aby blues With more
aby blues With more couples waiting to have children, infertility is not uncommon BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO which affects about 10 percent of all people of reproductive age. Doctors will suggest that if you are younger than 35, see a fertility specialist if you have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for a year. However, those older than 35 should only wait six months, since their chances of conceiving after that age diminish greatly. Your ob-gyn may be able to field some general questions, but it is a good idea to go to a reproductive endocrinologist, who has more expertise with infertility. When Najat (Roumayah) LaFave looks into her daughter Emma’s eyes, she knows she is looking at nothing short of a miracle. The 41-year-old and her husband, Mark, 45, tried to have a child for four years before conceiving. After seeking the help of a fertility specialist, LaFave was prescribed Clomid, a drug used to help increase egg production and induce ovulation. It did not work and LaFave ended up having a laparoscopy to find out why she was not getting pregnant. She discovered she had endometriosis. “The most frustrating part for me was that with just about every procedure done, there was a wait period,” recalled LaFave. “I felt that time was not on my side given my age. There were times when it seemed like forever before we could try again and this was very frustrating.” RUDE AWAKENING Even though LaFave married in her mid 30s, she never thought that getting pregnant would be difficult. She was focused on finishing her degree as a dental hygienist and did not think waiting a couple years would affect her chances of pregnancy. She ended up having what is becoming a common procedure among couples having trouble conceiving — in vitro fertilization (IVF). The procedure was successful and Emma was born in March 2004. “My mother never had problems,” said LaFave. “My sister has five children; obviously she didn’t have a hard time so I thought that when the time was right we would try, get pregnant, and have a child.” As frustrating as it was trying to conceive, the LaFaves never gave up. “Mark and I knew we were going to have a family, either our own or through adoption,” she said. The LaFaves are not alone. Many couples these days seek the help of fertility experts. Statistics show that more than six million couples in the United States struggle with infertility, COMMON CAUSES OF INFERTILITY There are many possible causes of infertility. About a third of cases can be attributed to male factors, another third to female factors, and a final third to a combination of both partners. Or sometimes, the reason is simply inexplicable. One common cause is an ovulatory disorder, a condition in which the egg is not properly released, or not released at all, from the ovaries. Blocked fallopian tubes are another cause. This is when the fallopian tubes may be either totally or partially blocked, slowing or completely preventing the flow of sperm to the egg. It is usually diagnosed with X-rays and treated with surgery to remove the obstruction or IVF. IVF involves removing eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring them into the uterus a few days later. Men can have sperm disorders. The sperm can be abnormally shaped, unable to move properly or 24 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2005
too few in number. Infectious diseases, such as mumps, or an inadequate production of certain sex hormones can lead to a low sperm count. If this is the case, a couple can often conceive through artificial insemination, which involves injecting sperm through a narrow catheter into the woman’s reproductive tract. Endometriosis is another possible cause. It is a condition in which the lining in the uterus, which usually sheds during menstruation, grows outside the uterus. Endometrial lesions can block the fallopian tubes or impair ovulatory function. Laparoscopy can remove endometrial tissue and blockages from the body. LIFESTYLE CHANGES Infertility can also be caused by poor sexual or lifestyle habits that are easily remedied. These include: heavy use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs; starvation diets or anorexia in the woman; tight underwear or pants in the man, which raises the crotch temperature and reduces sperm count; and stress. In a woman, this may cause her periods to be irregular. In a man, stress may reduce his sperm count. Changing the timing of sex and the couple’s sexual techniques may also increase the chance of pregnancy. Sometimes, for instance, semen fails to reach the cervix. Placing a pillow under the woman’s hips after intercourse may help prevent spillage. In order to find out from where the problem stems, a couple must seek help. “If you’re older than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant, don’t wait too long to seek the advice of your physician,” said LaFave. “There are different tests which could be performed to ensure that there is no underlying cause for possible infertility. I would also advise anyone being treated for infertility to stay positive and believe in your faith. Don’t give up.” Not giving up is the mantra of Connie Shallal- Johnston and her husband, Todd Johnston. The couple has been trying to have a baby for six years. Connie has repeatedly conceived with the help of artificial insemination and in vitro, but has suffered numerous miscarriages — the latest one when she was six months along with twins. “I feel that God has some kind of plan for me and I am supposed to go through all this for some Emma and Najat LaFave reason,” she said. “I never want to give up and my husband supports me 100 percent.” Shallal-Johnston is now mulling using a surrogate, though she is still hopeful she can have a successful pregnancy. “My advice to women in my situation,” she said, “is to try everything before giving up. There is so much medical technology and also there are also some holistic views such as acupuncture mixed with fertility meds. When all my options are up then I may consider adoption, but I still have a little hope that I can have one of my own.” The LaFaves have entertained the thought of having another child. “We put it in God’s hands,” said Najot LaFave. “Right now we are loving the joy of parenthood with our one little miracle.” Charming colonial in Farmington Hills! Many updates throughout! 9,000 For 24/7 recorded info call 1-800-853-0422 EXT 2025 ASK ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE SMART CHOICE LOAN. $ 300 OFF Closing Cost BRIAN LOUSSIA Realtor ® "Where Honesty and Integrity Count" Direct (248) 735-9139 • Cell (248) 252-1179 Fax (248) 380-8200 • E-mail: brianl@kw.com 22260 Haggerty Rd. Ste. 250 • Farmington Hills An Independent Member Broker Beautiful Chase Farms colonial w/gourmet island kit, finished daylight lower level & much more! 9,900 For 24/7 recorded info call 1-800-853-0422 EXT 3055 It's the Smart Mortgage that puts you in control of your Monthly Cash Flow Completely renovated, beautiful 1st floor condos ready for immediate occupancy in Farmington Hills! Starting at 7,900 For 24/7 recorded info call 1-800-853-0422 EXT 3015 MARLENE GEORGE Senior Executive Mortgage Banker Direct 248-427-3314 ITALIAN CHOPHOUSE 645 E. Big Beaver • Troy 248.680.0066 ✁ SINCE 1920 THE TRADITION CONTINUES Banquet Rooms Available BOOK NOW FOR YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION Larco’s restaurants Family owned for over 50 years COME TASTE THE DIFFERENCE! This certificate entitles bearer to: Redeemable at both Larco’s locations ITALIAN GRILL 6480 Orchard Lake Rd. • West Bloomfield 248.626.6969 NW corner of Maple and Orchard Lake Reservations Always Welcome $ 10 GIFT CERTIFICATE off with a minimum purchase of (Excluding tax, tip & alcoholic beverages.) Maximum discount . Offer not valid holidays and subject to Rules of Use. Tipping should be 15% to 20% of the total bill before discount. Valid anytime. APRIL 2005 CHALDEAN NEWS 25
