The Fertility Guide: A Couples Handbook for When You Want to Have a Baby (More Than Anything Else)

366 Pages·1998·2.7 MB·English

by  John C

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Page i
Acclaim for The Fertility Guide:
Information, communication and guidance. These were the three most
important factors to us as we began our treatment. Our physician not
only answered questions but offered information on issues ranging
from treatment options for becoming pregnant to what our treatment
options would cost.
I hope this book will become one every OB/Gyn gives to a patient
he/she is referring to a fertility specialist, for I found it to be an
extremely comprehensive, informative and understandable guide to
the treatment process.
Annette Discerni Wilson
What makes it stand out from other infertility books is its coverage of
the emotional as well as medical aspects of infertility . . . describes in
clear, concise terms how it feels to go through the infertility
evaluation and treatment . . . the reader is assured that the authors
understand all the facets of the infertility experience . . . it allows the
patient to be an active and informed participant in their treatment
process . . . increases their feelings of control over the treatment
process . . . I will routinely recommend it to the couples I work with.
Susan C. Klock, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics,
Gynecology and Psychiatry
Northwestern University
Medical School
Page ii
This book is an excellent resource for couples facing infertility issues.
Dr. Jarrett is an extremely competent and caring Reproductive
Endocrinologist who clearly explains the most current medical
procedures available. Dr. Rausch provides warmth and understanding
when helping patients deal with accompanying emotions. I highly
recommend The Fertility Guide.
Ann
The joint efforts of Dr. Rausch, who addresses the emotional side of
infertility coupled with Dr. Jarrett's chapters on the medical issues
and treatments involved make this book a valuable resource for
couples. It is written in easy to understand language and at the same
time answers all your questions about tests, results and what they
mean to you. I recommend this book to our readers.
Barbara Nesbitt
Editor, OBGYN.net
Page iii
The Fertility Guide
A Couples Handbook For When You Want To Have A
Baby (More Than Anything Else)
John C. Jarrett II, M.D.
Deidra T. Rausch, Ph.D.
Health Press
Santa Fe, NM
www.healthpress.com
Copyright 1998 by John C. Jarrett II, M.D. and Deidra T. Rausch, Ph.D.
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any
form.
Published by Health Press
P.O. Box 1388
Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.healthpress.com
ISBN 09-929173-2-95
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Jarrett, John C., 1950-
The fertility guide: a couples handbook for when you want to have a baby (more than
anything else) / John C. Jarrett II, Deidra T. Rausch.
p. cm.
ISBN 0-929173-29-5 (trade paper)
1. InfertilityPopular works. I. Rausch, Deidra T., 1961-
II. Title.
RC889.J37 1998 97-35087
616.6'92DC21 CIP
Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
Page v
DEDICATION
To my father, for being such a great role model
To my mother, for never-ending love and support
To my wife, for her unwavering belief and efforts,
and to my kids, for their understanding
JCJ
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I feel privileged to have accompanied so many couples as they
navigate the infertility journey. Through our experiences over the past
eleven years I have been able to observe different aspects of the
journey and am excited about the opportunity to share some helpful
hints for survival. I have been surrounded by supportive people
throughout my life journey, and offer special thanks to Dave, Taylor,
Meredith, Jake and my parents Tom and Jeanine for their patience and
support.
DR
Page vi
Uncharted Territory
How can I say good-bye,
When we've not yet said hello?
My "Imagined Child" will you ever come to be?
From early years the future was guaranteednow
I wonder, "Will this dream be realized?"
Carefree and assured, we started our lives together;
Tentative and unsure, will we forever fear the future?
The pathway to you is uncertain,The questions unanswerable.
As the journey continues, filled with evaluation of
uncharted territory, my vision of you remains constant.
My peace is found in knowing that while I may not
hold you in my arms, I will always hold you in my heart.
D. Rausch
Page vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Part One:
Understanding the Emotional Aspects of Infertility
Chapter 1: 3
Navigating the Emotional Journey
Denial
Anger
Why Me?
Blame and Guilt
Isolation
Maintaining Relationship Cohesion
Intimacy
Grief
Depression
Resolution
Chapter 2: 11
Evaluating the Alternatives
Adoption
Donor Gametes
Child-Free Living
Single-Child Parenting
Chapter 3: 15
Pregnancy After Infertility
Part Two:
Understanding the Medical Aspects of Infertility:
The Physical "Nuts and Bolts"
Chapter 4: Nature's Way 21
The Male and the Sperm
The Female and the Eggs
Female Anatomy
Timing Is Everything
When Should We Worry?
Chapter 5: 27
Getting Started
Evaluating the Male
Semen Analysis
Other Tests
Evaluating the Female
Prolactin Level, Chlamydia Titer, and TSH
Ovulation
The Postcoital Test
Evaluating the Fallopian Tubes
Hysterosalpingogram
Laparoscopy
Chapter 6: 37
Chances Are
Age and Duration of Attempts
Medical Considerations
Work
Stress Levels
Geography
Cost
Deciding on a Treatment
Reaching Resolution
Chapter 7: 45
The Male Factor
Semen Analysis
Obtaining and Delivering the Sample
Interpreting Semen Reports
Other Tests of Sperm Function
Causes of Abnormal Sperm Counts
Treatment Options for Sperm Problems
Schedule Wisely
Urologist Evaluation
Medical Therapies
The Male Algorithm
Postcoital Test