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Many people around the world struggle to make their dream of becoming a parent a reality.
Dr. Jenna Gale, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, shares five pieces of advice to help you or a loved one on the fertility journey.
1. First, remember that you are not alone
Infertility affects one in six couples globally, which translates to about 15 per cent of the population. This statistic only refers to couples who struggle to get pregnant, so the number is even higher when including all people accessing fertility centres for various reasons, such as for donor eggs or sperm, for fertility preservation before chemotherapy or gender-affirming treatment, and for age-related fertility decline.
2. The earlier you begin treatment, the better your chances of success
People who are born with ovaries are also born with all the eggs they will ever have. Over time, eggs decline in number and quality. For these reasons, fertility treatment success rates are highest before the age of 35, but consulting with a fertility specialist can provide a clearer understanding of your individual chances of success.
3. Be ready to talk about your family building goals
When meeting with a fertility specialist, the main objective is to help you find the best solution to achieve your overall family building goals. That’s why it’s important to reflect on your goals before meeting with a specialist. For instance, if you are hoping for more than one child, you may want to consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) sooner to create and freeze extra embryos for future use.
4. Research your funding options
In most countries, fertility treatments are largely funded out of pocket, often resulting in substantial financial burdens. In Canada, publicly funded coverage is inconsistent across the country and most employers provide no fertility benefits at all. Before meeting with a fertility specialist, research whether public funding is available where you live and if you qualify.
5. Get support or give support to a loved one, the right way
People struggling with infertility need support, but the type of support may vary from one person to another. To help find the support that is right for you, consider visiting your fertility centre’s website or talking to your fertility specialist or family doctor. And if a loved one is struggling with fertility, try to offer support without prying or giving unsolicited advice. Simply remind them that you are there for them if they ever want to talk and that they can tell you what they need from you.
Learn more
In this video, Dr. Gale provides more information to help make the fertility journey a bit easier for you or a loved one.
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