What are the odds of being "barren"?

[lizzymcfizzy]

My friend and I are TTC, she has been trying for about 5 years and is due to go for a laproscopy next month. (she's been taking the whole process slowly).

She is extremely worried that the doctor will tell her she can't have children. I know its a normal concern and it would certainly be playing on my mind if it were me and I'm trying to help her any way I can and trying to get her to think positive.

Can anyone tell me what the odds are of being completely infertile? I've told her that there is IVF and more options such as adoption and surrogacy but I'm trying to find something that can settle her mind a little.

I've been googling but am just coming up with infertility info.

Any info would be appreciated. I've suggested she talk to a counseller who is experienced with infertility but she doesn't see the point so I'm trying to just listen to her voice her concerns.

Thanks
Liz

[MariaO]

Tell her not to give up hope. I/We had been trying for years. I went to an IVF clinic and had all the tests - nothing indicating a problem was found. I was just about to start an ivf cycle when I became pregnant - so you never know what is going on with our wonderful mysterious bodies (and minds).


I have no idea the actual odds, I know they are very age related - I was 39 by the time I started doing tests etc. and all i kept hearing about was my age.

[Peaceangels]

Never give up hope!

During our 6yrs ttc, we saw several dr's and infertility specialists, I had several tests, then a laproscopy revealed I had endometriosis (during which time they removed a large cyst in my uterus).

We were told that endo. prevents you falling pg, but on the positive side pregnancy is the cure - bit of a catch 22 really:rolleyes: .

We looked into adopting, talked about surrogacy and ended up getting real results when we started seeing a naturopath fertility specialist.

We followed the diet and vitamin plan (including herbal tonics) for a year, had two unsuccesful attempts at IVF, then fell pg naturally!:thumbsup:

Tell your friend not to worry until she has something to worry about (which may turn out to be nothing!).

[leilani07]

hi lizzymcfizzy,

Great question - it is one that I have often wondered about.
Basically I only have one "general" figure for you and it really doesn't answer your question.

One in seven Australian couples of childbearing age will encounter "some problem" with falling pregnant.

Now, that could be a lot of couples or surprisingly few - however you choose to look at it.

I have more encouraging figures for success rates with fertility drugs - but these address only one kind of problem.

Hope it is of some help to you.:hugs: to your friend. I have been there, scary times.

All the best :)

[Lauz]

Tell her it's okay.... friends of mine were told they couldn't have children. So they decided to do the surrogate mother in the USA thing, and they went to pick up their baby after a lot of money and paperwork. second week in USA picking up baby and the lady turns around and says "i don't feel too well" guess what? PREGNANT.... amazing, and true.

[lizzymcfizzy]

Jacinta that really puts it into perspective reading your story. Thankyou. I hope you meet your new baby soon :hugs: