For many couples, the decision to start a family is as simple as the decision itself, with pregnancy quickly following and plans for delivery becoming the focus. But for others, conception is difficult and the effort to have a child becomes a source of anguish.
Infertility – defined as when a couple is unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex – is more common than many realize. National Infertility Awareness Week 2024 – observed April 21-27 – is aimed at bringing more attention to this problem.
According to the World Health Organization, as many as 1 in 6 couples will have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, and as couples begin to wait longer to start families, those numbers could increase. Causes of infertility vary, but a woman’s age can be a key factor. Every year after age 30, a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant decreases significantly. More couples are waiting to start their families in their 30s and even early 40s, and recommendations now are to consult your doctor if you are over 35 and have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for just 6 months.
Unfortunately, infertility testing doesn’t always provide answers for couples trying to have a baby, but certain symptoms or family history make consulting a doctor advisable.
For women:
- An irregular menstrual cycle
- Endometriosis or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Previous miscarriage
For men:
- Sexual dysfunction
- History of testicular trauma
- History of chemotherapy
Testing may provide some clarity on what types of treatment are best for your situation, but even if test results show no clear cause of your infertility, there are treatment options that may help. Your doctor’s recommendations may be based on how long you have been trying to conceive, as well as your age and the age of your partner. In many cases, the best treatment will be the one you choose based on discussions with your doctor about risks and success rates of the various options.
Treatment for infertility
Infertility treatment may involve medications, surgery, intrauterine insemination (IUI), assisted reproductive technology, or some combination of medication and IUI. Treatments can come with risks – for example, fertility drugs increase the chance of a woman having multiples, which can lead to problems with the pregnancy and premature birth. Assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, can have varying success rates.
The good news is couples have options, and advances in technology are making it possible for more couples who thought they were infertile to conceive and deliver healthy babies.
Supporting a friend?
If you are planning a family, odds are you know someone who is having difficulty getting pregnant. While it can be hard to know how to approach these situations, doctors and fertility experts suggest frank discussion is best. Infertility brings uncertainty for couples experiencing it, so simply expressing your concern and asking what you might do to support them can be most helpful.
Other tips:
- If you become pregnant, don’t hide it. Your friend should hear it from you.
- Don’t offer suggestions as to what might work. Every situation is different.
- Don’t complain about being tired, feeling sick, etc., as these are things they wish for!
- Invite them to events with your children. Let them decide whether they are up to coming.
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant or have questions about starting a family, contact Stark Women’s Center to schedule a consultation. Infertility specialists are available to help you.