Product Description
Infertility affects one out of six couples today. Dr. Lewis presents a groundbreaking alternative approach to infertility, explaining how she used traditional Chinese medicine to treat her own infertility, successfully conceiving and giving birth to two children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (114)

Gives me hope
While reading this book I feel a sense of hope now than before. I appreciate the author/doctor for creating this book and letting the world know that you can conceive naturally with TCM.

not so
I have to admit this book gave me hope, but that is as far as help goes. I did not find anything there that I could not find already online. I went to the retreat, paid an expensive plane ticket, expensive hotel and put my time in facing a group of other suffering women only to find that the retreat did not tell me much beyond what you find online either. Once there, Iwas told that to have a consultation with Randine, I would have to come to yet another retreat. I feel that the book is just a teaser with lots of chinese terms that have the purpose of intriguing. Same with the retreat, yet the help may never come. In my view, this is just another plot to get a business going and I fell for it. In fact, I stopped eating wheat, milk and started a pretty lean diet with supplements. The result after a couple years is dry hair, ridged nails and other indications of nutritional deficiencies. I hope this helps other women in my situation. I think this business is ok to try for a wealthy individual that can pay enough money to get Randine's attention. Please be careful!

The infertility cure
I got this book as it was recommended by another yoga teacher. I loaned it to a friend and she is very encouraged by it. This is a good reference book.

Very Informative
What I like was that the writer was a western woman having to deal with infertility. She is also a OBGYN and has worked in the USA and worked in China at the hospitals. She gives her experience and advice. I was able to look at her charts and see where accupuncture would work best and my accupuncture did everything to detail that her book said. I was able to see that my personal fertility problems were a blocked tube. This book gives you hope and lots of information.

Life changing
For women out there who are feeling despondent and like they would like to do more to help themselves get pregnant but are not sure what else they can do, this is the book for you.It brings hope and a very refreshing discussion about the idea that a women's eggs are "too old".We find out in this book that scientifically, that is not really the case.I have started acupuncture and am taking some of the herbs recommended in this book.I have also ordered the [...] yoga DVD and have been doing this daily.It is a real life change for me.I feel stronger and more peaceful inside - which is what you need when you are battling infertility.Highly recommend this! ... Read more

Product Description
Since 1990 this pocket handbook has been used by thousands of physicians, medical students,nurse midwives, nurses andother healthcare providers. Now in this completely rewritten and revised UPDATED 6th EDITION you can find everything that you need to provide comprehensive healthcare to women.Written for a wide range of medical professionals, this pocket-sized compendium is dedicated to all aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology and contains over 500 tables, flowcharts and figures making each topic easier to recall. Many useful resources from recent original articles are now at your fingertips in one source-book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

very handy and concise
I refer to this book often and have found it to be very useful. Using it as a tool to help me dictate my procedures helped me a lot in becoming more efficient. I also like to look at the common algorithms presented in the book when I have some free time. Topics are easy to find and read through. I would definitely recommend this pocket book!

The gold-standard OB/Gyn handbook, but could be better
I've used this book as a 3rd and 4th-year medical student and am soon to begin my OB/Gyn residency.

Pros:
-Primary care section covers the big topics you might see in a typical primary care setting.
-Outline format helps pack in information
-Helpful diagrams, such as those for pre-eclampsia and abnormal uterine bleeding
-ACLS section (includes neonatal resuscitation algorithm)
-Concise medical spanish section
-Some high-yield anatomical drawings
-The new REI section is quite extensive (also a "con")
-The operative reports section is great.For residents, this may be one of the best aspects of the book.


Cons:
-Excessively thick.This edition gained a lot of weight/pages because Dr. Lebovic's REI handbook was basically added on to the previous edition.The length and width pretty stayed the same, so the book just got thicker.The book is too thick to carry on you if you're just wearing scrubs, but can be fit in your white coat.Even so, it just feels annoyingly bulky and heavy.
-Not well-indexed.The index could be more extensive and intuitive.I have only used this book as a third- and fourth-year med student, but I can tell you that there were many times when I tried to look something up in the index, only to get frustrated and wish that I had just searched for it via UpToDate.
-The binding needs to be stronger, given the physical characteristics of the book.My book is split in half, only held together by the cover.
-The length of the REI section.It's roughly as long as the OB section.Given the scope of what OB/Gyn med students and residents experience, that much REI is too extensive for this type of book.
-Even though this book is jam-packed with info, there are many pages that have a lot of unused space.Which makes the thickness of the book even more annoying.

