No one ever told you how hard it might be to get pregnant. Throughout your young adult life, you likely took precautions to ensure you didn’t get pregnant before you were ready. And now? You’ve been trying to conceive for months that have stretched an entire calendar year.
Infertility is more common than you may realize, affecting approximately one in eight couples in America. National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) aims to transform how the world views infertility and provide resolutions to the millions of Americans who are unable to conceive without assistance.
How can infertility affect you?
Infertility can come in many forms and affect both men and women. The leading causes of female infertility are endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), both of which can be treated with the help of a fertility specialist on your journey to building a family. Male infertility affects approximately 30 percent of infertile couples and can be the result of structural abnormalities, sperm production disorders or ejaculatory disturbances.
When is it time to see a fertility specialist?
Couples who have been trying to conceive for 12 consecutive months or more should seek help from a fertility specialist. Women over the age of 35 should seek medical help after only 6 consecutive months.
What types of fertility treatments are available?
During your initial visit, your fertility specialist will look at your medical history and talk with you about fertility testing. Fertility tests involve both the male and female, although more fertility tests are for the female. Once the cause of infertility has been identified, your fertility specialist can determine which treatment is best for you. Below are some common fertility treatment options:
- Fertility drugs, like Clomid, are used to stimulate ovulation.
- Surgery can help fix genetic defects, open blocked fallopian tubes, remove fibroids, remove the tissue of endometriosis and treat PCOS.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which male sperm is injected into the woman’s uterus to help facilitate fertilization.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of extracting eggs from the female, retrieving a sperm sample from the male and manually combining an egg and a sperm in a laboratory dish. Once the embryo has grown for three to five days, it is then transferred back into the female uterus for implantation. The female has a steady course of injections and medications to prepare her body for the entire process and to help her sustain the pregnancy once the transfer is complete.
National Infertility Awareness Week is not just about awareness for one week; it is a movement to reduce the stigma surrounding infertility. It is a movement to raise awareness to those who struggle that there is help. The experienced fertility specialists at the Center for Reproductive Medicine can help you overcome your infertility and help you build the family you’ve always wanted. Contact us today and take the first step toward your future 612-863-5390.
