what is referred to as "mind-body medicine," there may
still be some whose eyebrows raise a bit at the thought
of thinking your way to fertility. Certainly it's not that
simple, but increasingly, well-done studies are
confirming that distress can stand in the way of
fertility. Conversely, relieving that distress can help
improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Mind-body medicine isn't entirely new - it's been
around since 1987, in fact. That's when the first
fertility-focused mind-body program began in Boston,
based on the groundwork of Herbert Benson, MD (co-
author of The Relaxation Response, 1975) and
pioneered by Alice Domar, PhD., one of Benson's
protegees.
Since then, thousands of women and men have
successfully used various components of the program
as word of its benefits have spread across the country.
I and my staff believe that we would be remiss in
meeting the needs of our patients if we didn't
recommend the Wellness Concepts program for their
treatment plans.
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Getting It Together
Does stress really matter when it comes to getting
pregnant?
Kathy Stern, who was trained at Harvard's renowned
Mind/Body Medical Institute, responds:
"Although some data indicate that high
levels of stress may prevent conception, it is more
likely that the treatment and disappointment
associated with infertility causes stress. Research
shows that women suffering with infertility issues
experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Whatever the case, it is clear that a reduction in stress
and tension is very beneficial to program
participants."
Kathy's Wellness Concepts program covers:
- Relaxation Response Techniques
- Cognitive Restructuring
- Coping Skills
- Stretching Exercise
- Nutritional Information
After an intake visit, participants meet for an initial
four-week series of sessions and then have the option
of continuing for an additional four weeks.
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Bringing It Home
At our office, we've taken to heart the power of the
mind/body connection - we believe our location itself is
conducive to lessening the stress involved in fertility
treatment. We know that even little things like
complementary, on-site covered parking and easy
access to I-10 can make a difference for people who
need to squeeze appointments into their busy lives.
While we can't take away every ounce of stress from
your treatment experience, my staff and I pride
ourselves in providing a compassionate, respectful, and
private environment. I encourage all of my patients to
take advantage of Kathy Stern's Wellness Concepts
program to not only assist them with getting pregnant,
but to learn healthful ways that can only be beneficial
throughout one's lifespan.
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In Closing
As always, I welcome your questions on this and any
other part of the fertility treatment process. I am
honored to be chosen by so many patients to be the
medical professional to help them achieve pregnancy.
May this time of year bring peace to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD
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