Should you buy it?If you're an OB/Gyn resident or a medical student with an interest in the field, yes.This is the gold-standard clinical handbook for OB/Gyn.If you're a third-year med student who probably isn't going into OB/Gyn, only get it if you think you'd really benefit from carrying a handbook that has a lot of information that you probably wouldn't need/use.

I hope that the next edition is slimmer.It could be made a bit wider and longer, and could be more concise in some areas and have less wasted space in others.With these changes, the book could easily be less than 300 pages.If this were the case, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

very practical, easy to use, condensed, best handbook I have...
i am a primary care physician. this book is practical for women's health primary care info, charts, ob-gyn info, my first aid in rotations, in hospital care and office based care. My ob-gyn colleagues told that it was essential for ob-gyn residents/physicians, but I
would also recommend to med students, family physicians, all primary care dr.s...

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility: Handbook for Clinicians; Pocket Edition (Handbook for Clinicians)
Great, easy to read resource.A lot of info is packed into a very small space.

Excellent
It was a really good decision to buy this book. You can find all you need as a ob/gyn resident. ... Read more

Product Description
Infertility is a heartbreaking condition that affects nine million American couples each year. It causes tremendous stress, can trigger debilitating sadness and depression, and can tear a marriage to shreds. In Conquering Infertility, Harvard psychologist Alice Domar—whom Vogue calls the "Fertility Goddess"—provides infertile couples with what they need most: stress relief, support, and hope. Using the innovative mind/body techniques she has perfected at her clinic, Domar helps infertile women not only regain control over their lives but also boost their chances of becoming pregnant.

With Conquering Infertility, women learn how to cope with infertility in a much more positive way and to carve a path toward a rich, full, happy life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

very helpful when you are frustrated with infertility
I found this book to be very helpful.When I was at my worst and feeling like nothing will ever work and no one understands me I read this book and it really helped.I also took a mind/body class on infertility that I found in my city that was based on the author's book/guide and the class was essential in helping me to cope with all the stress and anxiety and ambiguity of infertility.

Incredibly helpful!
This book was incredibly helpful.If you are facing infertility, this book is for you.Dr. Domar knows the scientific literature and gives a well-researched perspective on how to deal with the emotional consequences of infertility.It helped me so much that I recommended it to a friend.She also loved it!

Not what I expected.
From the title of this book, I thought it would include lots of mind/body techniques to help you deal with infertility and the stress of IVF.However, only a couple of chapters dealt with breathing techniques and visualization etc.The rest were all about how to deal with family members, different case stories/success stories.If you don't have unsupportive people in your life you really don't need this book.However, I will go back and read the 2 chapters that had decent information.

Helpful perspective.
I found this book to be a bit negative at times...But I think that the author addressed the emotional/spiritual issues of infertility very well.Many times she really hit the nail on the head and it was comforting to read that others have felt the same things I'm feeling.In addition, I found some things about the book very helpful.All of her coping strategies were things I already knew.But I still liked the idea of the minis, which is simple to remember and can be used any time.I also loved reading another perspective like talking to your family and friends about infertility.I had been avoiding talking to my parents about it completely.But based on her comments I thought that I would share some of my struggle with my mom (no details) and it went very well and we both felt better.I also keep thinking about the author's statement, which she makes several times throughout the book, that some day this struggle will be over and life will go back to normal and if you really want to be a parent you will be.This keeps me sane when I feel trapped in the nightmare of infertility.

Very basic information with negative slant
I found the relaxation exercises to be very basic techniques I was already familiar with, although I did appreciate the reminder to take time each day to relax.

Maybe because I already have a support forum and have discussed the emotional issues with my RE, I didn't have the eye-opening sense of surprised self-recognition of some reviewers. Yes, she accurately describes many of the emotional pitfalls of infertility, but I never thought I was the only one who was jealous of pregnant relatives and coworkers or who had a hard time finding sympathy for those with secondary infertility.

The biggest problem I had with the book was that I came away from it feeling hopeless. So many of the stories are about situations where all attempts failed. She stresses adoption and childlessness, which are valid choices and obviously must be considered at some point. But I feel like I need to go into these procedures with a positive attitude and this book robbed me of the hope I had been clinging to. As an example, I became convinced that my cycle was going to be canceled due to lack of response to stimulation and spent several days worrying about that, needlessly it turns out. Before reading this, I wasn't worried at all because I knew that my eggs develop slowly.

