Almost everyone knows a couple who has struggled to get pregnant, but infertility is largely still a hush-hush topic. Because it’s not talked about openly, many don’t realize that infertility — defined as a lack of conception after a reasonable period of sexual intercourse without contraception (one year for women who are under 35 years, six months for women over 35 years) — is more common than might be expected.
Destigmatizing infertility
Infertility has been steadily increasing since the 1980s. It’s about time we talked about it.
Roughly 16% of couples in Canada experience infertility. The causes are varied and include age, problems producing eggs, STIs, endometriosis, poor sperm quality, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses.
Often, lifestyle changes — like eating healthily, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and drinking less — can help to reverse infertility. Basic fertility measures such as timed intercourse, ovulation induction, and insemination are often helpful, too. These measures aren’t always effective, however.
Affordable, accessible treatment options
Fortunately, assisted reproductive technologies also exist, helping every couple to realize their dreams of starting a family. These treatments include egg donation, embryo cryopreservation, intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
They also include vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure in which both sperm and eggs are manipulated outside the body to help with fertilization.
IVF has been widely perceived as prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many Canadians. The good news is that’s no longer the case thanks to leaders like NewLife Fertility, an Ontario fertility clinic with seven locations and the highest pregnancy success rate in Canada. It’s turning IVF into an affordable, accessible option that all couples can consider thanks to OHIP-approved fertility treatments and income-based pricing.
“The standard IVF treatment can be around $10,000,” says Dr. Soliman, Medical Director at NewLife Fertility Centre. “We have a different program. We give people large sums of discounts based on their income to help people who can’t afford it.”
We’re always looking to change things to better the outcome and to have a better success rate for each patient.
Melissa Rivera, Nursing Supervisor at NewLife Fertility Centre
Solutions for every couple’s unique journey
Fertility treatments vary depending on the patient’s medical history, diagnosis, physical condition, age, length of infertility, and personal circumstances. The important thing is having options that are accessible and affordable.
Melissa Rivera, Nursing Supervisor at NewLife Fertility Centre, emphasizes that the same treatment is never repeated because no two patients are alike. “We’re always looking to change things to better the outcome and to have a better success rate for each patient,” she says.
Finding the right solution always begins with a discussion, and NewLife Fertility Centre is a great place to start that discussion. The centre’s advice, experience, and proven track record of success can be a beacon of hope for couples struggling with infertility.
