Infertility affects millions of people in the United States. Yet, when it happens to you, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only couple who is dealing with it.
In fact, one in eight couples struggles with infertility. Infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey, and often individuals and couples feel isolated and alone in their struggle.
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), which takes place every year in April, aims to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding infertility.
The Prevalence of Infertility
Infertility affects people of all ages, races, and genders. In the U.S., among married women aged 15 to 49 years with no prior births, about 1 in 5 (19%) are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Factors contributing to infertility include age, lifestyle factors, genetics, and medical conditions. It is important for individuals and couples who are struggling with infertility to seek help from a fertility specialist.
We recommend that couples get evaluated for infertility issues if they aren’t able to get pregnant after one year of trying, or after six months if the woman is 35 or older.
Common Misconceptions about Infertility
There are many misconceptions surrounding infertility. One of the most common myths is that infertility is only a women’s issue. In reality, male factors account for 30-40% of infertility cases.
In women, problems with ovulation cause most cases of female infertility. When ovulation doesn’t occur, there’s no egg for the sperm to fertilize. Certain gynecological conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may cause ovulation problems.
Less common problems include blocked fallopian, abnormalities in the uterus or uterine fibroids
Male infertility typically involves issues with sperm. A man with infertility may produce very few sperm, or sperm that don’t move normally. It’s possible for a man to be born with conditions that affect his sperm, or for injuries or other damage to occur later in life.
Emotional Impact of Infertility
Infertility can be an emotional rollercoaster. It is common for individuals and couples to experience a range of emotions, including grief, anxiety, and depression. Coping with the emotional toll of infertility can be challenging, and it is important for individuals and couples to seek support and resources. At CFA, we offer support services to help our patients navigate the emotional challenges of infertility.
Treatment Options for Infertility There are many different treatment options available for infertility. At Columbia Fertility Associates, we believe in creating individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate care to our patients. We believe in taking a holistic approach to infertility, which includes addressing the emotional and mental health needs of our patients.
Thanks to our state-of-the-art laboratory, patients can get all of their diagnostic and medical needs met under one roof. Plus, because Columbia Fertility Associates is consistently ranked among the top fertility centers in the country, patients can feel confident that the team has everything they need to help patients with the most complex of infertility issues.
Not only do we offer the most advanced in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program, our team specializes in frozen or thawed embryo transfer, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and assisted hatching, to name a few options. We have both an egg donor and a sperm donor program, too.
Raising Awareness and Growing Families
National Infertility Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding infertility. Infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey, and you never know who may be dealing with infertility. Yet with the right support and treatment, it is possible to achieve the dream of parenthood. If you are struggling with infertility, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