In summary, some good relaxation techniques, although probably nothing new to you, and probably helpful if you have no infertility support group already. ... Read more

Product Description
After seven years of tests and more tests, treatments and more treatments, Elizabeth Swire-Falker understands what it means to struggle with infertility. In this frank, reassuring, and thoroughly researched handbook, she shares her own personal experience and offers insight into what challenges to expect along the way-from getting support to finding the right doctor xto dealing with insurance. She helps readers:

€ Navigate the maze of infertility tests and treatments
€ Handle the financial strain and marital stress that accompany the treatments€ Formulate questions to ask doctors and nurses and learn to be their own advocate for good medical care€ Understand the options:

-IUIs
-IVF
-traditional adoption
-embryo adoption
-donor eggs
-gestational surrogacy
-the virtues of living child-free

Swire-Falker will tell readers straight-as only a best girlfriend will. This is the only guide anyone will need for navigating such a difficult course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Good info but very negative
I thought this book contained good information on infertility, particularly IVF.However, I felt it was unnecessarily negative and its primary purpose seemed to be to induce fear.While I am all for telling it like it is, the author seems to focus too much on the negative aspects of the process.You finish the book with more worries than you started with, rather than feeling good about the decision you made.

Certainly everyone reacts to this situation differently but the level of complaining seemed a little excessive. There are other books out there with the same good information where the author tells it like it is without all the negativity.

FINALLY a book that speaks to me!!!
In the bizarre and complicated world of ART, this book comes as a blessing.Ms. Swire Falker's book should be a bible for anyone going through any infertility process.It should be given out to family members to help educate them.Ms. Swire Falker covers everything that you will need to know from the financial to the emotional to the physcial and does so with a refreshing down-to-Earth honesty that makes you thankful you found this book.She also provide an in-depth reference section that I found most helpful.My only regret is not finding this book sooner!!! Kudos to Ms. Swire Falker for championing the fight to break down society's shame label that is associated with infertility!!!!

A must read for anyone undergoing (or considering) fertility treatment
This is a fantastic resource for anyone undergoing (or considering) fertility treatment.It offers an abundance of useful technical information, written in a way that is very easy to understand.I read most of the book before my first appointment with an RE and am so glad that I did.I felt prepared for the consultation and I think it would have been unbearably overwhelming if I didn't know what to expect during the visit and was clueless about the different treatment options.The visit went smoothly and I felt ready to talk to the doctor, ask questions and make treatment decisions.As I begin my treatment, I have been referring back to this back often.At the same time, the book also offers some levity and humor at a time when you really need it.Because it is written from a patient perspective (but she does consult with doctors so you can trust that the medical information is accurate) it is easy to relate to her experience, and I have found comfort in that.Overall a great resource!

Do not buy if you are dealing with male infertility.
This book was a good book and very informative.However if you are dealing with male infertility this book is not for you.It is very informative when it comes to ivf procedures but there are very few chapters you'll benefit from.The author tells her own struggles with infertility.Her struggles were all related to egg production and endometriosis.Her husband did have a few problems when with shape of sperm, but it did not pose a problem.
She does talk about adoption as well.

From Endometriosis Patient Perspective
Imagine having a conversation with an informed and smart support group member with stage IV endo who has been through numerous IUIs, three laparoscopies, and five IVF cycles. Elizabeth Swire Falker knows what it's like to deal with infertility. The Infertility Survival Handbook Everything You Never Thought You'd Need to Know is written from the patient's perspective, and it's written well, which makes it an easy and fast read. Despite its name, this book is more moral support than a comprehensive reference on infertility or endometriosis. It's a one-person support group that can be immensely emotionally helpful for someone undergoing infertility treatment; I found the book useful, comforting, and uplifting.

There is a chapter devoted to endo.The author recognizes a genetic component to endometriosis and notes that a few women in her family also had endo, but the chapter itself is short. In other parts of the book, the author talks about her experiences with surgeries for endometriosis and mentions that changes in diet have helped her. But, there is no material on how to increase your chances for a successful surgery by choosing an experienced endo surgeon nor there is any mention of the Endometriosis Association. There is, however, a very good chapter about how to find a good Reproductive Endocrinologist or infertility clinic.

