Did you know that 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility? If you’re one of those people, you may feel like you’re all alone – but you’re not. Infertility touches so many people and there are resources available to help you. By arming yourself with knowledge, you will be better prepared to face this difficult challenge and make better sense of your fertility journey. This blog post is for anyone who is struggling with infertility – whether they just found out or they’ve been dealing with it for a while. Keep reading to learn more.

What is infertility and what are the causes?

If you’re a hopeful parent, infertility can be one of the most devastating experiences you’ll ever go through. You may feel like you’re alone, but infertility does not discriminate. 

So what exactly is infertility? Infertility is defined as the inability to either conceive after 12 months of unprotected sex and or six months if you’re a woman over 35. It can also be used to describe the inability to carry a pregnancy to term, which we’ll discuss in an upcoming blog.

In around 45 percent of female infertility cases, problems with ovulation or the fallopian tubes are key risk factors. Terms like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis will be part of your standard vernacular as you navigate the waves of information as you continue to learn about infertility. Other causes include fibroids, and hormonal imbalances and age, as well as a variety of other factors including you may be contributing to such as health and lifestyle choices. Male factor infertility accounts for around 20 percent of cases.

For many hopeful parents, infertility can be a frustrating and isolating experience. However, there are many resources available to help hopeful parents navigate the challenges of infertility. With modern medical advances, there are more options than ever before for couples who want to have a family so don’t lose hope.

How do you know if you’re infertile or not?

There’s no one answer to this question, as there are different causes of infertility and different ways to test for it. One way is to keep track of your menstrual cycle. If you don’t ovulate regularly, it could be a sign that you’re infertile. Another way to check is to have your doctor test your hormone levels. If your FSH levels are high, it could indicate that you’re not ovulating properly. Lastly, your doctor may also recommend an ovarian reserve test, which measures the number of eggs in your ovaries. If this number is low, it could mean that you have a lower chance of getting pregnant. It’s worth talking to your doctor about whether fertility testing might be right for you. Keep in mind questions like these that can provide possible clues as to what may be contributing to your infertility concerns:

• Do you have irregular or absent menstrual cycles?
• Do you have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease?
• Are you over the age of 35?
• Do you suffer from fatigue or abnormal weight gain?
• Have you had multiple miscarriages?

What are your treatment options if you’re diagnosed with infertility?

If you’re diagnosed with infertility, you have several treatment options available to you that include medications, surgery and assisted reproductive technology (ART) like in vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF. Ultimately, the best treatment option for you will depend on the underlying cause of your infertility. However, below we’re only going to cover the most common ART options:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body, and then the resulting embryo is implanted into the uterus. IVF is used when a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked or when a man produces too few sperm. It’s also used if the woman produces eggs that aren’t able to be fertilized, or if the couple has had multiple miscarriages. IVF can also be used to choose embryos that don’t have certain genetic diseases. IVF is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments, and it has helped countless couples achieve their dream of starting a family. While the success rate of IVF varies from couple to couple, many couples who undergo IVF treatment do go on to have a baby.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a fertility treatment that is often used in conjunction with IVF and involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. The egg is then incubated and monitored for fertilization. If successful, the fertilized egg is then implanted into the uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is generally considered to be a more effective fertility treatment than traditional methods, such as traditional IVF in some cases. This is because it allows for a higher percentage of eggs to be fertilized and results in fewer miscarriages. In addition, ICSI can be used to treat male infertility caused by low sperm count or poor sperm motility. As a result, this fertility treatment offers hope to couples who have been struggling to conceive.
• IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus. IUI is often used when the cause of infertility is unknown, when there are no sperm in the semen, or when the sperm are unable to swim properly. The IUI procedure is typically done using a catheter, which is a thin tube that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. Once the catheter is in place, the doctor will carefully deposit the sperm into the uterus. IUI can be done with either fresh or frozen sperm. The success rate of IUI varies depending on a number of factors, but it is generally lower than other fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IUI is often less expensive and less invasive than IVF, making it an attractive option for many couples struggling with infertility.

If you are considering IVF, be sure to speak with your doctor about all of your options and what is best for your particular situation.

How does infertility affect both men and women differently?

While infertility can have a significant impact on both men and women, the experience is often very different for each gender. For women, the physical and emotional effects of infertility can be devastating. Many women feel like they are “less than” because they are unable to conceive, and the treatment process can be both physically and emotionally draining. In addition, infertility can take a toll on a woman’s self-esteem and body image. The physical changes that occur during fertility treatments can be very hard to deal with, and the constant disappointment of failed cycles can be extremely discouraging.

For men, the experience of infertility is often more subtle. While men may feel just as frustrated as their partner at their inability to conceive, they often don’t feel the same sense of loss or failure. In addition, because most fertility treatments require sperm donation, many men feel like they are able to participate in the process in a more active way. However, infertility can still take an emotional toll on men, particularly if they feel like they are not being supportive enough of their partner.

What should you do if you’re struggling with infertility and don’t know where to turn for help?

It’s no secret that infertility can be a difficult and emotionally charged issue. If you’re struggling with fertility and don’t know where to turn, here are a few suggestions. First, try talking to your friends or family members who have been through similar experiences. They may be able to offer support and advice. Second, consider meeting with a fertility specialist. A specialist can help you understand your options and make a plan for moving forward. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek out counseling or therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking to a professional can help you work through your feelings and find ways to cope with infertility. Whatever path you choose, remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are resources and people available to support you every step of the way.

If you’re struggling with infertility, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that affects many couples. The good news is that there are resources available to help you cope with infertility and improve your chances of conceiving. Here are a few things you can do if you’re struggling with infertility:

• Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand the cause of your infertility and recommend treatment options.
• Join a support group. There are many groups available for couples struggling with infertility. This can be a great way to share your experiences and get support from others who understand what you’re going through.
• Seek counseling. Counseling can help you deal with the emotional challenges of infertility. It can also help you develop coping strategies and explore other options, such as adoption or donor services.
• Get educated about fertility treatments. There are many different treatment options available, and it’s important to learn about all of them before making a decision. You may want to consult with a fertility specialist to learn more about your options.
• Be patient and stay positive. Infertility can be a long and difficult journey, but it’s important to stay positive and be patient throughout.

Beverly Hills Fertility is committed to being exceptional

While infertility can be frustrating and heartbreaking, it’s important to remember that there are many resources available to help you on your journey to parenthood. At Beverly Hills Fertility, we carried out a comprehensive pursuit to bring together the industry’s top medical and scientific minds in order to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients turned parents.

Beverly Hills Fertility was created to be a different type of fertility clinic. Physical and mental well-being are comprehensively addressed as we approach all of the issues patients face along their fertility journey. During diagnosis, therapy, and the inevitable “waiting game”, we make sure your voice is amplified every step of the journey.

We deal with hundreds of the most difficult cases of infertility each year, making us uniquely qualified to assist you in realizing your aspirations, regardless of your diagnosis. Beverly Hills Fertility is focused on investing in innovative technology and scientific procedures that lead to better outcomes and the fastest path to a healthy baby for families. All to give you the success that you deserve.

So don’t give up hope – with determination and the help of a fertility specialist at Beverly Hills Fertility, you can make your dream of having a family a reality. To schedule your consultation, click here or contact us at 310-855-3688.