At Positive Steps Fertility, we have so much to be happy and thankful for in 2020.
We see so many families throughout Northern Louisiana and Mississippi successfully have the babies they’ve been dreaming of. There is no greater joy than to be in the room when after years of wanting a child a woman gets to hear her baby’s heartbeat for the first time. The question is how to go from dreams of a new family in the New Year to reality.
The first step is to have a plan.
If 75% of women conceive within three months of unprotected relations, then simply starting by saying “2020 will be the year” is a good first step. If a couple has relations approximately twice a week, then since sperm live 72 hours, there is little that can be done for better timing where sperm is available for an egg. (LH predictor kits and basal body temperature charting help less than one would think.)
The second is to have a backup plan, as 10-15% of women will struggle for years to conceive.
If a backup plan is needed, professional guidance can help. We’ve seen couples making mistakes, such as not realizing they were using a spermicidal lubricant, having relations after ovulation, ignoring clear symptoms of underlying health problems slowing fertility, and more.
The third step is to act on it.
Though it is important for a couple to be on the same page, we’ve seen exceptions. For one couple who recently successfully conceived, the husband surprised his wife with an appointment at our office when she just thought they were going out for lunch (not realizing applesauce would be on the menu for a year later.) Conversely, we’ve actually had a couple go through testing and early stages of treatment, but then the wife, just before insemination, decided she wasn’t ready to be pregnant yet. (They postponed a bit, but then came back and were ready.) Having children is complex and we’re ready to help couples however is right for them at the time, including if they need a break. There is very little that can’t be paused (prior to pregnancy) if extra time is needed. If things can almost always be slowed, you should never let a fear of going too fast keep you from starting and then you miss out on a window of opportunity.
The last step is to share the good news after being successful.
This is not so much for those who have accidentally conceived or done so easily—sharing a story of failed contraception doesn’t encourage women struggling to conceive. However, for those that have had a longer journey, helping those in a similar situation know that they aren’t alone makes a world of difference. If sharing your story, remember that the other person may have a different starting point and destination, so advice doesn’t always translate properly. However, we need more hope and there is a lot to be optimistic about.
We have so much to look forward to in the months ahead. We hope each of you has a wonderful 2020 and that it is the best year yet!
Dr. J. Preston Parry and the Positive Steps Fertility team
From simple explanations, to high tech solutions, or simply a fresh perspective of what you’ve been doing on your own or with a doctor hasn’t worked, come see us in our Monroe, Shreveport, Madison, Starkville or Hattiesburg offices.
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