So, my main and probably only major complaint is that it is not as a comprehensive reference on infertility as I had expected from a book containing the word "everything" in its title. When I experienced complications with IVF, and while on Lupron, developed a cyst that later burst, I found the book lacking. There was nothing on that subject and what the options might be. Should I wait for it to go away on its own as my doctor had suggested or take the medicine to force the cyst to burst as the doctor covering for my regular one this morning suggested I do? The book held no information to help me make a more educated choice.Alternative protocols, such as Ganirelix protocol instead of Lupron, are neither mentioned nor discussed.Yes, while most of the fertility treatments are the "one-size-fits-every-diagnosis", there are options. Discussing complications and including these options instead of injection stepswould enhance the book's value at the era of Google and even YouTube videos, which are there in an unlikely event your doctor didn't provide printed injections directions or a DVD or a class.

One of the last sections on what to make of the pregnancy test and how to deal with either successful or unsuccessful IVF cycle is very helpful and has excellent advice. While the book is definitely not everything you'd need to know about infertility, it is worthy of a purchase and is arguably one of the top books on infertility out there. I referred to it over and over again when I was going through my first IVF cycle, but I wish I had the book before I started any treatment at all. Overall, I would give the book four out five stars and recommend it without hesitation.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

thank goodness for this book
Make sure you read this book early on, maybe even before you get off the infertility merry go round. This book made me feel so good. It was a serious path forward. Even though we had already decided to adopt, reading the early chapters helped me go through and review my feelings and how we made our decisions. It was such a balm to my soul.
That being said, it is out of date, as anything related to science, medicine or adoption is. But its still worth it.

Great place to start
I think this was a well written book, that covered many topics on adopting after going through the craziness of infertility.I actually felt empowered and like I had options when reading this book.My husband and I are now on the road to adoption.Not everything in this book applies to every situation, but it was great to read.

Loved It
This is by far the best book I read after my journey through infertility and as I began considering adoption.My husband and I now have a 3 1/2 year old son from Russia and we are in the process of adopting child number two.The truth is that adopting is extremely different from having a biological child and it is very important to work through your emotional issues before becoming an adoptive parent.I am grateful that I took the time to work through the issues addressed in this book before adopting my son.I am a better mother as a result.I highly recommend this book!

Spend your money elsewhere
There was not much useful information in this book (unless you like being talked down to), and I also noticed a lot of incorrect information in what there was.The author comes off as pompous and sort of a "know it all" in many areas, which is a bit odd for a person who obviously doesn't know as much as she is claiming to know.Our family has adopted four children over the recent years, all in separate adoptions, and I can tell you for a fact that the author is way off base in some of her claims.I would not recommend this book to anyone because adoption is a very tricky process, and a lot can go wrong, especially if you are following incorrect information from a supposed "expert" such as in a book like this.

Excellent

Of all the books and many, many websites my husband and I have read since we began looking into adoption, "Adopting After Infertility" ranks near, if not at, the top of my list. The best part about this book is how sympathetic Johnston is to [prospective] adoptive parents. I've gone back to this book a few times, after reading more elsewhere and learning more, for her balanced, direct, and kind style. As well as easier on the psyche than others, "Adopting After Infertility" is informative. Not as in depth regarding laws (state by state, country by country) as other sources, there is plenty to get you started in knowing the types of adoption and choices available. Invaluable for making me feel human. An excellent starting point and grounding reference along the way as we encounter the daunting realities. Emotionally, Johnston keeps the reader in line by reminding us that, though we don't have choices or resources we might wish to, we DO have many, which she describes quite well and accurately, providing informationunavailble in the "how to" stlye accounts or in the "pro" or "con" material. Johnston is soft and kind, and empowering at once. If you are considering adoption, whether or not you are infertile, I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Hope and Help For Those Struggling With Infertility

When the professional advice isn't enough, and you've had your fill of well-meaning comments from those who haven't experienced infertility, Marlo Schalesky wants you to know you are not alone. The true stories she tells of couples who share your hopes, fears, frustrations, and the comfort only God can bring will encourage your heart.

Infertility strikes at the core of what it means to be a woman or man, tests marriages, and shakes faith. The honest, open, and emotionally resonant first-person stories in Empty Womb, Aching Heart will touch your life—as you "cry in the diaper aisle," wonder if you "are less of a woman," ask "How far should we go?" or whisper to God, "It's not fair." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Great book!
I only read about half of this book because we moved onto adoption at that point. From what I did read, it was well worth the money. I like hearing people's stories. But watch out, if your anything like me, it's a kleenex book.

