Infertility can be a complex and costly issue, with causes ranging from medical conditions to age-related factors. However, there is hope for those affected, as a variety of treatment options are available. The emotional toll of infertility can be significant, impacting work, family, and social life.
Dr. Ali Bazzi, the medical director of the new Michigan Fertility Institute in Livonia, emphasizes that the emotional strain of infertility extends beyond medical procedures. “They’re dealing with emotional difficulty in life… it impacts their work, their family, and their social well-being,” said Dr. Bazzi. “It’s more than just procedures or treatments; there’s a lot that goes into it emotionally.”
Dr. Bazzi advises that it’s never too early to start planning a fertility strategy, especially considering that age can significantly affect a woman’s fertility starting in her 30s. “Age, especially for females, is a detriment to fertility,” he explained. “We see a significant decline in egg quality and egg count as women age. This is why it’s crucial to begin conversations about fertility early.”
Infertility can be diagnosed through exams, blood tests, and ultrasounds. Treatment options vary from medications to insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves fertilizing eggs outside the body.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Bazzi assures that there are numerous ways to build a family. IVF isn’t the only option; adoption, surrogacy, and the use of donor eggs or sperm are viable alternatives. The choice of treatment depends on an individual’s lifestyle and relationship status.
One major barrier to fertility treatments is the cost. In February, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order recommending expanded access to IVF. However, the team at the CDC researching IVF was later affected by government layoffs. Dr. Bazzi advises those seeking answers not to wait for policy changes and to pursue fertility treatments as soon as possible.
Fertility challenges are never easy, but with support and the right approach, many people can find their path to parenthood.
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