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Posts Tagged ‘Partner’

Dealing with Your Emotions throughout Fertility Treatments

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

It’s no secret that fertility treatments can elicit a host of emotional responses from the individuals and couples involved. That’s why it’s such a smart idea to really plan for the ways to deal with your feelings ahead of time.

Even if you are the most optimistic person in the world, it can be challenging to stay positive, especially if fertility treatments are proceeding slower than you’d like or if the options presented to you are not what you expected.

As you proceed with your investigation into the right fertility treatments for your situation, why not take the following factors into consideration?

1. Set up an appointment with a counselor.

Many therapists and counselors specialize in helping those who are undergoing fertility treatments. They can give you feedback on your (very normal) emotions as well as providing you with ways to get through difficult times.

2. Don’t define yourself by your infertility.

Many people fall into the emotional trap of thinking of themselves only in terms of their infertility. Remember that you are someone who has a lot to offer, and are not simply a man or woman who is having issues conceiving.

3. Be open about the way you feel.

Females and males who are undergoing fertility treatments can sometimes “shut down”, essentially pretending that their emotions aren’t happening or, alternatively, aren’t important. But they most certainly are!

4. Plan fun activities.

Don’t worry about fertility treatments 24/7! Start planning some fun activities to do alone and with your partner. Go out to eat, head for a hike in the woods, take a walk along the water… and reconnect with yourself and your relationship in a way that doesn’t have to do with pregnancy.

5. Stay on top of your emotions.

Finally, it’s critical to remain “on top” of your emotions. You may even want to start a journal so you can track how you’re feeling on a daily or weekly basis. This will help you achieve a stronger sense of confidence and poise throughout your fertility treatments.

 

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Before You Take Fertility Drugs, Make Sure You Ask These Questions

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

As you prepare for an upcoming trip to your fertility specialist (and we hope that your preferred reproductive health specialist is one of the doctors at RSI!), it’s important to have a list of questions on hand should he or she suggest you or your partner take fertility drugs.

Some of the queries you’ll want to consider include the following:

  •   How often do you prescribe these fertility drugs to patients? 
  • What side effects are common with these types of fertility drugs?  Have your patients reported any other side effects?
  • What are the contraindications with these fertility drugs?
  • How much will the fertility drugs cost?  Are there generic versions to save money?
  • What will the fertility drugs do? 
  •  How long will I have to take the fertility drugs?
  • Will taking these medications affect anything that I currently do?
  • Are there foods or drinks I should avoid while taking these fertility drugs?
  • If I do not take these drugs, what will happen?  What would my other options be?

By being a smart, prepared patient, you’ll leave your reproductive health specialist’s office feeling better educated than when you came in.  And it will also give your physician an opportunity to help you understand more about your unique situation.

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Common Side Effects of Fertility Treatments

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

If you’re considering undergoing fertility treatments, you are probably going to wonder at some point about the side effects associated with the various procedures.

Generally, side effects are not severe, although they are something you have to plan for when you agree to attempt fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI.

Commonly, side effects are related to the hormones used during the procedures.  As such, they may be anything from mild headaches to hot flashes to cramping.  Others include:

  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Weight gain
  • Bleeding
  • Pelvic discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • And more

Though the above-mentioned side effects of fertility treatments are usually temporary, others, such as ovarian cysts or perforation of the uterus during in vitro (very rare), may have long-lasting consequences.

As always, it’s best to speak with your physician and your partner about these side effects so everyone involved is prepared.

Congratulations to Vern Yip and Partner!

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

If you’ve ever watched Trading Spaces, the phenomenal program that aired on TLC several years ago, you were no doubt mesmerized by the abilities of Vern Yip.  And now he’s about to become a daddy… for the second time!

Yip and his partner worked with a surrogate to allow them to become parents again.  And (through their media reps) it appears that they couldn’t be happier!

Of course, you don’t have to be a Hollywood star or a household name to consider surrogacy; in fact, it’s becoming more and more acceptable in America as the facts (rather than myths) of fertility issues begin to filter into the mainstream.

If you’re considering surrogacy or would just like to know more about the process, feel free to visit RSI at our Philadelphia area office.  We’ll be happy to give you a consultation and help you determine if working with a surrogate is the best solution for you (and/or your partner.)

And, as we always say when we mention a “happy ending” for any person… we wish Yip and his family all the joys that parenthood can bring!

Sweden Launches Chlamydia Monday in Effort to Raise Awareness

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

As we’ve written about before at our blog, chlamydia can be one of the contributors to infertility or fertility issues.  A very common STD with nasty long-term side effects, chlamydia is difficult to pinpoint unless men or women get tested.

This is why the Swedish have announced “Chlamydia Mondays”, a new PR program that’s a bit “out there” (it features outlandish cartoons to get the point across) but which the government hopes will resonate with the 4-per-hour-adults who are contracting chlamydia in the country.

So how do you know if you have chlamydia?  Many people have no clue they’re carrying the disease, as it masks itself well.  So if you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant and your physician has ruled out other possibilities but hasn’t tested you or your partner for chlamydia, it’s worth a look.

If nothing else, you’ll know if you are putting your partner at risk and you’ll also be able to get healthier.

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  • Choosing the Right Fertility Specialist

    Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

    How do you know if a fertility specialist is right for you?  It’s a good question to ask, especially given the fact that you’ll be discussing intimate lifestyle details with him or her on a regular basis. 

    Though the following list is not all-inclusive, it will give you a good starting point for determining if the fertility specialist you’re considering is the perfect one for your needs:

    1.  Does the Fertility Specialist Show You Respect?

    Your experiences with your fertility specialist should be positive, and that starts with him or her showing you respect.

    2.  Do You Like the Fertility Specialist’s Office?

    Does the office space seem clean to you?  Do you feel comfortable there?

    3.  Does Your Fertility Specialist Make You Wait Inordinate Amounts of Time?

    Though it’s not unusual for all physicians, including fertility specialists, to run behind from time to time, if you feel you’re constantly waiting… and waiting… and waiting… you may not be getting the service you deserve.

    4.  Does Your Fertility Specialist Take Your Questions Seriously?  Does He/She Answer Them Promptly?

    Have you ever had the experience of asking your fertility specialista question and receiving a rude or non-existent response?  If so, you may want to consider switching to a reproductive health science professional who will treat your concerns seriously.

    5.  Does Your Partner Like the Fertility Specialist?

    If you love your fertility specialist but your partner doesn’t, it may cause difficulty down the road.  While this isn’t a definitely “deal breaker”, it’s absolutely something you need to consider.

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