Infertility affects 10% of women in the United States ages 15-44. That may seem like a small number but that is equal to 6.1 million women. I have had friends that needed treatments though and heard horror stories. Something so personal should be a smooth process, not a scary one. When you feel it may be time to start infertility treatments please know these 6 things.
The Clinic
The quality of care and clinics varies widely. Do your research thoroughly and get many opinions before choosing a provider. Use up every review resource out there to make your decision. Don’t forget that once you choose a clinic to research the doctor you’d like to use as well. A great clinic can still have mediocre physicians.
Treatment
Treatment is like having a part-time job. Between blood draws, ultrasounds, injections, appointments, phone calls, and follow-ups, the process will take over a much large portion of your schedule than you realize. Be prepared to manage conflicts at work and at home because they two will definitely collide eventually.
Discuss Treatments
Talking about treatments is hard, but not talking can be worse. It may be difficult to talk with family and friends about your infertility treatments due to your own fears. You don’t want to here unsolicited advice on different ways you should try conceiving, foods to eat, etc because you’ve already tried it all.
Alternatively, not telling anyone can be incredibly isolating and you need all the support you can get. To avoid being overwhelmed, maybe choose a select few to share your struggles with. Let them no ahead of time what they can do to support you so they don’t make the situation worse.
Relinquish Control
No matter what you do you are not in control of the process. You can down all the juice and acupuncture poking you’d like but in the end you are not in control of the outcome. It will make you want to scream and pull your hair out. The 2 week wait is seriously the worse when all you want to see is a plus sign but just hang in there and breathe. There’s nothing more you can do at this point but trust the process.
Emotional Tolls on Relationships
Infertility and money are one of the largest stress inducing factors on a relationship. You need to make your partner aware of ways they can be involved in the process. Ask them to be with you during your injections if you want. Ask them to simply wait in the lobby and speak with the nurse with what’s going on. Need a counselor to get through the process? Go for it! You’re not in this alone so let your partner know what you need.
Simply No Guarantees
Most doctors will tell patients to be prepared for the worst, the negative pregnancy sign. Though your odds are better to conceive once you hit 3 cycles or more, this doesn’t guarantee you will fall pregnant. Think of the process as a really long marathon. You have to train for months and be prepared for your body to go through some rough times but in the end you will cross the finish line.
Pregnancy is hard but not being able to conceive naturally is harder. Even though it may seem like there is no end in sight, hang in there. Your family can come one way or another.
This was such a great read. So many people’s relationships crumble under the stress of trying to have a baby. It’s important to talk about the whole thing from every angle before doing it.
I haven’t been through infertility treatments myself, but I know it’s a hard struggle. I always try to support those that are going through them.
I had a close friend who struggled with infertility. It was such an emotional roller coaster for her, and her husband. The treatments did not work for them. They ended up adopting and he is precious.
I feel for those who have to go through this. It is great that you have put all this out there to help people on this joruney!
I struggled with infertility for a long time! I was SUCH a hard time in our life, but I am SO glad we did it! Thank you for sharing this you hit the nail right on the head!
I was lucky to not have issues with fertility – and even so, I was stressed at the possibility of issues conceiving. I can’t imagine all the work it takes!
My friend is just starting her journey with fertility treatments. It has been so hard to watch her struggle for the last few years.
I was very lucky I never had to struggle with this. I have a few friends who are not as lucky and I really feel sad for them.
These are all great things to know about before anyone starts fertility treatments. Great post.
Thanks so much for sharing. We really must know about it. It is really helps to everyone especially for those who not aware.
Talking about treatments is hard, but not talking can be harder.
It sounds like there is a lot to learn! Great resource for people who are going through this tough time.
I know infertility is a huge stress. To be honest, I feel blessed that I was able to have just one in the situation that I was in when married. And my daughter is a huge blessing to me.
I am thankful that I didn’t have to deal with major infertility issues. It took a bit longer than expected to get pregnant with my youngest, I was afraid that we were going to go down this road. It is nice that there are options for those who struggle with infertility issues.
I’ve had fertility issues in the past and had to see a reproductive endocrinologist. It’s heartbreaking, and I cried a lot. Thankfully, it’s only taken a cycle or two each time to get pregnant, so I’m a lucky one. I’m now having baby #4, who will be my last due to some bad, bad complications that are causing me to have a cesarian hysterectomy.