What To Do If You Have Infertility
Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, causing emotional strain and often requiring medical intervention. Oftentimes, it can be hard to know what to do once you know you have infertility, especially while trying to process the diagnosis. Learning more about infertility and having a plan for your next steps can be a helpful strategy for navigating your journey, especially with the right support.
What Is Infertility?
The first step after receiving a diagnosis of infertility is to understand what it means. Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after a year of trying for those under 35 years of age or after six months for those 35 years of age or older. There are two types of infertility: primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility refers to individuals or couples who have never been pregnant, while secondary infertility affects those who have been pregnant in the past but are struggling to become pregnant again.
Infertility affects both men and women equally. The reasons for infertility in women can vary; ovulation disorders, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, and age-related decline in egg quality and quantity are some of the most common reasons for it.
Similarly, male infertility can stem from issues like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, or structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, which can be identified through a semen analysis. Genetic disorders, infections, and lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to fertility problems.
Receiving an infertility diagnosis can be a difficult thing to process, but it’s important to remember that infertility is a medical condition, not a reflection of personal failure or inadequacy.
What Should I Do After An Infertility Diagnosis?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with infertility, the next step is to see a fertility specialist who can help you explore your options. When choosing a fertility center, it’s important to make sure that you feel comfortable there. Make sure you feel empowered to talk about your concerns and that you always feel any questions you have are answered in a way you can understand. The entire experience should be a safe and positive one that makes you feel like it’s all about you and building your family.
When facing infertility, understanding the root cause is important in developing an effective treatment plan. Fertility assessments are designed to pinpoint these causes through a series of noninvasive tests and evaluations. All testing is usually done within 2-3 weeks and is a straightforward method to get a better idea of both male and female reproductive health.
For men, the assessment begins with a simple semen analysis.This test evaluates various aspects of sperm health, including count, motility, and morphology. By examining these factors, your doctor can figure out if any issues are present in the sperm that could be making it harder for the sperm to meet and fertilize the egg. While additional tests may be necessary in some cases, the semen analysis is the most important step in understanding male fertility.
Female fertility assessments involve a combination of tests.Your doctor may suggest a pelvic sonogram, an ultrasound that provides detailed images of the uterus and ovaries. This allows them to see the structure and health of your reproductive organs and helps identify potential abnormalities and estimate the egg supply through an antral follicle count.
Blood tests to measure key hormones that play a role infertility are also completed when undergoing a fertility assessment. Among these hormones, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), prolactin, and thyroid levels are particularly important, as these hormones can provide an overview of your ovarian function and overall reproductive health.
Lastly, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) may be carried out, which is a type of x-ray that evaluates the fallopian tubes. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the uterus, allowing doctors to visualize the shape of the uterus and condition of the fallopian tubes. By checking this, doctors can see if the tubes are open or blocked.
By combining these four simple tests – semen analysis for men, pelvic sonogram, blood tests, and HSG for women – fertility specialists can identify most factors contributing to infertility. It's estimated that approximately one third of couples experiencing infertility have a male factor, while one third have a female factor. The remaining one third of couples have either a combination of male and female factors, or unexplained infertility.
Once testing is complete, your doctor will review the results with you and discuss your treatment options. This consultation will provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your path to parenthood. During this appointment, you should ask questions, voice any concerns you have, and work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your family-building goals and personal preferences.
How Is Infertility Treated?
Advancements in fertility treatments have given us a variety of avenues to treat infertility, depending on the underlying causes and individual circumstances of each patient. Some of the most common treatments for infertility include:
Fertility Medications
Fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole (Femara) may be prescribed to induce ovulation in women who do not release an egg on their own. In some cases, injectable hormones called gonadotropins may be used to stimulate ovulation more aggressively in women who did not ovulate after taking Clomid or Femara.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This treatment can be used with fertility medications to help your chances of conception, particularly for couples with mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization is a treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus to try to achieve pregnancy. IVF may be recommended for couples with severe male factor infertility, infertility related to the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or other underlying causes of infertility.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI is a procedure used alongside IVF, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg in a lab to facilitate fertilization. This technique is often used when the cause of infertility is rooted in issues like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape.
Donor Eggs or Sperm
In cases where eggs are not viable or sperm quality is poor, donor eggs or sperm may be used to achieve pregnancy. This option allows individuals or couples to build their families with the help of a donor.
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy is when a surrogate carries and delivers a baby on behalf of the intended parents. However, unlike traditional surrogacy, with gestational surrogacy the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby; the embryo that is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus is created using eggs and sperm from the intended parents. This option is considered if you are unable to carry a pregnancy to term due to medical reasons or recurrent pregnancy loss.
The right treatment will vary depending on your unique circumstances. A thorough evaluation and support from a fertility specialist will help you create a personalized treatment plan that is right for your family.
How Can I Find Support For Infertility?
Infertility is not just a physical condition; it's an emotional journey that can take a toll on individuals and couples alike. As you navigate the challenges of the condition, finding emotional support is just as important as seeing a doctor so that you can maintain your emotional well-being and manage your experience with resilience. Here are some avenues for seeking support during your fertility journey:
Support Groups
Joining a support group for people experiencing infertility can provide a sense of community and connection with others who understand what you're going through. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences, express emotions, and offer and receive support. Whether in-person or online, support groups can be a valuable source of encouragement as you navigate the ups and downs of your journey.
Counseling
Individual or couples counseling can be an invaluable resource for processing emotions, managing stress, and strengthening communication skills. A trained therapist can provide a nonjudgmental space to explore your feelings, fears, and hopes surrounding infertility. Counseling can also help you develop coping strategies and resilience techniques to navigate the challenges of infertility with greater ease.
Lean on Loved Ones
Don't underestimate the power of leaning on friends and family for support during this difficult time. While they may not fully understand the intricacies of infertility, loved ones can offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, and practical help as needed. Open up to trusted family members and friends about what you’re going through, and let them be a source of comfort and support.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is essential when navigating infertility. Make time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment.Whether it's practicing yoga, going for a walk in nature or indulging in a favorite hobby, prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.Remember to also attend to your physical health by eating well, engaging in physical activities like yoga, and getting enough rest.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power when it comes to infertility. Take the time to educate yourself about the various aspects of infertility, including causes, treatments, and support resources. Understanding the medical and emotional dimensions of infertility can help you feel more empowered and in control of your journey. Ask questions, seek out reputable sources of information, and stay informed about your options every step of the way.
Advocate for Your Needs
Don't hesitate to advocate for your needs and preferences as you navigate your healthcare. Communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns, questions, and treatment goals. If you feel that you're not getting the support or information you need, don't be afraid to seek a second opinion or explore alternative care options. Your voice and your needs matter, and advocating for yourself can help ensure that you receive the personalized care and support you deserve.
If you’ve been diagnosed with infertility, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are steps you can take to explore your options, understand your diagnosis, and find support along the way. By working closely with a fertility specialist and leaning on your support network, you can navigate this journey with resilience and hope. If you’re looking for a fertility center to support your journey, we hope you’ll reach out to us today so that our team can help you build your dream family.
