Life creates many problems that are beyond our control. The lack of suitable employment is a crisis across the country, terrorism and war have many frightful, and illnesses are claiming the lives of those we hold valuable. Among these uncontrollable problems, many couples are discovering that accomplishing their number one goal is also becoming a challenge. Since childhood, many adults envision their future lives. This generally involves getting married, having a career, and ultimately starting a family. Unfortunately, several couples are finding the latter to be a cause of much grief.

For many couples, having a child is not a serious concern. On the other hand, several couples across the country go to great lengths to have a baby. Having a baby appears to be a natural process that takes little effort. However, for the 1.6 million infertile couples across the globe, getting pregnant has become one of the most difficult challenges of their life. Infertility, which is the inability to become pregnant, is a common problem. This condition affects approximately 15 percent of couples who are trying to conceive. However, the percentage of infertile couples may be slightly higher. Couples who are not consciously trying to start a family may be unaware of infertility problem.

Infertility Factors

Several factors may contribute to infertility. Physicians will generally conduct tests to pinpoint the exact cause. Typical causes for the inability to become pregnant include male reproductive problems such as a low sperm count. This problem is confirmed through an evaluation of the semen. Female conditions that can result in infertility include ovulation problems, damage to the fallopian tubes, and endometriosis. Fortunately, treatment options are available for each of these conditions. After the necessary medical treatment is received, couples have a higher chance of naturally conceiving a baby.

Prior to determining the cause of infertility, doctors must have a complete understanding of a person’s medical history. For example, are they currently taking any prescription medications that may cause temporary infertility problems? Have they taken any strong drugs such as chemotherapy that can greatly affect the ability to conceive?  Through an examination physicians will likely check for abnormalities in the reproductive tract, or for any signs that are indicative of being sexually delayed. Blood tests are also effective because they provide information about vital hormones that the body may be lacking.

Infertility Myth

A common myth is that women are the main cause of infertility. On the contrary, both sexes are equally responsible for not being able to conceive. In rare cases, physicians have discovered that both a husband and wife have conditions that limit their ability to conceive. Situations like this make conceiving twice as difficult. When a couple is eager to have a baby, the infertile person may feel guilty or experience feelings of worthlessness. Although common, it is important to stay positive. In this modern age of technology several reproductive assistant technologies are available to couples.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, infertile couples do have options. The past twenty-seven years has seen the birth of several fertility treatments that have proved effective. The first In Vitro Fertilization occurred in 1978. This procedure involves removing an egg from the mother and uniting it with sperm. After uniting, the egg is placed back into the mother and allowed to develop. For this particular procedure a couple could use their egg and sperm, or a donor egg or sperm may be used. This is ideal in situations where the male has a low sperm count or when the female is unable to use her own eggs. Donors could be a family member or complete strangers. In some cases, the donor remains anonymous. For nearly three decades In Vitro Fertilization has become widespread. In fact, over 100,000 babies are born annually from this procedure, and approximately one million babies have been born since the first procedure in 1978.

In addition, artificial insemination (AI) has become an accepted reproductive method. This procedure is preformed for women who have a healthy reproductive system and healthy eggs. Artificial insemination occurs when semen is inserted into the female’s genitalia area. Once the semen is inserted, the goal is for it to naturally fertilize an egg and develop into a baby. The disadvantage to these fertility treatments is the cost. In Vitro Fertilization costs thousands of dollars per cycle. Several cycles are the norm, and insurance does not cover this cost. Thus, couples must pay for their own procedure. There have been couples who paid over $100,000 prior to conceiving. Artificial insemination is considerably less. A procedure can cost between $300 and $700.

Conceiving Later in Life

Fertility treatments have also become very popular for another reason. Years ago, women were having babies in their early to mid twenties. Times have changed dramatically. It appears that women are now having babies in their late thirties and early forties as if it’s the new trend. The reason why many delay in starting a family generally revolves on achieving career goals first. This way, they are able to raise the baby in a financially secure home. The downside to this plan is that a woman’s reproductive powers slow drastically in her thirties. Some women discover that it is impossible to conceive in their forties. Women that cannot conceive naturally due to age turn to fertility treatments as the only remaining option.

Risks Factors

Of course, there is not fool’s proof procedure. Fertility treatments do involve certain risks. There have been cases when doctors have mixed up sperms and eggs. Thus, women who planned on conceiving using their husband’s sperm, were forced to have a baby with another man’s sperm because of human error. In more extreme cases, women have delivered twins of different races. Multiple births are also a risk. The chance of conceiving twins, triplets, and so forth greatly increase with fertility treatments. Researches also believe that children conceived through In Vitro Fertilization are at risk for birth defects such as heart conditions and kidney problems.

Couples who are experiencing infertility problems should not become discouraged. There are several new and effective treatment options that were not available decades ago. Prior to experimenting with an infertility treatment, couples should consult a physician and discuss the various techniques and therapies.