Jani R. Jensen - Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception

MAYO CLINIC

Guide to

Fertility and

Conception

A Member of the Perseus Books Group

MAYO CLINIC

Medical Editors

Jani R. Jensen, M.D.

Elizabeth (Ebbie) A. Stewart, M.D.

Senior Editor

Karen R. Wallevand

Editorial Director

Paula Marlow Limbeck

Product Manager

Christopher C. Frye

Contributing Editors

Charles C. Coddington III, M.D.

Gaurang S. Daftary, M.D.

Shawna L. Ehlers, Ph.D., L.P.

Dean E. Morbeck, Ph.D.

Landon W. Trost, M.D.

Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D.

Contributing Writers

Rachel A. H. Bartony

Alicia C. Bartz

Kelly M. Kershner

Jennifer Koski

Laura Hamilton Waxman

Art Director

Richard A. Resnick

Creative Director

Daniel W. Brevick

Illustration and Photography

Michael A. King

Jodi OShaughnessy Olson

Malgorzata (Gosha) B. Weivoda

Research Librarians

Amanda K. Golden

Deirdre A. Herman

Proofreading

Miranda M. Attlesey

Donna L. Hanson

Julie M. Maas

Indexing

Steve Rath

Administrative Assistant

Beverly J. Steele

2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

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Cataloging-in-Publication data for this book is available from the Library of Congress.

ISBN 978-1-56148-787-5

ISBN EPUB edition: 9780795346019

Published by Da Capo Press
A member of the Perseus Books Group dacapopress.com

Note: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to know more about health issues. In no way is the book intended to replace, countermand, or conflict with the advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning care should be made between you and your doctor. Information in this book is offered with no guarantees on the part of the authors or Da Capo Press. The authors and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book. The names and identifying details of people associated with events described in the book have been changed. Any similarity to the actual person is coincidential.

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Introduction

Deciding to start or build your family is a life-changing decision. Maybe you recently decided to try to become pregnant or perhaps its something youve been contemplating for a while. But once the decision is made, theres a whole new set of unknowns, including whether the journey will be easy or difficult.

You may already have a lot of questions: How can you increase your chances of becoming pregnant? What health and lifestyle changes should you make to have a healthy pregnancy? And if youre struggling to become pregnant, what medical treatments are available? Where can you get emotional support if you cant get pregnant or have had a miscarriage? And when is enough?

The fertility experts at Mayo Clinic are here to guide you through the process of trying for and achieving a successful pregnancy. Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception is an easy-to-use yet comprehensive resource that provides answers and explanations to many common questions of couples hoping to have a baby. From lifestyle and dietary recommendations to understanding your ovulatory cycle to medications and procedures that can improve fertility, this book covers it all.

In the pages that follow, you will also hear from couples and individuals who have struggled to have a family. For a variety of reasons health conditions, unexplained infertility or life circumstances getting pregnant or deciding to have a family was difficult for them. These personal stories are to let you know that youre not alone in your journey, and to give you hope that with time and patience pregnancy is often possible.

A project of this scope requires the teamwork of many individuals. A special thanks to all of the people who helped make this book possible.

The Editors

Meet the Editors

Jani R. Jensen, M.D., (left) is a specialist in the division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the co-director of the In Vitro Fertilization Program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. She is an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and directs the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship for medical students.

Elizabeth (Ebbie) A. Stewart, M.D., (right) is the chair of the division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertilty at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. A noted researcher, author and clinician, Dr. Stewarts research interests focus on the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids.

How to use this book

Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception is a comprehensive medical reference that provides answers and explanations to questions and concerns related to fertility. To help you find what youre looking for, the book is divided into five sections.

Part 1: Getting Ready for Pregnancy

From exercise and eating right to medications and chronic illness, this section discusses daily habits and medical conditions that may affect your ability to become pregnant. Find out what steps you can take to prepare for pregnancy.

Part 2: How to Get Pregnant

Part 2 covers the intricacies of getting pregnant. In this section you learn how to determine when youre ovulating, when is the best time for sexual intercourse, and steps you can take to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Youll also read about early signs of pregnancy and of warnings of a possible problem.

Part 3: Common Fertility Problems

Sometimes infertility is the result of a specific health disorder. This section addresses both common and unusual problems that can affect female and male fertility. Theres also a discussion of age and pregnancy. With more women waiting longer to have their first child, understanding how age affects female fertility is important.

Part 4: When You Need Some Help

Here youll learn about the latest in medical treatments to help you get pregnant. Youll find information on medications to improve fertility, as well as procedures such as intrauterine insemination. Theres a detailed discussion of in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies. Youll also learn about third-party reproduction, which may involve the use of donor sperm, eggs or embryos, or the assistance of a gestational carrier.

Part 5: Special Considerations

The last section of the book addresses unique situations the options available and factors to consider. It also tackles the tough issue of moving forward when pregnancy is unobtainable.