One of the best out there.
This is an excellent book for those struggling with infertility or miscarriages.It is also a good one to read for those who want to understand what others may be going through.It is well written, in a way that holds the interest of the reader, with short stories woven in here and there.I have found this to be my favorite as a gift for friends who are struggling with issues we struggled with at one time.

Encouraging for those experiencing infertility
I found this book very encouraging as someone who is experiencing infertility.It's not a medical self help book, but one with short stories of other couples going through the same experience with infertility.When your on the infertility road, as time goes by and you read up about all the medical conditions and so forth, it can become quiet disheartening and sometimes it feels like your all alone, but this book dispells that and shows that everyday people also feel the same way.Highly recommended!!!

Hmm....
*Notice* I read this book approximately one year ago. I do not plan to read it again. The following are my impressions... While I think this book does a good job of capturing the various feelings associated with infertility - I have to say that I was disappointed and even depressed at the conclusion. In one or two sections, I think the author does a good job of empowering women to regain their strength, self worth and focus. However, although the presentation of differing ways to handle infertility were informative, I do not recommend this book for someone who is just starting out on the infertility trail or for anyone who is already on the brink of losing hope. This book will take you right over the edge.

Great resource for loved ones of Infertile People. Not as helpful for patients themselves
Empty Womb, Aching Heart: Hope and Help for Those Struggling With Infertility is not what I expected it to be and is unlike any of the other books I've read or perused on this topic.

Because the Infertility world, especially the Christian, online Infertility world is such a small, tight knit community, I find it difficult to be critical of anyone's love offering, for fear of hurting feelings. However, I don't think empty reviews, or false positive reviews really help anyone, and don't accomplish my goal of broadening conversation on and knowledge of the resources available. So with that in mind, I will attempt to tread lightly.

Empty Womb, Aching Heart can best be described as "Chicken Soup for the Infertile." It is a collection of stories gathered from women (and a few men) in their thirties and forties, detailing their personal experiences with various points in their infertility. This is not a teaching book.

I will say that it is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to get a broad exposure to an "insider's view" of various Infertilty related heartaches. This would be great for a pastor or a friend who wanted to glean a smattering of different reactions and experiences, many of which are very typical of many Infertility journeys.

However, because the book is just a collection of other people's stories, I found little helpful in it on a cosmic, capital T Truth level.

My first critique is that only two passages in the entire book came from anyone in their twenties. Most passages were from people in their upper thirties and in to their forties, with a few from people in their young thirties. This made me, a late twenty something, feel particularly isolated. So many times in this journey people say "oh you're still young!" as though the only people allowed to truly wrestle with this issue are those who are nearing the end of their childbearing years. In truth, my youth makes this harder because if my body doesn't function right now with time on its side, I have little hope as time marches on. It also made me feel that I am years and years away from being able to really identify with a lot of things shared in the book, or that it will take me that long to come to the same kind of peace that some of the authors exude. So I found that element of the book to be particularly discouraging, especially because in one or two stories was the author's age even relevant, so this isolating factor could have been avoided altogether by the omission of ages.

Second because this is just a collection of stories, the only significant value is the comfort of the knowledge that others have been there too. But because God works in every life differently, there is no universality to any of the lessons. While I can marvel at God's work in another for the sake of His goodness and power, that does little to teach me about His plan for my life. Perhaps that was never the point of the book but I have to hope that if it was published for worldwide consumption, there was some goal of enhancing the reader's own picture of God.

Also, it was hard for me to really accept any of the assorted "truths" that were offered because we know absolutely nothing about the various authors, save for their name (real or pen) and an age, and in some cases, a location. This is not always relevant, but when someone is making assertions about God, I know it's at least easier for me to process when I know the bias of the person making the assertion. No scripture referenced was exegeted nor was the article author's interpretation substantiated. I realize that criticizing anonymity is an ironic statement in this review where I am anonymous to those of you reading it, and I realize that everyone has something offer, regardless of their "credentials" but for that very reason, I try to be very upfront with my biases and convictions and with the fact that anything I offer is opinion.

I try to be careful for not faulting something for not being what it was never intended to be. I realize this book was never intended to be a treatise on God's truth for infertile couples. But in recognizing that, I found a lack of a convincing purpose for the book, again aside from the end result of getting exposure to other people's emotion and knowing that one is not alone.

