Entry bubble Infertility: Part 2 - Coping and Options

By: Ginger | October 24, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

My blog last week was about the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Decisions and choices become more difficult as a person progresses through the journey with infertility. With each attempt, the anxiety escalates, as does the potential cost (health insurance coverage varies) and the grief experienced if the attempts fail.

It is important to learn how to cope with those feelings. Psychological factors can impact a person’s fertility. The following things can help you and your partner get through this crisis:

  • Keep communication open between you and your partner. Approach infertility as a team.
  • Educate yourselves about all aspects of infertility.
  • Keep an optimistic attitude, but be realistic by setting limits on how long you are willing to try and how much you are willing to pay.
  • Seek emotional support from doctors and others in support groups.
  • Pursue other interests. Don’t let infertility take over your life.

Medline Plus has a section on coping with infertility that has helpful information. The Federal Citizen Information Center in Pueblo, CO has a mental health links page that offers links to sites that can help you deal with stress, grief, and anxiety.

Coping with infertility can be particularly difficult at holidays and family gatherings. People don’t mean to be cruel, but sometimes they say things that hurt. Talking to friends and family about your infertility may help you and it may help them to understand better what you are going through.

If pregnancy doesn’t happen, it is disappointing, but there are other options. Adoption or foster care for a child in need is a good option. There are many children in the U.S. who need a good family. International adoption may be a more involved process, but it is also an alternative. However, not everyone decides to adopt. Some people get more involved in the lives of children through a Big Brother/Big Sister program.

Ginger with her nephews in Colorado.

In my own case, my journey with infertility ended several years ago and I have accepted that I will never be a mom. I try to keep my life active and fulfilling by spending time with my 5 nephews (that’s Cam and Bryce with me on a vacation in Colorado). I may never be a mom, but I try to be a good aunt.

Life goes on and we all find our way to cope. How do you cope with infertility?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: adoption   ginger   infertility   reproduction  

 

Entry bubble Infertility: Part 1 - Diagnosis and Treatment

By: Ginger | October 17, 2008 | Category: Health

A worried woman.At my last hair appointment, my stylist shared with me that she and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, but have been unsuccessful in conceiving. As we talked, I could hear the sadness and anxiety in her voice. Hearing her story brought back memories and feelings of my own attempt to overcome infertility. I wanted to help in some way, so I did some research.

I learned that next week is National Infertility Awareness Week, so today’s blog is about the diagnosis and treatments for infertility. Next Friday’s topic will be about coping with infertility and options for people unable to have children.

USA.gov and Womenshealth.gov have FAQ pages that answer some frequently asked infertility questions and provide some links to good resources. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects about 7.3 million women and their partners in the U.S.

The causes of infertility are numerous. Couples are generally advised to seek medical help if pregnancy is not achieved after a year. Both partners should be examined to determine the physical disorders that may be causing infertility. The cause or causes can involve one or both partners.

Premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and uterine fibroids are just a few of the problems that can cause female infertility. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as age, stress, poor diet, and being overweight can also affect a woman’s fertility.

Urologyhealth.org, the Madigan Army Medical Center, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Familydoctor.org have information related to male infertility.

Diagnosis of infertility and treatment can be a lengthy process. It may take many months of tests and attempts to overcome infertility. Treatments vary according to the diagnosis. Surgery, medications, intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology are all potential treatments.

Infertility affects a lot of people. If you have information or resources to share, please send a comment. Stay tuned for my blog next Friday about how to cope with the emotional stress of infertility.

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: ginger   infertility