National Infertility Awareness Week

Last week was National Infertlity Awareness Week. I know I am a little bit behind, but here is my small effort to raise awareness about infertility. This is something I care a lot about because I know a lot of people who struggle with this. I personally think everyone can be a little bit more sensitive when it comes to others and their ability to bear children. The fact of the matter is, we just don't know what their circumstances are, so asking questions like "when are you going to have a baby?" can be very painful for people who want more than anything in the world to have a child. Did you know? •Number of women ages 15-44 with impaired fecundity (impaired ability to have children): 7.3 million (11.8%) •Number of married women ages 15-44 that are infertile (unable to get pregnant for at least 12 consecutive months): 2.1 million (7.4%) •Number of women ages 15-44 who have ever used infertility services: 7.3 million (From the United States CDC) Myth: Infertility is a women's problem. Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up. Myth: It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a vacation. Then you'll get pregnant! Fact: Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with your overall quality of life, the stress and deep emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it easier to diagnose infertility problems. Myth: If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant! Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt. Myth: Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two aren't meant to be parents! Fact: It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem Myth: Infertility is nature's way of controlling population. Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose. (Myths and Facts from Resolve, The National Infertility Association, website http://www.resolve.org/) Below is also one of the most touching videos I have seen about infertility. Enjoy!