Infertility is a very emotional journey, and one that is rarely anticipated. Even if a couple has been trying for years to have a child, once diagnosed with infertility it throws them into a an entirely different world. Although it is impossible to become informed overnight, if you are considering IVF treatments, the most beneficial thing you can do is find resources that will provide information and support on every level. Here is a quick reference guide on what sort of IVF resources and support you will need and where it might be found.

Information of Fertility Clinic Success Rates
Before choosing a fertility treatment center or fertility specialist, you will want to find out their success rates. One option is simply asking the clinic for that information, which they should be happy to provide. If you are considering more than one clinic or doctor, or clinics in various cities or states, another option is to find the information online. Most of the most recent information is provided through  two sources:

• Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) website. This website provides information on reporting clinics, which accounts for 85% of all clinics. The information is localized, making finding information simple and fast.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The CDC provides a very comprehensive report on IVF treatment providers in the United States. The report is much more comprehensive than SART’s but comes out less frequently.

Financial Advisors
IVF treatments can be quite costly and more than one set of treatments might be necessary. A financial advisor can help lay out a financial plan so that available finances can be wisely allocated.

Local Support Groups
Local support groups are a great resource for couples going through IVF treatments. Connecting to a group of people that are going through different stages of the same or similar experiences can give a window into the issues that may lay ahead. A support group can also provide information on other IVF resources and treatment alternatives available locally. Additionally, a support group can provide an understanding that others who have not been through infertility cannot. Those who have experienced infertility can give practical advice on how to manage all of the difficult emotions and uncomfortable social situations which may arise. Support groups can be found online, at many hospitals and fertility treatment centers.

Counselors
A counselor can be a wonderful source of support during the IVF treatment process. Infertility is a stressor compared only in magnitude to the death of a loved one. A counselor can help fortify a relationship in a very trying time.

Once a diagnosis of infertility has been given, the most important thing you can do is get proactive. Knowing your options and getting support are things that will not be regretted in the IVF process.

Seeking infertility help is a very personal decision, but delaying that decision can greatly affect the chances of conception. Knowing when to seek help from a fertility specialist is very important if you are trying to conceive. However, that time may vary from couple to couple and recommendations vary from clinic to clinic, making it important to understand the variables.

Not Quite Ready for Infertility Help

Perhaps you have been trying for some time to conceive but not quite ready to seek help. One of the most helpful things you can do is chart your menstrual cycle during this time. By doing this, you can find your most fertile time of the month and increase your chances of conception. It will also be very helpful information to have, should you decide to seek professional infertility help.

Making the Decision

Although recommendations will vary, if you have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for over a year, it may be time to seek the help of a fertility treatment center or fertility specialist.  Because of the advances in reproductive medicine, there are many treatments available that can help in a wide range of circumstances.

Here are some circumstances under which you may want to consider getting infertility help:

• Under 35 and have been trying a year or more
• Between the ages of 35-40 and have been trying unsuccessfully for six months
• Over the age of 40 and already having difficulty
• Have had a history of irregular menstrual cycles
• Have painful or excessively periods
• Have had gynecologic surgery
• Have a history of pelvic infection
• When mother or sisters have also had trouble conceiving
• When there is a known fertility problem in either the man or woman

Choosing a Fertility Specialist

If you have come to the decision to seek the help of a fertility specialist, take some time to do some research and find the support of others who have been through infertility. Getting involved in a local support group can connect you to many valuable resources and help in choosing a reputable fertility center. Different specialists will have different philosophies of treatment, so it is important to find one that matches your own. The decision to seek fertility help is not come to easily in many cases. It is often a deep and personal process that requires time and research.

Most couples never dream that they will need infertility help, and assume that it will be easy to achieve pregnancy. However, pregnancy is not a simple thing and conception in many cases is filled with inexplicable barriers. It is estimated that over 11 million couples in the United States alone are trying to become pregnant.

