Infertility - you are not alone!

Wanting a baby is a natural desire for most couples and seems easy enough to achieve - or is it? Today infertility is a very common occurrence - but how do couples know when 'trying' is just not good enough anymore, and what is their best course of action?

Sometimes the most frustrating dream is the one you thought was going to be the easiest to achieve. Having a baby is not always as simple as just wanting one. For as many as one in six couples, what starts off seeming like the most natural thing in the world, can turn into a series of disappointments and frustrations. Infertility can be a truly devastating, lonely experience; however, the good news is that it doesn't have to be the end of the story. With modern medicine and science, more and more couples are realising their dream of becoming parents.

In addition to IVF, which was developed over 30 years ago to overcome simple obstruction of the female fallopian tubes, there are now techniques available that help extreme male infertility and couples with a genetic concern such as cystic fibrosis. The good news is that with the many different options available today the majority of couples who seek assistance will fall pregnant.

The first step to success is contacting a fertility expert. If the women is under the age of 35 and has not conceived within one year of trying, then she should talk to her doctor. As women pass the age of 38, their chance at pregnancy quickly starts to decline. The sooner they see a fertility specialist for help, the better their chance of success. You should consider age 35 as the 'get-pregnant-by' date.

Once you decide to seek help, the first step is to ask your GP or Gynaecologist for a referral to a fertility specialist. The specialist will then work with you to find out why you are having difficulty and together you can decide on the best course of action.

Often simple steps can be taken that do not involve IVF. Whatever the reason for the problem it is important to seek specialist fertility advice. Sometimes just talking with a Fertility Specialist can help you start a plan of action and reduce the stress that is often associated with the unknown. Perhaps all that is needed is some basic information about health and wellbeing.

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