Fertility treatments can increase the chances of getting pregnant, but there are risks involved for women racing the biological clock
Tag: infertility
African American women are more likely to experience infertility
In honor of National Minority Health Month (April), we wanted to bring a bit more awareness to the fact that more African American women are experiencing the heartache of infertility compared to women of other races and ethnicities. According to a release issued by Georgia Reproductive Specialists and Desiree McCarthy-Keith, a doctor with the clinic, “black women have twice the odds of infertility compared to white women. 11.5% of black women report infertility compared to 7% of white women.”
The release goes on to note that black women are less likely to seek the help of a fertility specialist or assisted reproductive techniques (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Possible reasons, says Dr. McCarthy-Keith, are that the cost of treating infertility may be prohibitively high — for black couples as well as those from any ethnic background — and that limited awareness of treatment options and/or access to fertility specialists may hinder black women getting help that would allow them to conceive, carry, and deliver a healthy baby.
Black women may be more medically challenged, too, owing to much higher rates of uterine fibroids, which can impair a woman’s odds of conceiving.
Should Women Freeze Ovarian Tissue To Have Babies Later In Life?
A doctor at an infertility clinic has performed “ovary transplants” on a small number of infertile women who have gone on to have healthy babies. Though the procedure sounds futuristic, it’s definitely possible (it freezes a piece of ovary, not the whole organ), and not so bizarre as the other suggestion in his new study: That the procedure might help women avoid menopause altogether. Before you ask your doctor to toss a piece of your ovary in the freezer, know that there are many caveats, and it’s not likely to be used as a method for having babies very late in life, or to dodge the symptoms of menopause altogether.
What You Need to Know About Breastfeeding After Infertility
For women who have struggled to conceive, the experience of pregnancy and early motherhood are often more challenging than anticipated. This informative blog gives concerete information about the emotional, physical and practical challenges as well as the rewards of breasfeeding after infertility.
Think We Should Keep IVF Legal?
It used to be that people with infertility lived under a cloud of stigma and shame. People denigrated their disease, dismissing their heartbreaking inability to have children as a mere lifestyle choice. For those of us in the infertility community, we look back on that as “the good ol’ days.”
Can Bicycling Affect a Woman’s Sexual Health?
Spending time on a bicycle seat, which has been linked to erectile dysfunction in men, may also be a hazard to a woman’s sexual health, a new study shows.
Prevention: HPV Vaccine Shows Reduced Recurrence
A new study suggests that the vaccine against human papillomavirus can significantly cut the likelihood of virus-related disease even among women who have had surgery for cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Not Infertile! Many Have Misconception About Fertility
Study finds 16% of women ages 18-29 think they’re infertile
The Highs and Lows of Foreign Surrogacy
Adrienne Arieff went through three miscarriages before she learned she was unable to carry a child. Her search for a solution brought her to India, where she found a woman willing to carry her and her husband’s embryo in a controversial practice known as foreign gestational surrogacy.
Send a love letter — and support fertility awareness
In support of National Infertility Awareness Week, coming up April 22-28, 2012, the American Fertility Association (AFA) has introduced a 45-cent stamp designed to raise awareness about the issue and support those who are trying to conceive. You can purchase a sheet of 20 first-class 45-cent stamps (at cost) at the AFA site.
The AFA is also leading a “Love Letter Campaign,” in which you send a letter of support to someone else who is TTC. As the AFA’s site describes it, “The Love Letter Campaign gives you a chance to support, and be supported by, someone who understands. To simply say, ‘I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I understand. I’m going through it too’ in a gentle, non-obtrusive way… This year’s NIAW theme is ‘Don’t Ignore Infertility’. By reaching out to one another, and by using the Infertility Stamp, together we can support that goal.”
The nonprofit American Fertility Association provides the public and others with information about infertility treatments, reproductive and sexual health, and family-building options, including adoption and third-party solutions. They are based in New York City and reachable at 888.917.3777.
How will you acknowledge National Infertility Awareness Week?