Bookmark This Page

Delicious Google Bookmarks Stumbleupon Digg BlinkList Ma.gnolia Reddit Yahoo My Web

The Truth about Infertility: Separating the Myth from the Facts

It seems that wherever you go and whoever you talk to, everyone knows someone who is struggling with infertility. This leads many folks to assume that they know something about this painful, frustrating and embarrassing condition, but the truth is that many of the “facts” that circulate about this medical issue are incorrect and sadly misleading.

This does not do much to help the couple that is dealing with this problem, since the frustration over not being able to have a child can be compounded by the feeling that no one truly understands what they are going through. That is why it is so important to separate the fact from the fiction when dealing with such an important and difficult issue as infertility.

How Prevalent is the Problem?

While it may seem that everyone around you is getting pregnant without a problem while you are struggling to conceive, the truth is that infertility might be more common than you think. Most statistics in the United States show that one in every eight couples falls into this category.

Most doctors will recommend that you seek medical help if you have unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant for one year or more. This debunks the myth that in order to conceive, all you have to do is relax and wait. The truth is that if your infertility issue is caused by an underlying medical problem, the sooner you get in and get treatment, the sooner you will see that positive pregnancy test. Don’t wait to contact your doctor if you think that there might be a problem.

How is it Treated?

There are many options in infertility treatment today, and most do not include adoption, relaxation or trying a different position in bed. Adoption is not a cure for infertility, but it is a wonderful means of bringing children into your family. Relaxation techniques may have their benefits, but conception is generally not one of them. And it is no one’s business what goes on in the privacy of your bedroom. 

While these may be the “solutions” that you hear from those with better intentions than information, the truth is that there are any number of possible solutions to your infertility crisis. The key is in getting into your doctor for a complete medical workup and possible treatment for the cause of your inability to conceive. For some it is as simple as taking hormones, and for others it may be as complex as in vitro fertilization (IVF), but there are options available.

It is Usually not Permanent

For the large percentage of couples that face this crisis, there will be an end to the struggle. For some it will be a successful treatment plan that results in a healthy pregnancy and baby. For others, it will be an adoption as a means of expanding the family. For some, a child-free lifestyle will become the solution. The important thing to keep in mind is that infertility will not be your entire identity forever.