Infertility is a common disease process that affects 10-15% of the couples
within the U.S. who are within the childbearing age. It is also very common
worldwide. In recent years, tremendous progress has occurred in the diagnosis
and treatment of infertility. We can do much more today than we could
a few years ago. In spite of this misinformation regarding the subject
abounds. These myths create barriers to the timely diagnosis and treatment
of infertility.The truth is that most cases can be rapidly diagnosed and
effectively treated. Treatment does not have to cost thousands of dollars.
Also in spite of the image given in the press, most patients will not
have multiple pregnancies.
Stress causes infertility.
This is usually not the case. In fact infertility and its treatment causes
a great deal of stress rather than vice versa. Saying that stress causes
infertility is a way of trivializing the problem.
Infertility treatment is expensive.
In some cases it can be. In many cases, it is simple, brief and inexpensive.
The sooner patients are seen and treated the more likely basic treatment
will succeed. Timely treatment can also minimize cost.
Treatment always causes multiples.
Some treatments such as ovulation drugs or in vitro fertilization do predispose
to multiples. They do so to a much lesser degree than is commonly thought.
For instance use of Clomid or Serophene increase the natural multiple
pregnancy rate from 1.5% to 7%.
Friends, family, newspapers, T.V., and the internet are always accurate
sources of information.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment is the way to go! Myths and misinformation
are what we need to grow beyond. Many who put forth the effort will succeed.