I can never fault anyone for trying to address this issue. I feel like a broken record when I say again that I appreciate that Ms. Schalesky (I think a better title for her is editor, not author) was willing to break the silence. And I am confident that her vision for this book was borne out of a sincere desire to equip, encourage and validate. All of those things are noble and good and as I said, this book is very good for exposing someone to a lot of feelings and experiences with IF. And if someone is at the point in their IF journey that they're just looking to hear from other people who have "been there, done that" this book is perfect. I will applaud Ms. Schalesky for her wisdom in including many stories that do not have "happy" endings of successful pregnancy or adoption, which would lead I think to a lot of false hope. The point of all the stories is that God's goodness is not confined to fixing biological problems. This is a very significant Truth that this book does tackle well. So for all of those things, I appreciate Ms. Schalesky and all those who submitted their stories.

The question of whether or not I would recommend this book I guess depends on what your intended purpose in reading it is. If it's to glean exposure to "our" world, such as would be appropriate for a pastor or friend of an Infertile couple, this is an excellent book. However, if you're an Infertile person at the point in your journey where you're hungering for solid, biblical teaching and encouragement, this may not be the tool for you at this time. I can't say that I would refuse to recommend it because there is nothing "wrong" with this book, morally or spiritually and I don't think it does any harm or disrespect. However, it has a very specific purpose and I think intended audience, so falling outside those bounds may make this book little more than a time passer for you. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

funny error in title
Dear Amazon--
In the hopes that someone will read this-- the title of the book with the error in the title(Leon Speroff's textbook) is Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. That much is true.The subtitle is wrong. It is not, I repeat not, subtitled: :Cervical Spine Research Editorial Committee.The cervix Dr Speroff treats is in the pelvis, not the neck. Please correct this.
Sorry to notify you in this roundqbout way, but I don't know any other way to let your web masters know of this error.This "review" obviously is not for publication.
Sincerely, Irene M Piekarski, M.D.
206-522-3330 (O)
206-284-2003(H)

Worth buying
I bought this book through Amazon and quite happy with this service and book too.It is recommended formy masters course in Reproductive medicine.Thanks Amzone.

Excellent reference!
This text offers a straight-forward reference to assist in the management of gyn problems I commonly encounter as a Family Doctor.It goes into great detail about anatomy and physiology of gynecologic problems yet is well-organized for use as a "quick reference".For example, it took less than a minute to find the section on hirsuitism to refresh my memory as to what the initial work-up should consist of.

A must have for anyone involved in basic infertility
This is an incredible book.Speroff is still the king when it comes to infertility.In our OB/Gyn setting we refer to it many times in our treatment of basic infertiltiy and have had great success following the guidelines given by Speroff.It should be on the bookshelf of anyone who treats basic infertility!!

DEFINITELY A MUST HAVE
This is one of the bibles of the OB/GYN resident. Excellent reference for the in-service exams. Simple diagrams & tables make this text readable and easy to understand. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (69)

Wonderful book
Loved the book and she has a wonderful website too both of which helped me so much during my IF journey.

Well Written and Speaks to the soul.
The author of this book does a great job of showing her passion for those of us going through this journey of infertility and loss.The book is not only uplifting, but it also gives you a great slew of resources to delve into.I like to buy something that gives you take aways!

Fantastic and so "real"
I bought this book as I am still in the depths of IF despair.My heart is just broken, I am havinga hard time with all of the emotions and just can't face the reality of where I am in my life.This book has helped me gain perspective and to realize all of the ways I have been blessed, even through my pain and doubt.I highly recommend this book for any woman facing the horrible challenge of infertility and/or loss.

This book is a blessing
This book was recommended to me after struggling with infertility for 5 years. However, the day I found out that we were going to lose our first child in the form of a miscarriage, I finally buckled and ordered it here. For a long time, I had felt like my feelings and discontent over our inability to conceive a child were isolated and selfish. This book helped me understand that my feelings were not only normal, but ok. Jenni Saake has walked a long, tough road to motherhood and I respect and appreciate her ability to put her hurts, her doubts and her heart out there for everyone to read (if they choose).

I would say that this is a book written by a Christian for a Christian audience. Jenni places many Biblical references--particularly the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel in the forefront of her argument for writing the book. Jenni's point is that throughout the Bible, there are many references to infertility and the loss of children, so we should use the Bible as a reference point while going through our struggles. She relies heavily on the idea of placing our struggles and hurts back into the hands of our God as He does understand these feelings. I think as Christians, we are too often told to just trust in God in a very glossy fashion without a real emphasis on HOW to trust God when times are the darkest. Jenni's book was (is) a great comfort to me through the midst of the darkness.

