Parenthood is complicated. Sometimes, it can seem to be an unachievable goal for those who want and deserve it the most. Thankfully, there are many routes that you can choose to explore if you’re experiencing fertility problems.
See Your Doctor
There’s no need to jump directly headfirst into the more advanced options if you don’t even know what’s wrong yet. Talking to your doctor is the first step. Sometimes, the problem might be something minor. Your doctor will probably want you to describe how you and your partner have sex, and then will want to put you through various tests to spot medical anomalies. There’s no telling how big or small the fertility problem might be, so it’s going to be worth the time and effort to find a specific diagnosis. Even if the doctor doesn’t give a diagnosis, though, they will still probably be able to point you in the right direction for improvement.
Look into Fertility Treatments
If it becomes clear that the solution will not be something so simple, you’re going to want to consider the possible fertility treatments available to you. They will range widely in the procedure, the cost, the likelihood of success, and the time that it takes – so make sure to do your research beforehand. Fertility treatments cost on average about R215,000 ($12,000), after all. Intrauterine insemination is one of the more common procedures when sperm (that is confirmed to be functioning and healthy) is injected medically directly into the uterus during ovulation. You can also consider in-vitro fertilization, when the same process is repeated – but outside the body, with sperm and egg being combined in a lab. One of the most expensive options is a surrogate pregnancy, donor sperm, or donor eggs.
Consider Adoption
For some couples, the best choice to make when it comes to parenthood is not to spend lots of money on expensive fertility treatments, but rather to simply adopt. There are tens of thousands of children across the country (not to mention the world) who need good, stable, loving homes. The adoption process is also not simple or cheap, but these children need parents just as badly as you need a child. As special as a genetic connection can be, the most important connection of all is the choice to love and care for someone.
Every case of infertility is different. Your process may or may not be similar to others you know. One helpful resource – logistically and emotionally – is the internet, where people who are struggling to be parents share their experiences freely. Talk to your doctor and carefully consider your options so that you can take the right steps in the right direction.
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