Disclaimer :: Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Wort sponsored and crafted this post about support during infertility, about its fertility care services, and about the differences between IVF and IUI.
The modern age of fertility treatment began in 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the first “test-tube” baby, in England. Since then, millions have been born world-wide through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and many, many millions more through intra-uterine insemination (IUI). But while we healthcare providers focus on the medical aspect of infertility, the psychologic stress tends to go overlooked.
Support in the Pain and Grief
The emotional toll infertility takes on a couple has been likened to the one that cancer patients go through. It is a devastating disease, made all the more painful because it is a silent disease in otherwise healthy people. Many women struggling with infertility say the loneliest times are holidays, but there are constant reminders throughout the year with Mother’s Day, children’s birthday parties, and back-to-school sales at Walmart. Sometimes even seeing a stroller while driving can trigger a moment of sadness.
From time to time, however, that feeling isn’t sadness but anger and resentment. And this is okay! Many women feel guilty about negative thoughts, but it is a normal part of the grieving process. Infertility can be a lonely journey. And the first step may be the hardest, but it is the most important — and that step is reaching out. Talking directly to others is admittedly difficult in the age of smartphones, but it can be surprisingly uplifting. Support groups are available through RESOLVE: the National Infertility Association, and numerous Facebook groups and message boards exist. Several women have launched successful blogs and support websites documenting their experiences such as the The Infertility Voice™, Dreaming of Diapers, and Amateur Nester.
Fertility Care: When and What
The Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex is unique in that there are many different fertility practices providing excellent care, and, thus, patients have choices. The current recommendations are to seek infertility treatment if you are younger than 35 and have not conceived after trying for 12 months. If you are 35 and older, you should seek care if haven’t conceived after six months.
Fertility care can be difficult to understand with the medical jargon, but it is actually very simple.
There are only two forms of treatment: IUI and IVF. IUI involves inserting the processed sperm from the male partner directly into the uterine cavity, usually with the use of medications for the female partner to increase the number of eggs released. It is cheaper and less invasive than IVF and is almost always done first, as long as there is at least one open fallopian tube and sperm available. IVF is our heavy hitter and it involves extracting eggs from the female and making an embryo in petri dish. It is a powerful but costly form of treatment.
Dr. Biren Patel is a reproductive endocrinologist at Fort Worth Fertility. His diverse training included stops at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (B.S.), the Israeli Institute of Technology (M.D.), the State University of New York in Buffalo (OB/GYN residency), and, most recently, the University of Utah (REI fellowship). He now calls the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex his home and is excited about launching his career.
Fort Worth Fertility is a reproductive endocrinology medical practice started by Dr. Robert Kaufmann. Currently, it is a two-physician practice (along with Dr. Biren Patel) with an excellent ancillary staff dedicated to giving patients the best and most compassionate healthcare available.