You are Not Alone

Pregnancy does not always happen as easily as we had planned. In fact, one in six couples has a fertility issue, or trouble carrying a baby to term. Even in couples that do not have any fertility problems the chances of becoming pregnant are only 20% each cycle. Other facts include:

• 2.4 million new cases of infertility in the United States reported every year
• Studies show a significant decrease in fertility starting at age 30
• There are  around 600 reproductive endocrinologists in the United states compared to 28,000 ob/gyn (according to the National Women’s Health Resource Center NWHRC)

Facing Infertility Together

Facing infertility is one of the most stressful things a couple can endure, second only to the death of a loved one. For this reason, it is important to enlist a wide range of infertility help. In order to manage the stress and productively handle the situation, it is important to find the best professional and emotional support available.

Medical Support

It is important to find a fertility specialist that the couple is comfortable with on an individual basis. Many couples find that it is important to choose a fertility treatment center that is close to home so that they each can attend as many appointments together as possible, to support one another through as infertility help is sought.

Emotional Support

For many couples, enlisting the help of counselors experienced in fertility problems is a big part of their infertility help. Staying close and remaining positive are very valuable in reducing stress and maintaining the best chances of conceiving. Family members and religious leaders are also good sources of support. Support groups can also be very helpful in proving information as well as a deep understanding of the emotional turmoil that infertility can cause.

While every couple has trouble along the road, infertility may be the first difficulty of significant magnitude in a relationship. How the couple chooses to handle it can be a huge step in a closer relationship, no matter where the infertility leads.

Fertility treatments offer hope to many couples who may otherwise be unlikely to conceive. These treatments however, come at a fairly steep price. While the prices may vary by clinic, state, or country, the amount is still significant. Most insurance companies only cover a small portion of fertility treatments, if any at all, leaving the remaining sum to come out of pocket. Here is a general breakdown of fertility treatment costs:

Fertility Drugs
Often the first line of treatment is the use of fertility drugs such as clomiphene and gonadotropins. These drugs are used to regulate reproductive hormones and ovulation. If an insurance covers part of fertility treatment, it generally will be the cost of fertility drugs. Clomiphene costs $50 per month, while gonadotropin injections cost $2,000 to $5,000 per month.

Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is often used in conjunction with fertility drugs. This procedure may cost between $400 to $700.

In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF)
IVF treatments are much more involved than fertility drugs or artificial insemination, and the price will reflect that. You can expect the cost o this treatment to be between $7,000 and $17,000 per cycle, with many couples needing more than one cycle.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
The Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer is also a more complex procedure, and generally not covered by insurance. The cost for this treatment costs between $8,000 to $17,000.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Another high tech fertility treatment,  the cost of Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer is also considerable. If you are considering this treatment, plan on paying between $8,000 and $17,000

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is often used in conjunction with other fertility treatments and may not be included in the cost of the procedure. The cost of the fertility treatment is between $10,000 and $17,00.

Donor Eggs and Embryos
The cost of fertility treatment using donor eggs or embryos is between $10,000 and $20,000.

Shared Risk Programs
Some clinics offer a shared risk option. In shared risk, a patient pays up front for multiple cycles of treatment an the clinic agrees to pay back all or a portion of the fee if the treatment is not successful. In most cases, successful means reaching a clinical pregnancy, not a treatment resulting in live birth. Not every clinic offers this option and only the patients in the lowest risk (for the clinic) category qualify.

When trying to calculate the cost of fertility treatments, it is important to realize that different clinics will include and exclude different things as part of their treatment. Find out prior to treatment what things are an additional cost.

There’s nothing more stressful in life than experiencing infertility. Even though stress is an expected and normal reaction to the emotionally tortuous situation of conception issues, after years of ongoing study, the question still remains: How much does stress lead to continued infertility?

Over the years, the understanding of how stress may or may not impact fertility has changed. In the 40s and 50s, the major contributing factor for at least half those who couldn’t conceive was attributed to stress. All of the psychological factors, such as a lack of desire to be parents, were thought to play a tremendous role in fertility all the way through the 1960s. Even today, doctors at fertility treatment centers continue to discuss the effects of stress on infertility and to what degree.

Stress can be a confusing issue. When most people think of stress, they usually think of the body’s reaction to circumstances or environmental factors that create or reinforce a negative reaction.  The body reacts to stress in a set of physical and biochemical reactions such as a rise in blood pressure, tensing of muscles, shallow breathing and even an upset stomach.  Even though stress isn’t completely understood, evidence in fertility treatment center studies points toward stress as being a contributing factor in some cases of infertility.

