Infertility
Q: My wife and I have been married for a year. We stopped using birth control immediately after getting married. We have plenty of friends with kids who got pregnant right after getting married. I thought we’d be the same, but nothing has happened yet. Not one positive pregnancy test. I guess it never really registered with me that fertility issues were a thing for anyone in their 20s and 30s (I’m 30, she’s 28). I just assumed we’d immediately get pregnant and each month that goes by with no change just weighs on us. It’s not that we’ve given up hope, it’s just become this dark cloud over every aspect of our entire life. I guess at some point we’ll have to do something about it, but I have no idea where to start—and not even how to approach my wife about it. We don’t really talk about it, because we both get so sad and frustrated. How do I get us out of this endless cycle and onto the next step?
A: Infertility is generally defined as the failure to get pregnant after 1 year of trying with regular unprotected intercourse. About 10% of couples experience fertility issues. In about half of cases, it is due to the man’s fertility, like low sperm count. A couple of things you should know: have more intercourse around ovulation time. There are ovulation kits you can get if you are unsure of the timing. Generally, the most fertile time is two days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. Here is a good resource that discusses infertility in detail. Finally, you may want to consult a fertility specialist at this time.
Emotional Impact of Birth Control Pill
Q: When I started having sex, I got on the birth control pill—one of the low dose ones. It’s been four months, and I feel like a completely different person. I’m either sad or angry—and it’s about ten times worse when I get PMS. Some days I can barely get out of bed. I also have gained weight and it’s made my cramps worse. I asked my doctor about an IUD, but he said I’m way too young—I’m 20! When else would I get it? The pill is ruining my life, but I’m terrified of getting pregnant so I need some suggestions for another form of birth control stat—and I’m scared to ask my doctor based on their previous reaction.
A: Some studies have shown that women who are on the pill are more likely to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability. If the Pill is “ruining your life” it is definitely time to make a change. Many experts in the field of adolescent gynecology do recommend the use of IUDs. In the past, IUDs were thought to be only for women who had given birth, but this thinking has changed with more advanced research. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics, IUDs for teens are recommended as the best form of birth control for teens. Just remember that IUDs do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. So go back to your doctor, or go to a youth clinic or Planned Parenthood, and see a doctor who specializes in youth sexual health and wellness.
Fertility With One Testicle
Q: I have one testicle—does this mean that I have less of a chance to have kids?
A: You really only need one testicle to produce testosterone and semen. So it is still possible to impregnate with just one. However, you may not be producing as much semen. A fertility specialist or doctor can send you to get your semen tested to make sure the amount and quality of it is not problematic. If you are producing less, they may suggest assisted methods of procreation.