Infertility Services Washington DC

Infertility

When you decide to have a baby, it's natural to think it's going to be easy. We spend so much of our adult life trying to avoid pregnancy that frequently we're surprised when we don't immediately get pregnant the first time there's a chance we might.

So there's the first month of "trying" where you handle the disappointment well... and then the second month. And the third. And fourth. And nothing's happening. And you're starting to feel pretty sure that it never will.

No matter what the problem is (e.g., male infertility, endometriosis, PCOS), today there are more solutions than ever before.

Some solutions include IUI, IVF , ICSI, sperm donation , egg donation , embryo adoption , surrogacy and adoption .

It is important to get as much information as possible when you're going through infertility.

When you first go to a fertility specialist, you will probably be sent for several tests. These tests are performed to try to identify a physical problem if one exists.

Here are some ideas on how to cope with infertility:

1. Decide who you're going to share the information with -- only your partner? Your parents? Both sets? Close friends? (Read our article on Keeping Your Marriage Together During Infertility ).

2. Get information. What are the exact procedures you're going to go through? What tests will help the doctors know what the best thing to do is? What are the side effects of the medication? How long will the cycle take?

3. Pamper yourself. Think about things that you will do that will be good for you -- a long bath, a manicure, a new novel...

4. Remember the world. The world goes on while your world seems to be standing still as you wait to have a successful fertility treatment that will lead to your baby. Make sure to do the things that you want to look back upon -- continue your education, advance your career, stre...