For instance, the hypothalamus, a gland that regulates stress responses, also controls and regulates sex hormones. Since the stress response in both men and women elevates, the levels of stress hormones are released. This can cause irregular ovulation in women as well as reduced sperm counts in men. While not as statistically impactful as it once was, stress is still thought to play a role in up to 30% of cases of infertility.  Other impacts of stress includes a lower semen volume, lowered LH and testosterone levels, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction and even lethargy

While studies do support a link between stress and infertility, understanding that it could be a contributing factor, rather than the sole, lone cause of infertility is more accurate. Couples can take comfort in knowing that if stress was a reliable and major factor in infertility, then stress could be relied upon as an effective form of birth control.  What most doctors will counsel is that a couple experiencing fertility problems will definitely have moments of stress and emotional upset. Keep in mind that while stress can impact treatment, it is equally possible to manage the stress successfully.

Some simple steps will help like remembering the stress response is not always bad. It can motivate you to further action. Proper nutrition gives the body what it needs to process stress effectively and exercising regularly can release stress. Another factor is sunshine which, in limited amounts, is also known to elevate the mood. Also, support groups help by surrounding you with people who understand your feelings which limits your feelings of isolation.

Stress and infertility are inextricably entwined. This means instead of trying to blame infertility on stress, or stress on infertility, the best response is to minimize unhealthy stress where possible and use healthy stress to motivate you to greater positive action. Taking positive steps like eating healthy, exercising and taking good psychological care of yourself may not cure infertility, but it certainly makes it easier to live with.

A big concern for anyone with fertility problems is where and how to find infertility help. Having a list of available resources and a strong and knowledgeable support system makes a huge difference in many of the decisions that will need to be made as well as managing the many emotional aspects of infertility.

Finding Infertility Help Others Who Have Been There

Anyone who has experienced infertility knows just how lonely and overwhelming it can be. Suddenly, you are faced with a million choices, which all need to be made in a timely manner. Although you quickly become educated in the many treatments, having the right support from others who have already been there can help fast track the process.

Get Involved With a Support Group

A support group is one of the best, and most practical, places to start when searching for infertility help. Few people are more knowledgeable about how infertility affects every part of a person’s life. However, a support group is not just about emotional support. A support group can also be a place to find information on:

• Effective treatments
• Recent advances in infertility
• Alternative medicine fertility treatments
• Reputable fertility treatment centers in the area
• Managing finances
• Fertility treatment planning
• Support in managing the questions of others

Enlist the Help of Professionals

The right help makes all the difference. It is important to find professionals with whom you are comfortable to create a winning team. There are many aspects to infertility and infertility treatments and it makes sense to cover the important bases.

• A financial planner can help assist in managing your funds which will aid in many of the decisions which will need to be made.
• The right fertility specialist and fertility treatment center can make all the difference. Do your research on those under consideration by checking online for any information that can be found. Ask those in the support group for first hand information. Do not be afraid to ask for credentials and success rates.
• Enlist the support of a counselor specializing in infertility help. In many cases, managing stress can aid in the ability to conceive. A counselor can also provide practical strategies in dealing with the many unknown elements that will come up.

For those seeking it, infertility help is available and is an important part of successful treatment.

The true impact of an infertility diagnosis is far reaching. Life suddenly becomes consumed with doctors appointments, financial strains and perhaps most significant- emotional stress. When seeking infertility help, a top priority should be finding the right emotional support to get through the stresses of infertility.

Why Find Specific Support?

Fertility common questions often include  “Why do I need Emotional Support?” Having a fertility problem is something very difficult to understand unless you have extensive or personal experience in the area. As much as friends care, it is different having support from someone who has been there and knows the emotional practicalities involved. Managing life while going through fertility treatments can be very difficult and those who have been there can offer practical advice on handling every day problems.

