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Infertility FactsMyth: Infertility is a female problem. Fact: Women and men bear nearly equal responsibility when it comes to infertility. Infertility is a female problem in 40% of cases, a male problem in 40% of cases, and a combined problem of the couple or unexplained in 20% of cases. That is why we stress that it is important for both members of the couple to undergo medical evaluation and, as necessary, treatment. Myth: Everyone else gets pregnant easily. Fact: A normally fertile couple has only about a 25% chance of conceiving each month. More than 6 million people of childbearing age in the U.S. experience infertility every year, and 1 million seek treatment. Myth: Relax, and you'll get pregnant. Fact: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. Although stress can sometimes affect hormone levels and ovulation, emotions are not keeping you from getting pregnant. The stress and intense emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not usually its cause. Myth: Be patient; you'll get pregnant with time. Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that usually requires treatment. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of only about 5%, which means couples have a 10 times greater chance of conceiving if they get medical help for their infertility problem. If you are concerned
for any reason about
your ability to conceive,
make an appointment
with a medical doctor
for an evaluation as
soon as possible --
especially if you,
as a woman:
If you are a man or a woman who has had exposure through your mother's pregnancy to the synthetic hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES) or, if you are a man and have had a testicular injury or frequent genitourinary infections, see a doctor for evaluation. Myth: Just adopt a baby and you'll get pregnant. Fact: Unfortunately, this persistent myth is one of the most painful for individuals and couples to hear, because it suggests that adoption is a treatment for infertility, not the happy resolution to infertility that it is for millions of families every year. More important, this statement simply is not true: Studies reveal that pregnancy rates for couples after adopting are the same as those for couples who do not adopt. Myth: You're probably doing "it" wrong. Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder. On the other hand, the timing of sexual intercourse is crucial to the conception process. Myth: Your partner will leave you because of your infertility. Fact: The rewards of an intimate relationship require hard work and diligent effort every day from both partners, regardless of the difficult challenges posed by infertility. Without doubt, infertility represents a major life crisis, one that certainly affects a marriage or partnership. Fortunately, most couples survive the infertility crisis and learn new ways of relating to each other that deepen their relationship. You may hit a few rough patches along the way, but as long as you keep the lines of communication open, there is a good chance you will grow closer through the experience. Myth: Maybe you are just not meant to be a parent. Fact: You and your partner have made the decision to become parents because you know how much love and support you have to offer a child. Having a medical condition that makes it difficult to conceive and bear a child is not a sign from God, from the universe, from society, or - for that matter - from anywhere else about your suitability to raise children, or whether it is "meant" for you to become a parent. Myth: My life will be overwhelmed with infertility and nothing will ever be the same. Fact: Infertility is a life crisis, and it will probably have an effect on all areas of your life at one time or another. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, with surges of guilt, anxiety, and sadness. At the same time, the desire to have a child may fill you with single-minded determination, at the expense of other areas of your life - including your most personal relationships. Long-held notions about who you are and how you envision your life may be tested, but you will eventually move through this crisis. Because resolving infertility is a process that may require you to let go of your initial vision of bearing a biological child, it is important to recognize that feelings of loss and grief are common. Although the emotions and issues surrounding infertility may surface throughout your life in predictable - and unpredictable - times and ways (at menopause, for example), the intense struggle you are facing now will resolve itself as you work through each decision in the infertility process and move along your unique life path. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact us. |
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One Location. Complete Urologic Care. Urological
Associates, Inc. is
dedicated to being
your tri-state leader
in urologic care. |
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