Infertility

Infertility, the inability to naturally conceive a child or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term, is an ever growing problem. The physical, emotional, and interpersonal impact of infertility can be crushing to both the infertile person and to their partner.  High tech infertility procedures, adoption and psychological counseling are options open to those persons who have not been able to conceive.

In the United States infertility affects over 6 million people or about 10% percent of the reproductive age population. Infertility is typically seen as falling into one of four types:

1) Female infertility: Female infertility accounts for about 30% of all infertility problems.  Female infertility can be related to diabetes, ovarian problems, thyroid and hypothalamic problems, tubal/peritoneal factors (such as endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and pelvic inflammatory disease), uterine, cervical and vaginal factors, genetic conditions, and psychological factors.

2) Male infertility: Male infertility problems also account for approximately 30% of fertility cases.  Male infertility issues typically include endocrine problems, alcohol and drugs, testicular problems such as varicocele, vas deferens obstruction, retrograde ejaculation and impotence, sterility, genetic problems and psychological factors.

3) Combined infertility: Combined infertility accounts for about 30% of fertility cases.  In these instances a couple's infertility arises from a combination of both male and female problems.  Combined infertility also includes those instances where each partner is fertile and has no male or female infertility problems, but together the couple is not able to conceive due to biological and chemical incompatibility.

4) Unexplained infertility: In about 10% or more of infertility cases their is no sign of male or female infertility conditions and no sign of abnormality.  However, for unknown reasons, the couple or single woman is not able to conceive and carry to term.

Regardless of the cause, infertility frequently results in a range of psychological and social problems for the woman, her partner, and their relationship.  The infertile couple may experience social isolation and marital discord. The woman and man may decide to go through the numerous medical infertility options, each of which is accompanied by its own set of physical and psychological as well as financial demands. Invasive medical techniques raise moral, ethical and religious concerns and their invasive and impersonal requirements can rob the reproductive process of its sense of intimacy.  The result is that infertility and the infertility process often results in anger, frustration, anxiety and stress, and depression.

Treatment of the physical aspects of infertility includes a wide variety of interventions such as fertility medication, surgery, artificially insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF). These procedures are undertaken with the guidance of doctors who specialize in infertility and by infertility clinics.

The psychological aspects of infertility itself and the psychological fall-out from infertility are typically handled by psychologists, social workers and nurses who have specialized training or experience in dealing with infertility and its problems. I have had the best results with short term psychological treatment approaches using traditional psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and Reality Therapy. Couple counseling and marriage counseling have also been helpful.

As an adoption expert, and Director of Adoption Services, a fully licensed, non-profit adoption agency, I have been able to help individuals and couples look realistically at adoption as another way to have a family.  Please visit the following two websites for additional information about adoption: AdoptionServices.org and InternationalAdoptionHelp.com

For additional information about infertility, please visit the website links below:

"If you really want help dealing with your feelings and emotions, changing your behavior, and improving your life, I will be happy to help you.  I am available almost any time and any place.  You can call me directly and there is no cost or obligation for the initial telephone consultation.  Or you can reach me by email.  I look forward to the possibility of helping you to improve your life."   Dr. Vince Berger