Having a Baby is Not Always as Easy as it Seems: What You Need to Know About Infertility

(ARA) - Few decisions are as profoundly life-altering as the one to have a baby. It makes sense to take the time you feel you need to prepare for motherhood. But even if you plan to wait a few years before becoming a mom, it pays to begin thinking about your fertility long before you try to conceive, experts say. Infertility - the inability to conceive after months, and sometimes years, of trying - affects more than 7 million people in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that a woman's likelihood of conceiving declines as she ages. The good news is, women concerned about their fertility are not powerless. "Many of the patients I see in my practice assume it's easy to become pregnant," says Dr. Lisa Masterson, OB/GYN and a co-host on "The Doctors." "The reality is women should be planning for pregnancy in advance and feel empowered to take charge of their fertility future." April 25 through May 1 is National Infertility Awareness Week. If you're thinking about having a baby, even if your plans are for several years down the road, now is a good time to evaluate your fertility. Here are some facts you should know about this issue that affects 7.3 million people - about 12 percent of the population of childbearing age women in the United States. You can learn more at Resolve.org or at FirstResponse.com.

* You can't reverse the natural effect of aging on your fertility, but we know there are certain factors - that impact fertility potential - that you can control, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling stress, getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthful diet and following an overall healthful lifestyle. Likewise, encourage your partner to follow a healthy lifestyle, which can affect the count and quality of his sperm.

* It is possible to get an accurate perspective on your current fertility potential. The First Response Fertility Test for Women measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in your urine on the third day of your cycle. If a woman's reserve of eggs is low, FSH levels may be higher as her body tries to stimulate the production of a mature egg. Knowing this information allows a woman to start a dialogue with her doctor sooner.

* Remember, infertility is not just a woman's problem. In 35 percent of infertility cases, the problem is related to the woman; in 35 percent of cases, to the man; and in 20 percent of cases, both partners have a problem. And 10 percent of infertility cases simply can't be explained at all.

* Invitro fertilization (IVF) is not the only treatment for infertility - in fact it's not even the most common. About 85 percent to 90 percent of infertility cases can be treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. IVF and similar treatments are needed in fewer than 3 percent of cases.

* If a woman is trying to get pregnant, knowing sooner is important for the health of mother and baby. One new test on the market can detect pregnancy up to six days before a woman's missed period.

Remember, even with the natural loss of fertility that comes with age, most women will still have tens of thousands of eggs at age 30, and thousands still at age 40.

"Trying to conceive can be a difficult and stressful time for couples. I would recommend couples take advantage of everything that is available to them. We are so fortunate to have so many resources easily available. From technology (some at-home tests are even available through some flexible spending plans) to support groups, there are ways to make this process easier," says Barbara Collura, executive director of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, which provides a nationwide network of support for those affected by infertility.