Infertility – You Are Not Alone
It isn’t your fault and you aren’t the only one
Infertility can be devastating to a couple that has been trying for months, or even years to have a baby. It can be even harder for the woman who has always dreamt of becoming a mother.
When you realize you are having difficulty conceiving, the first thing to do is breathe, relax, and realize that it is neither you or your partner’s fault. The worst thing you can do is let it take a toll on the relationship or your mental health. Sadly, infertility affects about 15% of couples in the US. It is a natural occurrence that happens to many and added stress is not something that will help the situation.
Increasing your chances naturally
It is important to stay positive and understand the facts. Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. In fact, 75% of couples take up to 6 months to successfully conceive and there are measures you can take to increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant. Lifestyle changes such as losing or gaining weight, increasing or decreasing exercise, quitting bad habits such as smoking, or changing when and how often you have sex may also help increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
The best way to increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant is by tracking your menstrual cycle carefully and having sexual intercourse during ovulation. To make it easier, there are calendars and kits to help you track and test when you are ovulating.
Couples are encouraged to try this method for 6-12 months without any form of birth control. If you are still having trouble after this point, it is time to reach out to your doctor to explore other options.
What are your options?
Whether it is the male or female’s fertility that is compromised, there are treatments for both to make conception more likely. There are medications that can increase or induce ovulation, minor procedures to improve the health of reproductive organs, and other assisted reproductive technologies. Technologies can involve medically processing eggs, sperm or both so that conception can occur.
Your doctor is your expert and your advocate. Having open communication with them will bring forward your greatest success.