Very helpful
For me as a Christian, I loved this book.Seeing the parrallels between Hannah's journey and mine have helped me cope. This book also covers a lot of the journey of infertility, from loss to even having to accept that I may never be a mom.It isn't a pat answer to such a diffcult topic.It is one of my favorite books on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Having a baby can be one of the most wonderful times of your life -- but if you need help to conceive, it can swiftly become a staggeringly expensive undertaking. With the average cost of infertility treatments ranging from $35,000 to $85,000 in the United States (most of which is not covered by insurance companies), many women and couples find themselves having to make difficult choices about building their families.

Getting a grip on your finances is one of the few things you can do to regain control of this process. Infertility experts Evelina Weidman Sterling and Angie Best-Boss have created the ultimate guide to ensuring the most cost-effective care with the highest chances for success. With anecdotes, interviews, and advice from both doctors and patients, you can easily apply these specific money-saving strategies to your own unique situation. Learn how to:

- Select a fertility clinic with a high rate of success

- Convince your insurance company to cover more of the costs

- Track down the most affordable fertility drugs

- Travel abroad for cheaper care or international surrogacy

- Avoid the scams and unnecessary expenses every step of the way

Personal and professional, Budgeting for Infertility is an invaluable resource that shows you how to pay for infertility treatment...and still have money in the bank for diapers and day care. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Especially important in our current financial crisis, a Must Read!
Especially important in our current financial crisis, Budgeting for Infertility is a timely and accurate depiction of what it takes to pay for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to complete a family. I found this book not only assists with budgeting but also educating Intended Parents on all aspects of ART including treatment terms, how to choose a clinic, finding affordable fertility medications, understanding the financial options and even exploring adoption. I especially liked reading the comments from Intended Parents who know first hand what it's like to travel down the road of infertility treatments. I highly recommend this book for anyone starting out, or even in the middle of their own personal infertility journey. Well worth buying and passing along.

Infertility
This book was in great shape when it arrived and it's easy to read. Great ideas and I recommend this book to couples who have infertility.

Will Help You Think Outside the Box
Though at first I was skeptical at any book about the financial side of infertility, I realized a few pages into the book that the average reader would not only gain back the $16 spent on the book, but would probably save a minimum of several hundred dollars or more over the long run.

It doesn't just give you ways to save money, it gives you ways to understand how things relate to you financially on a personal level.For instance, it isn't helpful to make a statement about shared-risk plans without explaining how they work and who should use them.Financing can never be a one-size fits all approach.

And at the very least, the book helps you think outside the box and consider ways to save money on medications, treatments, and testing.It explains how to navigate insurance companies and how to find clinical trials.It explains fertility grants and scholarships and how to find them.But above all, it gives you the confidence to take charge of the financial side and understand how to budget for treatments.

Bless you for writing this book!!!!
I would like to personally thank the authors of this book. I am just starting my infertility journey. I am in my late 30's and it truly puts things into perspective. I often think with my heart and not my mind. This really helped me take a moment to think things through to prepare for the upcoming decisions that will need to be made with my treatment.

Fortunately I have a background in medical insurance so I know what to expect from my insurance carrier. For those that have no clue about their coverage (if they even have coverage to begin with), this book will arm you with everything you need to research your coverage so you aren't hit with a big surprise. I was very appreciative of the ICD9 codes that were included in the book. It is nice to have them for a quick easy reference.

I was amazed at all of the suggestions that were supplied for financing your treatment as well as the frankness of what to expect expense wise and how not to be taken advantage of (what areas that are possible money pits if you will).

I have only touched base briefly on the content of this wonderful reference tool. It is a must have for anyone even remotely thinking of seeking infertility treatment.

Thank you again for taking the time to put this together. ... Read more

Product Description
'Must reading for the thousands of people struggling with the pain of infertility.' -Christiane Northrup, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Over six million Americans a year struggle with the costs-physi-cal, financial, and emotional-of infertility. Now, three psycho-lo-gists who have faced infertility themselves show couples how to: - Reduce their sense of helplessness and isolation - Identify their mates' coping styles to erase unfair expectations - Listen to their 'unsung lullabies'-their conscious and unconscious dreams about having a family-to mourn the losses of infertility and move on. Ground-breaking, wise, and compassionate, Unsung Lullabies is a necessary companion for anyone coping with infertility. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

This book helped bring me closure...
My husband and I struggled with IF for almost 6 years.The authors of this book were at an adoption conference a few years back; they were there to help attorneys understand just where adoptive couples were coming from in terms of emotions from infertility, etc..My father was one of those attorneys in attendance, and he gave us this book as a gift. If I could, I would give it to every.single.person. that I meet. It helped me come to terms with my feelings and frustrations, and recognize that I really was 'normal' after all.I was especially appreciative of my family members who took the time to read it as well - I actually received apologies (for things they had said to us)from them!
I currently teach a class to prospective adoptive parents, and I always recommend this book to those couples that seem to be struggling the most. I've even just had to purchase my third copy to replace the other two that haven't been returned!Thank you for such a phenominal book!

