The constant advisement of outside voices, reminding me to not over think the process and just have fun. But it is so hard to do so, when all of your actions lead to zero results.
When you’re younger, you might think that having a baby will be so easy and can happened in a blink of an eye. As a teenager, I remember shows like MTV’s 16 and pregnant and being terrified this it would happen to me, even by just looking at a young man. The older I became, I realized that it doesn’t work that way and I was afraid that I would have difficulty in this department. Today, I’m going to research the subject of infertility in hopes of helping other couples that are struggling with getting pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10% of women (6.1 million) in the U.S. ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
At the early stages of starting a family, excitement is the first feeling that might comes to you. In reality, the most common and overwhelming emotion felt is disappointment. Within our society, women can be shamed and made to feel embarrassed about not being able to conceive. We don’t need to take pity on ourselves because there are so many treatments available to us more than ever.
Infertility, means not being able to get pregnant after one year, six months if over the age of 35, and if you are able to conceive but unable to stay pregnant, according to womensheath.gov. This website also states ovulation issues can be a major cause of symptoms of infertility among women. Irregular or nonexistent periods can also be another sign.
As for men, the major fertility problems are caused by sperm issues such as lower count, shape, and speed. But of course there are so many complications that can cause issues conceiving so more than likely both parties will need to be evaluated.
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR ?
I can understand that you might dread the thought of asking for help. These same emotions of upset, might also occur when dealing with infertility. Admitting there is a problem is the hardest and most important step.
When my husband and I decided to start having children, I had this weird feeling something was going to go wrong. I had not yet researched anything about infertility, so I had no reason to believe that I was going to have problems getting pregnant. I then made an appointment with an OBGY/N to get check out and get all of my questions answered.
I was so glad that I did this, because it really eased my mind about the situation. At that time, the doctor advised that after 6 months or more of trying and we are still unsuccessful that I would need to come back for further review.
There isn’t a right or wrong time to contact your health care provider, but remember you decided what plan or route you want to take. This your body so if something isn’t right, your inner voice, will tell you the best thing to do.
So remember the golden rule, 6 months to a year of trying to conceive according to resent research. Just trying to relax and creating your own rules, can give you a peace of mind.
TREATMENTS
After infertility is a known issue, there are many different ways to handle the situation. So you can begin researching different methods, to get yourself prepared for this new journey. Fears of the unknown can cause unnecessary stress which isn’t good at all.
At this point, medical testing and exams will be ran to trying to find the root of the problem. Finding the cause of infertility, can be a very long and emotional process due to all of the strenuous testing that may need to be done, according to womenshealth.gov.
There are many kinds of treatments such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination, and assisted reproductive technology. But remember, what works for one person, may not be a fix for the next. Communication between you and your healthcare provider is very important. Before an appointment, try to make a list of questions and concerns you may have for the doctor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hopefully, I have been able to ease your mind with these infertility facts. Creating another human can be a long and draining process. The most important thing is not to get discouraged, because there is plenty of resources right at your finger tips. So try not to feel ashamed or defeated when asking for help. Just know that if you’re struggling with these issues, my deepest condolences are with you and your family.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with also being proactive in talking with your doctor about your concerns, similar to what I did. Everyone’s journey and timeline is going to be different. So try really hard not to compare your situation to other people. Everything will fall into place and everything happens for a reason.
