Joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a transformative force that can change perspectives, renew hope, and strengthen decisions. August 1st marks the International Day of Joy, a date that invites us to recognize the value of smiling, being grateful, and moving forward—even in the midst of challenges.
At Ingenes, we know that many people who want to become moms and dads experience an emotional rollercoaster. The process of trying to get pregnant can be filled with complex moments: painful diagnoses, demanding treatments, and questions without clear answers. However, we’ve also witnessed the deep joy that emerges in every step of the journey: in good medical news, in the support from the team, in a positive test, in an ultrasound… and, of course, in the arms that finally hold that long-awaited baby.
Today we want to celebrate this International Day of Joy by reminding you that there’s also room for joy during the fertility process, and that you deserve to find it even before your baby arrives.
Why Does the International Day of Joy Exist?
This celebration was proposed in 2010 by Colombian Alfonso Becerra, with the aim of promoting a positive attitude toward life, beyond personal, cultural, or social circumstances. Unlike other commemorative days tied to historical events, the Day of Joy was born to remind us that happiness is also a daily decision.
Although it may seem difficult at times, cultivating joy can have a real impact on emotional and physical health. And when we talk about fertility, this becomes even more relevant.
Joy and Fertility: Is There a Real Connection?
Yes, and it’s deeper than you might think. While fertility is tied to physiological and medical processes, emotions significantly influence overall well-being—including hormonal balance, sleep quality, ovulation, and the body’s response to treatments.
Several studies have shown that:
- Chronic stress can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation.
- Ongoing anxiety decreases sperm quality in men.
- Positive emotions such as gratitude, laughter, and joy improve cardiovascular and immune health.
- In assisted reproduction treatments, patients who feel supported and emotionally stable respond better and stay more committed.
That’s why at Ingenes we don’t just focus on offering personalized medical solutions—we also care for your emotional health by providing safe spaces, psychological support, and tools to help you feel heard, understood, and emotionally strong.
Joy Doesn’t Mean Denying What’s Hard, But Making Room for What’s Possible
When someone comes to Ingenes, they often arrive with a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, exhaustion, hope, frustration. And all of them are valid.
However, we’ve also seen how—even in the most uncertain moments—joy can exist:
- When you receive a clear diagnosis and finally understand what’s happening with your body.
- When you realize you’re not alone, and that there are people who truly believe you can make it.
- When you connect with other stories like yours that ended with a positive test.
- When you decide to keep trying because your desire is bigger than your fear.
Celebrating joy isn’t about ignoring what’s hard. It’s about making space for what’s possible.
Joy Also Lives in Our Laboratories
In every embryo that develops, in every medical team that reviews your tests with care, in every embryologist who observes the progress of your fertilized eggs under the microscope—there is joy. Joy in work done well, in science that delivers results, in the everyday miracle that occurs when new life begins.
There’s also joy in our hallways, when one of our moms writes to say, “It finally came back positive!” or when she returns with her baby to share the chapter she dreamed of for so long. That joy moves us every single day!
How Can You Cultivate Joy During Fertility Treatment?
Here are some tips from our experience supporting thousands of patients:
1. Celebrate the Small Wins
Sometimes we wait for the big news and forget that every step matters. Having the courage to ask for help, going to your first appointment, getting a diagnosis, starting a treatment… all of that deserves recognition.
2. Connect with Your Purpose
You’re not doing this impulsively. You’re making brave choices for something you deeply want. Remembering your “why” can help you stay strong and positive.
3. Surround Yourself with People Who Understand You
Having a support network, even a small one, makes a big difference. Share your emotions with people who will listen without judgment—or join spaces like the ones we offer at Ingenes, where many women find support and connection.
4. Enjoy What You Already Have Today
The wait can be long, but it’s also full of life moments. Reconnect with what you love: reading, dancing, cooking, traveling, writing… don’t put your life on pause while your baby arrives.
5. Allow Yourself to Feel Joy
Sometimes it feels like we can only be happy if everything goes perfectly. But in reality, every time you allow yourself to enjoy something, your body and mind receive a dose of well-being—and that can also support your fertility.
Joy Also Brings You Closer to Your Baby
Today, on the International Day of Joy, we want to tell you this: you can feel joy during this process—even if you don’t yet have a positive result.
You can feel it in your courage to keep going, in small pieces of good news, in advancing science, in the support you receive, and in every step that brings you closer to your baby.
At Ingenes, we believe part of our work is to return joy to those who feel they’ve lost it. That’s why we design comprehensive solutions that go beyond medicine—we’re here for you emotionally, with empathy, respect, and conviction.
Because your baby will not only be the result of science, but also of your strength, your decisions… and all the joy you still have left to live.