2 definitions by Little Miss Me
A medical condition that affects one in seven couples yet isn't widely talked about. It can be both life changing and devastating. It can be caused by male or female factors or a combination of the two. Sometimes there is no explanation.
Most of us spend a long time trying not to get pregnant and then assume that we will become pregnant very quickly when we decide the time is right. For 15% of us it will take longer than a year and many of these will seek the assistance of treatments like Clomid, IUI or IVF to try and make it happen.
For some it seems worthwhile going through arduous treatments in order to keep hope alive and for others it makes more sense to accept the situation and move on as a childless couple. Some will seek to have children through donor gametes or by adoption.
There is support out there on websites and in support groups where you can talk to others who are in similar situations; people who understand.
Most of us spend a long time trying not to get pregnant and then assume that we will become pregnant very quickly when we decide the time is right. For 15% of us it will take longer than a year and many of these will seek the assistance of treatments like Clomid, IUI or IVF to try and make it happen.
For some it seems worthwhile going through arduous treatments in order to keep hope alive and for others it makes more sense to accept the situation and move on as a childless couple. Some will seek to have children through donor gametes or by adoption.
There is support out there on websites and in support groups where you can talk to others who are in similar situations; people who understand.
by Little Miss Me September 29, 2010
In Vitro Fertilisation
Most people are under the misconception that IVF starts with harvesting eggs from the woman and sperm from the man. It actually starts weeks before that with the woman having to administer daily hormone injections. First these hormones induce a temporary menopause then further injections stimulate the ovaries to develop a number of follicles. This whole process is carefully monitored as serious complications can occur.
Only once the follicles are ready are the eggs ripened and then collected in a surgical procedure under sedation or anaesthetic. Sperm is collected at this time and with some luck eggs fertilise and embryos start to develop.
After a couple of days (or five if going to blastocyst stage) usually either one or two embryos are placed into the uterus and the couple must wait two weeks to find out if they are pregnant.
IVF is a harrowing treatment which many patients describe as an emotional rollercoaster but many infertility patients are more than willing to put themselves through this (often on numerous occasions) in the hope to have a family.
Most people are under the misconception that IVF starts with harvesting eggs from the woman and sperm from the man. It actually starts weeks before that with the woman having to administer daily hormone injections. First these hormones induce a temporary menopause then further injections stimulate the ovaries to develop a number of follicles. This whole process is carefully monitored as serious complications can occur.
Only once the follicles are ready are the eggs ripened and then collected in a surgical procedure under sedation or anaesthetic. Sperm is collected at this time and with some luck eggs fertilise and embryos start to develop.
After a couple of days (or five if going to blastocyst stage) usually either one or two embryos are placed into the uterus and the couple must wait two weeks to find out if they are pregnant.
IVF is a harrowing treatment which many patients describe as an emotional rollercoaster but many infertility patients are more than willing to put themselves through this (often on numerous occasions) in the hope to have a family.
Raise awareness of infertility!
IVF offers hope and has allowed many people to have a family who otherwise would have never know the joy of having a child of their own.
IVF offers hope and has allowed many people to have a family who otherwise would have never know the joy of having a child of their own.
by Little Miss Me September 29, 2010