Making a fertility treatment game plan: Part 1- Physical Treatments

Fertility treatments can be a  physically, emotionally, and sometimes financially challenging process. As soon as I found out that I would have trouble conceiving without medical intervention, I wanted to get going right away and start treatments. My husband on the other hand wanted to stop and weigh all of our options before jumping right in. It does help to make plans and decide on boundaries before beginning. 

Start asking yourself and your partner: How far are you willing to go physically? What types of treatments would you be okay with pursuing and where would you draw the line?

Some people will do whatever is necessary to have a pregnancy and biological children. Some people draw the line at any medical intervention. Others are willing to have IUI but not IVF. What you decide on is very personal.

Many couples find that where they draw the line is different than where their partners do. Like many other things in your relationship with your partner, it's important to discuss this open and honestly before you're in the thick of it. You can avoid a lot of problems and stress by knowing these things beforehand and not assuming that your partner sees things the same way you do. (And sometimes it's good to talk it out because in the course of the discussion, you'll find that your lines are maybe not where you first thought they would be!). 

This can be a very difficult thing to compromise on. Try to keep communication open with your partner and try to see their point of view. Maybe there is a reason one of you would be comfortable with IUI or IVF but the other isn't? It is important to start thinking about these issues and discussion them with your partner earlier in the process so you don't feel ambushed if it comes up later.