Benefits of Fertility Support

Posted January 25, 2021.

Planning to add children to your family is an exciting time but can lead to frustration when pregnancy does not easily occur. As infertility specialists, we understand that facing infertility often comes unexpectedly. We recognize that seeing a fertility specialist is not on most peoples wish list, but we are happy we can offer solutions to restore your family building goals.

There are a number of things that must happen for pregnancy to occur. As a woman, your body needs to mature and release an egg. Your partner’s body needs to create sperm, transport the sperm and the sperm then must swim the distance to the egg and fertilize it. From there, the fertilized egg needs to migrate to the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it can implant in the uterine wall. If any of these steps fail along the way, pregnancy does not occur. It is typically recommended to seek help if you have been trying to conceive for twelve months without success. However, if you feel there is a problem or would like an evaluation sooner you may want to see a specialist sooner especially if you have any of the following signs or conditions.

Consider fertility treatment if you have the following:

Irregular periods, endometriosis, or PCOS
Two miscarriages in a row
Any risk factors or symptoms of infertility for you or your partner
A family history of early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency
A family history of BRCA+ breast cancer or another reproductive cancer
A history of sexually transmitted infections, for you or your partner
A genetic condition known to affect your fertility potential

While having a miscarriage is actually more common than you might think, having multiple miscarriages is not. It doesn’t mean you won’t have a successful pregnancy after more than one consecutive miscarriage but you may want to seek help to evaluate potential causes. Your fertility journey may have ups and downs before you experience the joy of having your baby. The journey itself takes courage, stamina and the ability to manage your emotions, which can be all over the map at times. The sooner you start your fertility journey, the better. The road can be bumpy and painful, and emotional crises can crop up along the way. Sex with your partner can turn into a chore, and you might endure hormonal ups and downs, bloating, pelvic tenderness from fertility medications or just the difficulty of riding an emotional roller coaster.

Our fertility specialists understand where you are on your journey, where you have been, and where you are now headed. You will want to take a long-term perspective as you navigate the stepping stones to conception. You may also end up considering the following options:

Using Assisted Reproductive Technology
Using a donor egg or sperm,
Using a donor embryo
Using a gestational carrier (surrogate)
Migrating away from fertility treatment options to consider adoption

We also want to add that if you have been traveling this road for some time, and find yourself exhausted, sometimes the only option left is to say we’re done, having done everything you could. The stresses to your mental health and your marriage are real. So when you have exhausted all of your efforts, you can also find peace knowing that you have done all you could. You can find strength in your partner, along with your fertility community with these blogs and podcasts, whether deciding to choose other avenues to parenthood or letting it be as it is. Remember, your choices are unique and they are valid! Our Utah Fertility Center physicians and team are here to help you have the best possible fertility journey. We welcome you to call us today at 801-785-5100. Always remember you don’t have to go this alone!

One important thing to remember is you are not alone. About 15% of couples will need assistance in growing their families. Sometimes that realization can help you feel less isolated and help you keep your chin up. There is a whole online community that you may comfort in finding and connecting to. From support groups to counseling, podcasts and blogs. Check out some excellent resources below to help you on your journey. There are many podcasts, blogs, websites and more so explore and see what brings you peace, comfort and even a smile and a chuckle.

Podcasts

https://www.bigfatnegative.com/

Big Fat Negative is the podcast about IVF, infertility and the trials of trying for a baby. It’s co-hosted by journalists and friends Emma and Gabriella, the show follows their stories on the not-so-simple journey to motherhood, and interviews a range of experts on all things infertility.

LadyPotions – Wellness Wisdom for the Whole Woman

https://www.ladypotions.com/fmradio

Fertile Minds Radio is your place to learn how to maximize you and your partner’s fertility; physically, mentally & emotionally. Here you will find tools to help you feel empowered and confident as you move from infertile to pregnancy to parenthood.

Blogs

https://definingmum.com/

My aim of sharing is with the hope of validating the feelings of others and making them feel less alone. Our journey wasn’t as straightforward as it might sound, there were ups, many downs, worries, wobbles, fears of the unknown but ultimately we always knew what it was we wanted, and that was to build our family.

Consider fertility treatment if you have the following:

Podcasts

LadyPotions – Wellness Wisdom for the Whole Woman

Blogs

Top 10 Fertility Blogs to Follow for 2021