Understanding Infertility
Introduction
Most adults intend to have children. If you have picked up this book, it is likely that you, a member of your family or a close friend is having difficulties in achieving this aim. You are not alone. Fertility problems are probably the most common reason (other than pregnancy) for anyone between the ages of 20 and 45 seeking medical advice in this country. About a quarter of all couples will experience an unexpected delay in achieving the size of family they want, and most of these will consult their GP. About a sixth of all couples will be seen at a hospital fertility clinic.
The aim of this book is to help you to understand more about getting pregnant, why you may not have been successful so far, the investigations and tests that may be needed to establish the cause, and the infertility treatments available.
Infertility is more than just a medical or physical problem. It can also lead to intense emotional and psychological distress. This can disrupt a couple’s relationship with each other and with friends, family and work colleagues who may seem to be achieving parenthood very easily. The world around such couples seems a fertile place from which they are excluded, and they may even withdraw from social situations where they may meet pregnant women or young children. All fertility clinics recognise the emotional aspects of infertility, and include specially trained counsellors among their staff. However, some couples are reluctant to seek this type of professional support. This book therefore includes a chapter on coping with infertility.
Infertility and its various treatments raise moral concerns and ethical dilemmas for many couples. This is particularly the case for new assisted conception treatments, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy. These are important issues but beyond the scope of a small book like this, and we deal with them only briefly.
Doctors, nurses and scientists often use technical medical terms. You may be unfamiliar with a number of these words, so there is an explanatory glossary at the end of the book. The glossary also includes explanations of acronyms (such as IUI and ICSI) and abbreviations that are commonly used in infertility tests and treatments.
A small book of this type has to be concise. We have included a list of information sources for couples who would like more detail in the 'Useful Addresses' section.
KEY POINTS
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Fertility problems are a very frequent reason for people to seek medical advice
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About a quarter of all couples will experience an unexpected delay in achieving the size of family that they want
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Approximately a sixth of all couples will visit a hospital fertility clinic for advice
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Infertility is more than just a medical or physical problem; it can also lead to intense emotional and psychological distress
