If you're having trouble getting pregnant, it can be tough to see families having fun together at the park or attend yet another friend or co-worker's baby shower. The problem is common, with about 6% of married women in the United States finding themselves unable to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. At this stage, it's defined as infertility.
After a year of trying, experts recommend that you see a health care provider if you're under age 35. If you're over 35, you should only wait six months before seeing a doctor.
There are several resources available in metro Atlanta to help if you're having trouble getting pregnant:
Your primary care physician
In some cases, what's preventing you from getting pregnant isn't necessarily a medical problem. Many factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, can affect your ability to get pregnant. In addition, you may not be having intercourse at the optimal times each month. Your doctor can help you understand when you're ovulating and recommend ovulation tests or fertility monitors if appropriate.
Support groups
Joining a support group and sharing your experience with others who are facing similar challenges can be helpful.
Resolve hosts peer-led support groups for men and women who are experiencing fertility, including a group in Roswell/East Cobb County.
Coping Skills for Infertility, a skills-based support group, meets at 2801 Buford Highway NE, Suite T-60, Atlanta. 678-408-4610.
Fertility specialists
Your primary care physician may also refer you to a fertility specialist, including one of the following:
-Emory Reproductive Center
550 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-778-3401. emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/reproductive-center.
Doctors are faculty members at the Emory University School of Medicine. They treat conditions that can affect your ability to get pregnant, including fibroids and male infertility. The practice offers infertility testing and assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
-Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM)
Multiple metro Atlanta locations. 770-928-2276. atlantainfertility.com.
Doctors are fellowship-trained in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Patients are assigned a team that includes a primary physician and nurse as well as a patient care coordinator. Treatments for the causes of infertility are offered, and all advanced reproductive technologies are offered.
-Georgia Reproductive Specialists (GRS)
Multiple metro Atlanta locations. 404-843-2229. ivf.com.
GRS offers testing and treatment options that include drug therapy, surgical procedures and assisted reproductive technologies.
Adoption assistance
If you'd like to look into adoption, the following agencies and organizations can help:
-Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Multiple metro Atlanta county. 1-877-210-KIDS (5437). dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/adoption-process.
-Bethany Christian Services
6645 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE, Atlanta. 770-455-7111. bethany.org/atlanta.
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