Where to find Infertility Help and Emotional Support

Many things about infertility can make you feel very alone and isolated, both emotionally and practically.  A steady stream of doctors appointments and schedules alone take a tremendous amount of time and effort once dedicated to other things such as family events and socializing with friends. New sensitivities are developed that others may not understand.  These things make finding infertility help and emotional support essential. The next most common fertility question is “Where do I find support?” Here are the most common places to find support:

• Fertility counseling can offer a couple a great amount of emotional support as well as help in navigating the sometimes tumultuous waters of infertility treatments.
• Support groups can be a very valuable support and provide an opportunity to become acquainted with others in your area with the same struggles and concerns. Local support groups are also a very valuable place to gain information on treatment options, fertility treatment centers and address common fertility questions. Support groups are a great place to share the problems commonly associated with someone going through fertility problems and find workable solutions.
• Message boards can be very helpful in gaining support and information in a more anonymous way. There are many different boards to meet specific needs. Some are men or women only, others directed at a specific diagnosis. They can be peer or professionally led.
• Chat rooms are similar to message boards but offer real time feedback. Not only can you make close relationships in chat rooms, you may also feel more at ease in sharing what is really on your heart.

Infertility does not come with an instruction book telling what you what emotions you will be feeling. Knowing that it is normal to feel a little angry that your sister is pregnant-again- or that it is expected to feel a little stressed out over an office baby shower helps manage the feelings before they become consuming. Finding the right support and knowing that you are deeply understood is very important. If one group does not work for you, do not give up- try another! Try several types of support. Incorporate the support of family and friends to supplement the support of those who share your experience. Infertility is a difficult thing for anyone to experience and a journey you do not need to make alone.

If you are seeking infertility help,  you will likely consider lifestyle and diet changes. Most people admittedly consume many foods that lack real nutritional value and cutting them out of the diet and adding health organic foods can only improve one’s health.  The value of organic versus non-organic foods and the role each plays has been a topic of debate for some time, and likely to continue to generate much conversation for years to come. One thing is for sure, the body is a very complex machine and  can be greatly impacted by small changes.

The verdict may still be out on whether or not eating an organic diet itself can increase fertility. It is widely accepted that eating a healthier diet does improve your overall health which, in turn, can improve your chances of getting pregnant. There are also many interesting points in favor of natural foods increasing fertility. If you are considering an organic diet as an infertility help, here are a few interesting things to consider:

• One of the greatest benefits of eating certified organic foods is that it can greatly reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides you consume. While there are many known side effects of the use of many chemicals, there are likely other unknown ways that their consumption can impact our health and both male and female fertility.
• The rates of unexplained infertility is inexplicably on the rise. If there is no known medical cause, taking a closer look at diet makes sense.
• Most fertility problems are multi-factorial and many have elements that have a nutritional foundation.

Are There Specific Foods To Consider?

There are many foods that have known benefits to those struggling with infertility. There is little risk, if any, with most of them and the cost is minimal. If you plan to add organic foods to your diet as an infertility help, here is a list of foods to get you started:

• Eat foods rich in zinc, like organic chicken.
• Raw walnuts are a power house of valuable nutrients for those looking for infertility help. Rich in folate, vitamin B6, thiamin and omega 3.
• Iron, found in meat, lentils and beans, is essential to good reproductive health.
• Organically grown bright colored vegetables  and fruit are very beneficial as an infertility help.  Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale as well as vibrant or fresh fruit contain valuable antioxidants which protect the health of eggs and sperm. Some great choices are blueberries, apples, red, yellow and green bell peppers and broccoli.
• Salmon, cat fish and canned light tuna are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which is also vital to good reproductive health.

Remember to Eliminate the Junk

Adding organic foods to your diet to increase the chances of fertility is a great start to infertility help. The next step is to eliminate the foods that may be causing more harm than good. Refined foods, like white rice, bread and pasta, are known to be detrimental to fertility, particularly those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Caffeine and alcohol are also a concern for those with fertility problems, and consumption should be very limited.

Choosing to go totally organic may not be right for you or your lifestyle, but incorporating organic choices where possible is certainly doable for most of us.

Fertility problems are nothing new. In fact, many cultures have sought solutions to both male and female fertility issues for thousands of years.  About 20% of the population will experience some difficulty in becoming pregnant in their lifetime and will seek out many different fertility treatment options. While many begin with western medicine, traditional western medicine is not always the answer for every person seeking ways to increase fertility.

