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Whether it’s through conception, assisted reproduction, adoption, or anything else, every family dynamic is different, meaningful, and can come in many forms. But if you and your partner are struggling to have a baby and set this magical stage, don’t worry; you are not alone! Infertility affects millions of couples every year in the United States, and there are many reasons why it may happen. Fortunately, there are also many methods that can increase your chances of getting pregnant. From safe strategies to fertility doctor assistance, here are just a few ways to help you and your partner begin your family journey.
Before getting frustrated with yourself or your partner, you should be familiar with the symptoms and causes of infertility. Infertility is not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year. Some risk factors that could increase this chance are the use of drugs and alcohol, having an unhealthy weight (being too overweight or too underweight), or being older with fertility gradually declining as you reach your mid-30s. Female infertility could involve ovulation disorders, or disorders that affect the release of eggs from the ovaries, like irregular menstrual periods, just to name a few. Hormonal disorders like too much prolactin (the hormone that stimulates breast milk production) or too much or too little of the thyroid hormone can also cause the steps during ovulation and fertility to not happen correctly. Men may experience infertility through abnormal sperm production, blockage or damage to reproductive organs, or even high blood pressure and depression. Since these causes and complications are widespread in households all over the country, there is plenty of information and resources available for you.
The truth is that infertility cannot always be avoided, but there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of becoming a mother-to-be. For one, having regular intercourse around the time of ovulation (the time halfway between menstrual cycles) gives you the highest possible chance of becoming pregnant. You can even increase the likelihood of pregnancy by limiting caffeine and medications that could affect fertility, exercising moderately (rather than intensely), and avoiding things like drugs and exposure to industrial or environmental toxins. If you have attempted pregnancy for twelve months with no luck, you may find it is time to reach out to a fertility specialist. By performing some basic lab tests, your provider can assess your ovulation and advise you on the best practices or safest therapies for you. The amazing thing is how they deliver individualized care based on your medical history, age, and personal goals.
One of our greatest joys is delivering a healthy baby to a loving family. Everyone deserves the chance to hold hands and hear the laugh of their little one, so when faced with infertility, things can be tough. Just remember that you are not alone in the way you feel and that there are approaches and caring people who are always around to help you up and walk you through this experience.
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