Originally posted on https://amothersrandomthoughts.com/2019/05/options-when-struggling-with-infertility.html/

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over one year (or six months if you’re over thirty-five) you might be wondering what your options are. While most people will be able to have their own baby eventually, it’s a tough thing to go through. It helps to know what your options are and where you stand. Read on to find out more.

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Start tracking your cycles

Tracking Your Cycles is a great first step because this is something you can do at home, before speaking to a doctor and even before you plan on trying for a baby. Being in the know about your cycle can be so helpful, it can help you to work out the length if you’re ovulating and therefore when your most fertile days are. It enables you to find out if your body is likely to be working the way it should. If your cycles are not regular, you have information to take with you to the doctor. This will help them find a potential cause of problems more quickly. If you are unsure of how to track your cycles, there are plenty of apps available that will help you get started.

One of the most effective methods is body basal temperature tracking. A small rise in temperature sustained over a number of days can confirm whether or not you have ovulated. Start keeping a record now and then you will have plenty of data collected by the time you visit a doctor.

Fertility medications

If you discover that you’re not ovulating you may begin to worry, however, there are some simple steps that may help. The first may be lifestyle changes. Getting as close to your ideal BMI (body mass index) gives you a better chance. Eating healthier and exercise can all help to regulate hormones and get you ovulating again. If that doesn’t work, often medication can help and for many women, this is as far as they need to go.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

If you’re still struggling to conceive after this, the next step is likely to be IVF which is a physician-assisted method of conceiving. Depending on where you live and whether or not you already have children, you may be eligible to have the costs covered. Otherwise, it can be pricey, so check out the success rates and costs and see if it’s something you want to do.

Surrogacy

There are two kinds of surrogacy options to consider. The first is with a donor egg, usually, the surrogates own egg. The other option is to have your own embryo implanted into the donor. If you’re unable to sustain a pregnancy yourself then this is an option. Look into how to find a surrogate if you feel as though this is the right choice for you.

Fostering and adoption

Finally, if you have the love to give to a child but are unable to have one yourself then adoption and fostering are always options too. You still get the experience of parenting while providing a child with a loving home that they desperately need. Fostering and adopting can give you some of the most rewarding experiences of your life and it can be mutually beneficial for both you and the child. It can be a difficult decision and many couples put off adopting as they can feel as though it’s ‘giving up’ on the idea of their own baby. But this could be an amazing decision.

STRUGGLING WITH INFERTILITY – ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

If you are struggling with infertility, here are more resources for you:

Instant Family is a comedy/drama that is based on a real story of fostering and adopting. This comedy will have you laughing and crying. Plus it gives you the information you need to determine the right path for your family.

Linda Scruggs is a registered nurse specializing in pregnancy and infertility. She writes a blog dedicated to helping families navigate these waters.