If Not High Tech Answers, Then What?

Many people do experience success with traditional fertility treatment options such as IVF, however, high tech treatment options are not always the first choice for many people wanting to increase fertility. Whether it is because it is more affordable or less invasive – an increasing number of people are seeking alternative medicine options to increase fertility.  Some of the most popular and common alternative treatments include:

• Acupuncture is gaining worldwide recognition as an alternative fertility treatment option. The painless procedure involves inserting thin needles at specific places on the skin. There is some debate as to whether the benefit is an increase in fertility or a decrease in stress but whichever it is- the result is a 25% increase in successful conception when added as a supplement to IVF. It is frequently used alone or with other natural treatment options.
• Herbal treatments are also often part of alternative options to increase fertility. Some of the most common herbs include; raspberry leaf, Black Cohosh, Nettle Leaf and Chaste Tree. It is suggested that the use of any herbs be done under the guidance of an expert with the knowledge of your physician.
• Fertility cleanses are also used to detoxify the body and help increase fertility.
• Fertility massage is also a popular alternative and , much like in acupuncture, increases blood flow in the body. This is a very affordable alternative and can be combined with other treatments.
• Lifestyle and dietary changes is always a great place to start for overall better health. Simple changes in the diet, such as adding more organic foods to the diet, can increase the chances of becoming pregnant significantly. Diet and lifestyle changes are not for the woman alone however. Even a male partner can increase sperm health and motility through a more natural diet.
• Yoga is known to increase fertility by increasing the blood flow and reducing stress.
• Proper sleep and sunlight is often overlooked as part of an alternative fertility treatment option, but it should not be. Not getting enough sleep or sunlight can contribute to irregular cycles and sometimes lack of ovulation.

Even if traditional medicine has not been successful in your case, all hope is not lost. There are many alternative options that have proven very successful for many people struggling with fertility issues. Most are without side effects, painless and can be combined with other treatments.

When considering fertility treatment options, consider the value of alternative treatments to increase fertility. Become informed about the options by researching and connecting with others through support groups.

A recent diagnosis of some type of fertility problem can be devastating to any person or couple. A diagnosis, however, is just the beginning. Many things can play a role in fertility problems and some of those things can be changed, reversed or improved to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. While a diagnosis can be disheartening, it can also empower you to get the infertility help you need for a wonderful outcome.

Infertility help, information and support are available, and being proactive in getting the information you need can only help you find some resolution. The decision to have a family is an important one, and one which deserves the comfort of knowing you have pursued every avenue of information and support. Here are a few tips to help you in that journey:

• See a fertility specialist before beginning any fertility treatments. It is likely that a specialist has seen patients with similar problems to your own and can offer specific infertility help geared to that problem. Also, seeing a fertility specialist first can help you avoid unnecessary treatment  and extra expense.
• Search until you find a fertility treatment center and fertility specialist that best fits your needs. Receiving infertility help is a very personal and emotional time. Since you will be working so closely with the doctor and staff, you will want to find one that truly cares for you.
• Research your fertility treatment options. Vast amounts of information is available on every fertility treatment option right at your fingertips. The internet can not only help you understand the suggested treatment options, but you may find ones that have worked for others with similar hindrances. Also, staying informed of advances in the field alert you to new treatment options.
• Connect with others who understand. Not only is the fertility treatment center likely to have support groups, there are likely many others within the community. By joining a local support group, you have the opportunity to be come close with others in the same struggle. Local groups are also a great source of information on what infertility help is available in your area.  In addition to in-person support groups, there are countless support groups on the internet. Internet support groups can provide a little more anonymity while you find in-person support.
• Fertility Counseling can help tremendously as you navigate the often exhausting journey of treatments. There will be many unexpected emotional issues that will come up, adding to the stresses of everyday life. Part of finding the best infertility help is surrounding yourself with  people that can best equip you for the journey.

Every journey requires preparation and infertility is no different. While it is difficult to know where the journey will lead, one thing is sure: getting the right help is essential . Arm yourself with information and gain strength from the many family, friends and loved ones in your life.  The journey may be difficult, but it is very worthwhile.