Conceive Wish TheyVisited A Fertility Specialist Sooner (NAPSA)—Morethan 7.3 million Americans, or one in eight couples of childbearing age, struggle with fertility problems. Despite this startling number, a new national survey of 585 men and women has uncoveredthat half of these couples agree they may have waited too long ceive. More than half of the men and women surveyed said they find themselves trying to hide their feelings from their partner, and 55 percent of those surveyed reported that infertility has made sex a physically and emotionally anxious time. to get pregnant; ninety-one percent of those currently receivingfertility treatment wish they had seen a fertility specialist sooner; and 65 percent said it never occurred to them that they may havetrouble conceiving—until it happened to them. The GfK Roper survey results, available at www.planforsomeday. com, underscore the difficulties both women and men face when struggling to conceive. Seek Medical Advice Sooner Rather Than Later While the survey found that both women and men understandthe link between a woman’s ageand fertility, they often do not fully understand how soon a woman’sfertility begins to significantly decline. Couples are advised to consult a fertility specialist called a reproductive endocrinologist if they do not have success within six monthsof trying to conceive and are over the age of 35. The reason? A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30. By age 40, a woman’s chance of conceiving is only five percent per month. @ “Couples struggling to get pregnant clearly experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions,” said Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., psychologist and executive director, The Domar Center for Mind/Body Health, Boston IVF. “It is important for patients to understand factors like age and medical conditions that may negatively impact their ability to conceive, and quickly seek treatment from a specialist when they suspect there may be a problem.” Escalated Pressures According to the survey, both men and women reported that stress and tension in their relationship have increased since they first started trying to con- Discovering Resources According to the survey, 54 percent of men and women facing fertility problems reported feeling overwhelmed uponfirst trying to become pregnant; however, couples shouldn’t feel alone. In addition to consulting a specialist to handle the physical side of fertility, support resources are available to assist with the psychological and social elements of trying to have a baby. Visit www.planforsomeday.com for advice on coping with the emotional burden that accompanies the struggle to get pregnant; tips on how to talk to family and friends; and links to additional resources. Online communities where women and men mayshare their stories and seek advice are also helpful as couples continue their fertility journey. The survey of 585 women and men was conducted online in September 2009 by GfK Roper on behalf of Schering-Plough Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. To view full survey results and get more information, visit www. planforsomeday.com.
