Infertility 101
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Getting pregnant isn't always easy.
For many families looking to grow, infertility is a very real challenge. Treatments and services can help improve chances for conception and since everyone's body is different, not all of these resources are created equal.
While some people rely solely on medical intervention to get pregnant, others rely on some tried and true tips and tricks at home. No matter how you pursue the conception of your new baby, the first step is understanding the natural chemistry of your body.
We're setting out to change the way people view infertility and help families in our community find the resources they need to help them conceive and deliver healthy babies.
Causes
Infertility can occur for a ton of reasons. There's a stigma and misconception that it's preventable or that women who have difficulty conceiving are doing something wrong when that couldn't be more untrue. There are a ton of factors that could affect a woman's inability to conceive and some of which have nothing to do with her biology.
Frustrated after a couple months of trying? Don't be.
For the average, healthy couple, it can take as long as 24 months to successfully conceive. Many doctors won't even categorize parents as infertile until they've had regular unprotected sex without getting pregnant.
All great things take time and everyone's conception journey it different. It's important to not feel discouraged or stressed about conceiving through this 24 month waiting period as it can create some hormone imbalances that could potentially disrupt a woman's reproductive cycle.
Medical Intervention
Families that have experienced infertility or infant loss often turn to medical technology to improve their chances of conception. Treatments for women include hormone therapy, ovulation stimulation and specialized treatments for conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. Men can have their sperm count analyzed and concentrated for insemination treatments.
If infertility persists, your doctor may recommend more invasive procedures like in-vitro fertilization where a fertilized cell is implanted into the mother's uterine wall. As with any specialized treatment, the rate of success varies with each patient and can be a physically, emotionally and financially trying process.
Portland and Bangor families having difficulty conceiving head to the area's premier infertility center for information and treatment. Boston IVF offers a wide variety of treatments ranging from advice in office to surgical procedures. The professionals here customize treatments to the specific needs of your family, increasing your odds for conception.
Managing Infertility at Home
It can be a challenge to manage infertility on your own, but with the right support, you can find some natural alternatives for medical infertility treatments. Seek support from your partner, family, friends or even community groups to feel more empowered and confident through your journey. Make stress relief an important part of your day that will improve your relationships at home and feel more optimistic overall.
Track your ovulation cycle at home. Identify your window of opportunity by calculating your ovulation cycle and what days are your "peak fertility" opportunities. Limit intakes of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other drugs to give your body the best chance to perform it's best.
Support makes all the difference along the bumpy road ahead when you're struggling to conceive a new baby.
Whether you're choosing to pursue medical interventions or simply become more in tune with your body, conception occurs at it's own pace. The incredible drive to become a parent can't be stopped with infertility and there's always options available for those who seek them.
Support others on their parenthood journey by sharing your successes, trials, treatments and even heartaches to help change the way our culture perceives infertility and it's resources.