Hi everyone, I had my first FET yesterday and was recently prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). I’ve struggled with anxiety for most of my life, but this is the first time I’ve considered medication.
A big part of my anxiety is health-related, largely because I went nearly 12 years with undiagnosed Crohn’s disease before finally receiving treatment about two years ago. That experience definitely shaped how I process medical situations.
After everything infertility and IVF/FET put us through mentally and physically, I decided to seriously explore anxiety treatment. I started thinking ahead — if this transfer or future transfers are successful, I worry about spending an entire pregnancy overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, especially after wanting this for so many years.
The difficult part is the timing. Since my FET was just yesterday, I’m torn between starting sertraline now or waiting until after my pregnancy test. I’m nervous about potential side effects, but all of my doctors have supported taking it and emphasized that protecting my mental health during this process is incredibly important. (It’s worth noting I accidentally picked up a stool I had in my bedroom without thinking last night and essentially went into a panic attack because my clinic gave instructions of no lifting and bed rest 🥴)
I’m really hoping to hear from others who started an SSRI, especially Zoloft, during IVF, around FET, or early pregnancy.
- When did you start?
- How were your side effects?
- Did it help you feel more emotionally stable during the process?
I’d really appreciate hearing any personal experiences.