Dealing with Infertility
Infertility is a catch-all term for the underlying problems of any couples whose efforts to conceive have been repeatedly unsuccessful. There are numerous and varied reasons for infertility, as well as varying degrees. Couples may be completely infertile, as in, medically unable to fertilise an egg together. They may also be subfertile, meaning they are significantly less fertile than a typical couple with the same conditions.
Some couples experience secondary infertility, in which there are complications barring them from getting positive pregnancy test results after much effort and at least one full-term, successful pregnancy. The problem may lay with the woman, the man, or both. In some cases, the cause of infertility is unknown.
Emotional State and Marital Success
Infertility affects more than the results of a pregnancy test. Infertile couples experience intense stress and anxiety over their condition, leading to depression and difficulty coping with everyday situations. Many a marriage has fallen apart over continued negative pregnancy test results. Interestingly, this additional stress can affect sexual performance and fertility, so that worrying about another negative pregnancy test may actually cause it to happen!
However, the negatives of infertility can be offset by therapy and a number of alternatives to biological procreation. Medication that encourages ovulation or makes the woman's body more fertile, such as Clomid, can also have a positive effect on both mood and attitude. Group therapy has helped many infertile and subfertile women conceive; sometimes having a place to vent those fears and desires is all that's needed to win the pregnancy test results they long for.
Keeping Hope Alive
The most important facet of a relationship where fertility is problematic is maintaining a positive outlook. Taking the focus off the importance of a pregnancy test or a fertility chart can change your perspectives and help both of you relax. Remember that every try is another step closer to success; others are experiencing the same issues; and, every time you take a pregnancy test, you're opening your heart to the possibility of success.
Many infertile couples turn to in vitro fertilisation, or IVF, as an alternative. Using IVF, the couple can choose to have a fertilised egg implanted in the uterus, where it will hopefully grow into a viable fetus. The days before and after implantation can be stressful, as it involves pregnancy test after pregnancy test to find out whether the egg has implanted properly, but IVF clinics are often supportive, understanding, and insightful.
Home Remedies
If you dread taking another pregnancy test, there are a few products on the market for couples experiencing fertility issues that may help yield the results you want. The first 'conception kit' was cleared by the American FDA in 2007, and consists of a cervical cap which allows all the semen to be placed directly against the opening of the cervix. This increases the chance of conception by concentrating all the semen on the area where it can easily swim towards an available egg, and bypassing any possible sperm-damaging pH or yeast problems in the vagina.
Numerous medications and minor lifestyle changes can encourage ovulation, increase the speed and quality of sperm, and alter the chances of conception in your favor. Doing some research and discussing these options with your doctor may help you discover ways to increase your fertility rate.
With modern medical science advancing in leaps and bounds every day, it would be unfair to give up hope. There are so many possible solutions to the problem of infertility that there must be one that works for you. With the assistance of your doctor and the support of your partner, you can and will bring about the future you desire.
