While infertility can feel like a crushing blow to any aspiring parent, there are options out there to help you realize your dream about there are many person might suffer from infertility, including side effects of medications, pre-existing medical conditions, a previous injury or genetic influence. Sometimes, doctors are unable to determine why someone cannot conceive, so they suggest exploring fertility treatments to overcome the challenge.
If you dream of becoming a parent or expanding your family but struggle with infertility, consider exploring these alternative paths to parenthood.
IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) helps couples or individuals conceive by fertilizing an egg outside of the body, then implanting it into the womb. IVF can be done with a couple’s donated eggs and sperm or with donor eggs and sperm.
The process typically involves egg retrieval, fertilization and implantation. One or more embryo can be placed into the womb at once, increasing the chances of a viable pregnancy.
Aspiring parents can also undergo IVF with donated embryos, make allow them to have a child even if they are unable to conceive their own biologically. The mother can either carry this donated embryo to term or have a surrogate deliver the baby.
IUI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) places sperm directly into the uterus to increase the likelihood of conception. This is a possible treatment for patients who are unable to have successful vaginal intercourse or who are using donor sperm to conceive a child.
IUI is more affordable than IVF, but it can only work if the receiving parent is able to successfully conceive a child with their own egg. You may also see IUI called artificial insemination. Artificial refers to the process of conception, not the nature of the child.
The hope with IUI is that the sperm will fertilize one or more of the eggs released by the ovaries during the ovulation period of the menstrual cycle.
Surrogacy
A surrogate carries a child for another individual or couple. They can use a donated egg from the biological mother or a donor embryo. Surrogacy laws are different in every state, so it’s important to consult with a family attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
Surrogacy can be the best option for people who cannot carry their own children due to health concerns or people who want to expand their family without pregnancy. You may have to legally adopt your child depending on the state, whether it is biologically yours or not. In many cases, this can be done through a pre-birth adoption agreement, but each state handles the process differently.
Adoption
Parents can choose to adopt a child domestically or internationally in several ways. Open or closed US adoptions allow the parents to either form a relationship with the birth mother or adopt a baby without knowing its biological parents.
Whether through an adoption agency or the foster care system, eligible adults can welcome newborns, infants, toddlers, children and even teenagers into their families.
Choosing the Right Path
Even if you have tried other options to no avail, don’t give up on your desire to have a family. While some people are willing to adopt, others may want the experience of carrying their own child or having a child with their own DNA. All options are valid. No matter what you are looking for, there is a path for you.
