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Fertility is a complicated issue. It’s a very sensitive subject and something that can be very difficult to deal with if you’re having problems. Many individuals and couples can experience bumps in the road when trying to have a baby. On some occasions, it can resolve itself eventually without much action being taken. But there are other times when it might be necessary to take further steps if you want to achieve your dream of becoming a parent. Fortunately, you do have multiple options that you can explore if you’re struggling with fertility. Here are some of the steps you might want to take next.
Undergo Fertility Testing
The first thing that you might want to do if it’s taking you longer to get pregnant than you had hoped is to undergo fertility testing. This can be a useful avenue to explore if you want to check if there are any issues that might mean you or your partner can find it more difficult to get pregnant. Fertility tests can involve basic steps such as bloodwork or semen analysis, as well as testing for sexually transmitted diseases. They might also include other options, such as various tests that check the health of the uterus.
Explore Fertility Treatments
There are various treatments available for fertility problems. In the UK, whether treatment is funded by the NHS depends on several factors, including your location. You might want to consider private options if you can’t get the treatment you want from the NHS. Before considering assisted contraception, it can be important to consider certain medications or surgical procedures that might help to address the issue. Fertility medications can help with things such as encouraging ovulation. Surgical procedures could include options such as fallopian tube surgery to repair a blockage or scarring, or surgery to treat endometriosis.
Look at Assisted Contraception
Assisted contraception can be an option for some people who may have difficulty getting pregnant naturally. These can include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or egg and embryo donation. Each of these options works in different ways and can offer different pros and cons. Before you decide which option might be for you, make sure you learn about what they involve and how they can help you. There’s lots of information online, including from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and, of course, you can speak to fertility specialists about what they recommend.
Re-evaluate Your Plans
There are times when it might be necessary to rethink your plans in regards to having a family. Sometimes this might mean trying a different fertility treatment, but it could also be necessary to think carefully about whether you want to continue trying to get pregnant. You might consider other ways of becoming a parent, including fostering and adoption. Or you could decide that it’s time to move on and focus your life on other goals. Only you can decide what’s right for you.
Fertility struggles can be tough to deal with. If you’re finding it difficult, speaking to a counsellor can be helpful.