Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. It affects as many as 1-in-5 couples and is the direct result of a medical problem. It is a medical condition with a diagnosis and hopefully, a treatment.

The infertility roller coaster is fraught with many emotional, physical, and financial constraints. Making the first step to go to your GP or OBGYN for information is scary and isolating. You might be afraid of what the doctor will tell you or believe that you are "defective" in some way. Coping with the emotional side of infertility and the strain this battle puts on your marital relationship, not to mention your sex life, is tangible. There is also the reality of dealing with your insurance company, employer, and curious friends/family. There is a physical toll that invasive diagnostic tests and treatments take on your body. And there is the Fear Factor-The fear of failure, of losing your dream. It is almost overwhelming.

There are so many circumstances and options to consider: diagnosis that are confusing such as endometriosis, PCOS, and varicocele; drug options that seem endless from Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and injectable drugs such as human menopausal gonadotropins, Metformin, Repronex, and Pergonal; treatment options such as IUI, IVF, GIFT, egg/sperm donation, domestic/international adoption, ART programs, etc. It's important to educate yourself about all of the options available.

Because infertility is such a private matter, you may be hesitant to share your experience with family and friends. Questions such as "when are you going to start a family" can build barriers between you and those closest to you. Because of this feeling of embarrassment, many couples isolate themselves and suffer needlessly.

There are many resources available to you: support groups, medical referral information, emotional support, adoption resources-- the important thing is that your family comes to terms with an agreeable resolution to your infertility.