Fertility Problems? Here are Your Options ...

Dealing with fertility issues can not only be frustrating, it can be heartbreaking. But you do have options.

All of the methods below have merit. Your choices may be based on your current health, your general beliefs, options you've tried before and your financial resources. Some couples try a combination of two or more of these options. It's up to you. Remember, it's your heath, your body -- and your family.

Medical treatments for fertility and ovulation

Science and research bring new options to infertile couples every day. Your doctor or reproductive endocrinologist may suggest drugs to make you ovulate (such as Clomid), progesterone if you are able to achieve pregnancy but can not maintain it due to a low amount of this hormone, other hormonal replacement/balance drugs or other options.

He or she can also order tests to check the quality and openness of your fallopian tubes, whether you're producing viable eggs monthly and more. Do take advantage of the options open to you -- many are covered by major medical insurance.

IVF or IUI

These in-office procedures involve fertilizing an egg via medical means. In intrauterine injection (IUI), your partner's or donor's sperm is introduced near your or a surrogate's cervix. In IVF (in-vitro fertilization), an egg is fertilized with a sperm in a petri dish, outside the body. The fertilized egg grows and divides for several days, is checked for quality and is then injected into your or a surrogate's uterus. These procedures can be pricey, and there's no guarantee of success; check with insurance to see what portions, if any, of these procedures may be covered.

Natural treatments

Western science is slowly coming to embrace a more holistic approach to fertility (see https://getpregnantfaq.com for holistic options.). With the backup of scientific studies, there's more open to you than ever before if you want to go the natural route. Herbs, acupuncture, topical oils and other devices are at your disposal. Consult a professional naturopath or nutritionist.

Surrogacy

Many couples choose a trusted surrogate to carry their pregnancy if this option is not open to the mother-to-be. Go through a highly reputable agency for this -- make sure you get references and that you check them thoroughly, for both the agency and the surrogate. Generally, a surrogate is impregnated with an already-fertilized (outside the body) egg or receives intrauterine injection of your partner's or a donor's sperm.

Adoption

There isn't really a good reason to put this option last, except that often, it's the last thing people think of. We disagree with this viewpoint. Many of the very best parents we know are adoptive parents. You can adopt inside the U.S. or from another country; check to see what sort of financial aid you can receive retroactively to help with the costs, which can be high.

A whole world of aid is open to you and your partner. Explore the possibilities so you can get started on your new family and future.