Focus on infertility
Fertility isn't always a straightforward case of being able, or unable, to conceive. A couple may have no difficulty in conceiving their first child, but find they cannot get pregnant a second time; this is called secondary infertility. Another couple, who have both had children with previous partners, may now find that they cannot conceive together.
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The fertility of a couple is the sum of their individual fertilities. If both partners have fertility problems, it may be hard for them to conceive. But if one partner's fertility is strong, it may still be possible for the couple to conceive. Most couples do conceive within four to six months of trying. If a couple don't manage to get pregnant after six months and go to their doctor for advice, they're likely to be told to go away, keep on trying, and come back after a year if nothing happens.
Age is a factor for women. As a woman gets older the quality of her eggs declines. Statistics show that about 90 per cent of women in their 20s will become pregnant within a year of trying, and the rest still have a good chance of becoming pregnant naturally within another year or so. But, women in their 30s have a much lower statistical probability of becoming pregnant after a year of trying. They shouldn't wait any longer to get advice.
Ways in which a couple can be helped to conceive a child range from simple advice on sexual technique to drug treatment, surgery, and ultimately to the new assisted reproductive technology (ART). The help is there, but the investigation of infertility can try your patience and resolve. Whichever partner has the fertility problems may feel threatened and even guilty, so be prepared to be generous and supportive.
The emotional impact due to infertility
Couples who are having problems conceiving may be having other difficulties too. And if they do go ahead with treatment for infertility they may find it very stressful - it can mean almost intolerable interference with their sex life and can even erode the love a couple feel for each other. The huge costs of treatment can also be a major source of stress and so it's vital for both partners to be fully committed to this course of action.
Being unable to have children can seem like a denial of basic human rights, and an infertile couple can experience feelings of injustice, disappointment, and grief. The unfulfilled desire for children is a major crisis in the lives of some couples and can make them feel bad about all aspects of life. One or both partners may become introspective and antisocial, and the relationship may break down under the strain.
Unexplained infertility
In the UK, 12 per cent of couples with fertility problems may have to face the fact that their infertility cannot be explained. In those couples it's tempting to consider radical treatments, but it's generally agreed that it's best for them to wait for up to three years, depending on the woman's age, to see if anything happens naturally. After this there are several treatments that can be successful, such as intrauterine insemination together with stimulation by clomiphene or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), GIFT, or IVF. Drug treatments with bromocriptine are not effective. Investigations to find out whether there could be immunological factors involved may also be fruitful.
Posted 16.11.2010
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