• The average cost of in-vitro fertilization, pharmaceuticals included, ranges  between $8,000 - $14,000.
  • The World Health Organization recognizes infertility as a medical disease.
  • Infertility affects and is related to both men and women equally; it is not simply a women’s disease. The major causes of infertility for both men and women are numerous. However, treatments are plentiful and available — do you know what your options are?
  • High levels of stress and anxiety often accompany the journey of infertility. It is important to seek effective, personalized methods for managing that stress.
  • Reproductive health may be affected by many factors. A crucial guard against reproductive disease includes STI prevention and protection.
  • There are correlations between cancer treatment and infertility. However, cancer patients may now request to preserve their healthy eggs or sperm for future use.
  • Infertility can be a sensitive issue for many Canadians suffering that reality. To show your empathy and support, you can employ infertility etiquette when conversing with those suffering the disease.

Infertility etiquette

Whether it is your best friend, your older brother,  the co-worker to your left, or you yourself, chances are there are multiple people in your everyday life who have been touched by infertility. Studies show that 47 percent of Canadians would answer ‘yes’ to  being personally affected by the disease, or knowing someone who is.  

Being knowledgeable enables us to better understand the difficult road travelled by our friends, family, or co-workers navigating  the disease. By offering support and empathy to those affected, we can help boost the self-confidence, motivation, and tenacity required for the journey to come. Thankfully, for the more than 600,000 Canadians who must seek assistance to build their families , there are more fertility options  available than ever before. Although in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is recognized as the clinical best practice for treating infertility, it is not 100 percent successful. Alternative treatments include embryo adoption and third-party reproduction. Treatment methods are highly personal; educating yourself on the particulars of various fertility options is the best way to seek the ideal treatment match for realizing your family.

If you are having difficulty conceiving, it is imperative that you initiate a discussion with your family doctor as early as possible. Seek a referral to a specialist so you can understand the causes and possible solutions for your particular situation. Early treatment is especially important for women over the age of 35, as well as anyone with a medical condition involving their reproductive organs.  

Knowledge is your ally — whether you are dealing with fertility treatments yourself or hoping to offer relief and support to someone in your life. As a patient it will allow you to be more confident and pro-active in understanding and dealing with your situation, allowing you to make informed decisions. As a caring and helpful friend, family member or co-worker, your compassion and awareness  can make all the difference for those in need of your support.