Not being able to conceive a baby can be one of the most difficult and stressful things a couple may ever have to face. However, science continues to make great advances in treating infertility. Older women who had a very slim chance of getting pregnant before now have scientific advancements on their side.
For example, one of the latest celebrities to announce her pregnancy with the help of infertility treatments is Celine Dion. She announced that she is pregnant with twins after years of trying to expand her family. Her pregnancy is the result of her sixth in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempt. At 42, she should be a model of hope for those who have come to rely on infertility treatments as they become older.
Also, it is interesting to note that Celine Dion used acupuncture techniques to bolster her pregnancy chances. Combining different treatment options can be successful, which is why RHS encourages a holistic approach to infertility treatment.
Learning as much as possible about different treatment options can bring a sense of hope and empowerment to people struggling with infertility:
Ovulation Induction (OI) – where fertility drugs are given to a woman in order to regulate, stimulate or increase ovulation. They typically work to stimulate or mimic two hormones responsible for ovulation: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Artificial Insemination – is a process in which the sperm is placed inside the uterus through medical intervention instead of sexual intercourse. Doctors can treat the sperm in a laboratory setting before placing it inside the uterus, increasing the chances of the sperm successfully fertilizing the egg.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – is a method that fertilizes an egg in a laboratory setting and then places it inside a woman’s uterus. This can be done with either donor sperm or eggs or with sperm and eggs from the infertile couple, depending upon the specific cause or causes of infertility. IVF is typically suggested when a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, but is also recommended in cases like unexplained infertility, cervical problems, male infertility and certain ovulation disorders.
Lifestyle changes – if medical intervention is not desired, simple lifestyle changes may also be done to treat infertility. Increasing the frequency of intercourse, eating a healthier diet and getting regular exercise are all things that may increase the chances of conception. In addition, appropriately timing sexual intercourse by tracking ovulation can increase the odds of pregnancy.
Other helpful changes for stress reduction include acupuncture and yoga.

