If you are reading this, is very likely that you may have recently received a diagnosis of infertility. Maybe you have been scouring the Internet for information to help you on the journey you are about to face. You aren’t alone. Let us help you get started with some of the basics about infertility.
- Infertility is more common than you think. One in every ten couples faces infertility. If you open up to those around you, you are bound to hear stories from others who have walked this path. And chances are a lot of those stories have happy endings.
- Up to 13% of infertility can be caused by smoking. About 25% is caused by ovulation issues. Over 1/3 of women over 35 will experience infertility. In 25% of infertile couples, more than one factor is involved.
- IVF isn’t the only infertility treatment. When couples receive a diagnosis of infertility, they often jump right to thinking they will need expensive IVF. In many cases, however, IVF is not the first option. Timed intercourse, medications, and intrauterine insemination may be treatment options, depending on the cause of your infertility.
- It’s probably not your fault. When it’s your body, it hard not to feel some sense of responsibility for how it is functioning or not functioning. However, in most cases, your infertility was not caused by something you did or didn’t do. If you smoke, make a plan to quit ASAP.
- It’s probably not his fault, either. In about 40% of cases, male factor problems can cause infertility, and, if that’s the case, understand it’s probably not his fault, either. That said, smoking reduces sperm count and motility,, so if he smokes, he should quit, too.
- It’s very well may be a roller coaster ride. This is an emotional situation, and no matter how long it takes and down which path your experience takes you, there will be a lot of emotional ups and downs. You will need good people around you.
- Write down your questions. At FTC we want to keep you informed and help you understand your treatment process fully. We have heard every question imaginable, so don’t be shy. Write down those questions and bring them to your appointment so we can take away some of the anxiety related to diagnostics, treatments or medications.
- An unhealthy lifestyle can affect your fertility. Yes, it can, so take care of yourself. Eating better, exercising, getting enough sleep, and making lifestyle choices that lower your stress levels can increase your fertility measurably.
- You can do this. Yes, at times it may be hard. Yes, it will be emotional. Yes, it may take time. But you can do this. You can face infertility.
- Often there’s a more than good chance of success. Success rates vary widely depending on the age of the woman and the cause or causes of infertility. The good news is that at FTC we utilize treatments and technologies that have allowed more patients to become parents seemingly than ever before. With the help of the fertility specialists on our team, it could happen for you, too.
