Alternative Methods for Becoming Pregnant
Having a baby is the dream of many couples. But, wishing doesn’t always make it so. Either partner, or both partners, may have health issues that produce a roadblock for a successful conception. The stress of trying to conceive is something many couples go through.
However, if you are having trouble getting pregnant, there are several alternative methods to discuss with your doctor and partner.
- In-Vitro Fertilization – This fertility technique has been around for a long time, with a great deal of improvement throughout the years. Simply put, this process is used to unite the egg and sperm outside of the body. Sometimes, the issue is with the system of reproduction and not the egg or sperm itself. The eggs are removed and placed in a solution with the sperm. The eggs are fertilized by the sperm and then inserted into the women’s uterus for possible, and hopefully, completion by implantation into the uterine wall.
- Donor Eggs – Yes, there is a process of obtaining eggs from another woman, just like men donate their sperm to a sperm bank. If the issue is with the eggs, then using another egg paired with your partner’s sperm may be a viable option for you and your partner. In-vitro fertilization techniques are used to implant the fertilized egg into the uterus.
- Artificial Insemination – This technique is used for women who want a child and either do not have a male partner or whose male partner cannot supply the sperm. Women in these situations have the opportunity to choose sperm from a sperm bank or, in some cases, a donor who has agreed to provide the sperm. When the woman is ovulating, the sperm is inserted into the uterus or the cervix, hopefully to bring the egg and the donated sperm together for fertilization.
- Surrogate Birth – Women who can’t conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, may consider contacting a surrogacy network. In this case, a woman will act as a surrogate and contract with the couple to carry their child. This method involves artificial insemination with the partner’s sperm. This method of childbirth can be tricky from a legal standpoint. There have been instances of court battles over the rights of the surrogate versus the contracting family. This is a method that should always involve your attorney and a reputable surrogate agency right from the beginning of discussions.
- Intrafallopian Transfer – This technique involves extracting an egg and the sperm and reintroducing them into the fallopian tube at various stages to encourage fertilization and implantation to occur naturally. First, the egg and sperm are injected into the fallopian tube and second, the two are allowed to fertilize outside the body and injected into the fallopian tube as soon as the zygote stage is reached.
If the traditional method is not working for you and your partner, there are other options to conceive a child. Consult your doctor as soon as you realize that you are getting frustrated. Your doctor will help alleviate your concerns and will be able to help you choose the right method to proceed with starting your family.