7 Options When You Cannot Get Pregnant

As many of us may know, there are multiple reasons a woman may choose to conceive- or not.  After a recent podcast appearance as a guest discussing fertility and pregnancy, we wanted to share some more insight we learned surrounding some of the stories and suggestions from women who have been there, tried that, then tried again when their first attempts to conceive naturally have yet come to fruition.  (We will say “have yet” because… never say never!)

As technology advances, there are more options available to assist in infertility issues. Here, we list just a few that we’ve learned of lately ranging from preservation to surrogacy.

Fertility Medication

Typically, the first treatment an in fertile couple may seek is fertility drugs.  That is because this option typically helps with stimulating natural processes within the body like ovulation, heightening sperm production/count, thickening the uterine lining and other biological responses akin to healthy conception.

Surgical Procedures

After trying fertility drugs or similar to help with the natural process of conception, a professional known as a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility counselor will typically recommend surgery that can look like the following:

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus. Other forms of ART include gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). After successfully implanted, pregnancy will likely continue as an innate process would.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure that puts sperm directly inside your uterus, which helps healthy sperm get closer to your egg. This is helpful when disorders or disruptions were causing an inability to get the sperm to reach the egg.

Sperm, Egg or Embryo Donation

If the egg or sperm of an intended parent is not viable for a healthy embryo-creation process, donation can also take place to assist. This allows, at times, for at least one of the parents to be involved genetically in the biological makeup of the child.

Even if this option isn’t ideal for desiring parent(s) to be donors, there are many sperm, egg or embryo banks from which to find a donation.

Surrogacy

At times, some parents are unable to carry a child to term, and for that reason, they may opt for another person to be the carrier.  A surrogate can assist with helping bring that life into the world. This can also be done gestationally or traditionally. Gestational surrogacy is when the surrogate is not related to the child she carries.

Adoption

Adoption is always an option as well when wishing to bring a child into a home.  There are a variety of different types of adoptions that are available with new options and programs being implemented annually. From private adoptions to international adoptions, as well as, adoptions of foster children. While it may not be a child brought into the world through you or with your exact genetic makeup, adoption can certainly help fill the void of wishing to be a parent, especially when that trumps the experience of pregnancy having to be a “must”.

Whatever you hope for and opt for, we hope to be able to support you in your journey - no matter what stage you're in or preparing for.