Didnt enjoy it
Just wasnt the right book for me I needed insight and help about moving forward with life being child free now after deciding I cant go through more IVF and it wasnt the right book for me skipped over it didnt hold my interest at all.

Exactly what you want to hear
I have been TTC for over two years and although I haven't experienced ALL the emotions - I have experienced the emotional roller coaster. This book really helped me understand those feelings as well as feelings I have yet felt. It also helps you to understand YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
I've now started When Empty Arms Become a heavy Burden - and looking forward to continuing my "healing" through this difficult time called INFERTILITY! Remember - God is never EARLY and He is never LATE!!!

Good validation
This book helps to explain why the journey of infertility is so painful.It was a very good validator.The only weakness for me is it primarily focuses on "the couple," and doesn't focus on a single woman on the journey which is my journey.Otherwise, excellent book...highly recommend.

Helps you see an end to suffering
When my husband and I were going through infertility this book was the only thing that really helped us. We started reading it and every feeling that we ever had was in there. I was so glad to read something that was exactly how I was feeling. I highly recommend this book to those that don't really like to go and talk to someone about how they feel. It also helps to get on infertility forums, but even that was too painful after awhile. Every week you would see someone that found out they were pregnant. I just couldn't keep up with forums. I read this book twice and think that it was what eventually helped us move forward with our life. I know that I will be OK without children and if we ever decide to go with adoption, I feel that my infertility issues will be easier to deal with.

Remember that infertility never fully goes away. The feelings you have can come back. This book helped me deal with making them not as life altering. Those that are suffering still, please know that there are others who feel the same and eventually there is an end in sight. ... Read more

Product Description
A Christian guide to the medical, ethical, emotional, marital, spiritual, and biblical challenges of infertility.Includes chapter questions and a workbook section with exercises ideal for individual or small-group use. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

I still keep going back to this book
Even three years into our infertility journey I still continue to reference this book - especially the chapters on where God is in the midst of this trial and His potential purposes in it (without being trite).I will recommend this book above every other book to those dealing with infertility. It is practical, yet personal; being written by a doctor and a woman who went through infertility herself.I disagree with the review that said the book started as a pity party - it starts with exploring the potential real-life consequences of going through this trial (marital issues, emotional issues, and spiritual questions) and offers truth and help for working through that stage of the journey.This is a book to read BEFORE you go to the doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility - it helps shape the decisions you will make when undergoing medical treatment.

Helpful for understanding infertility treatments
A great resource to have for anyone facing infertility treatments and who wants biblically sound advice on the ethical aspects of it. Just very informative in general about all the treatments available. It explains what the treatments are so couples can have a better understanding of what is out there but, then adds what treatments are biblically acceptable. Very helpful to my husband and I as we underwent treatment for infertility.

Absolutely the best Infertility Primer and Dictionary for Christians
The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility (Christian Medical Association) is a book that is part almanac, part dictionary, part personal testimony and part Bible teaching and study. It's written by a Christian Infertility Doctor and a Christian Infertility Patient.

I'll start with my critiques because they're pretty minor. My biggest complaint about the book is that for some reason I've not quite put my finger on, DH and I both found it visually hard to read. I can't decide if the text is smaller, the leading is smaller, the characters are closer together, the lines are longer or if it's because the pages are gray and not white, but I found it hard to read more than 20 pages in one sitting before my eyes were too tired. I've never experienced that with a book before and I'm quite confident it wasn't the content that made it hard to read so I'm quite befuddled. At times I was frustrated because I wanted to continue reading but couldn't comfortably do so.

My other critique is that the book is littered with one paragraph personal anecdotes from various people that I found distracting on almost every occasion. I struggle to see their purpose and at times, was frustrated by the incongruence that occurred when the anecdotes interrupted the primary authors' train of thought, with little explanation as to why they were offered in the first place. The primary text is stronger when one skips the interruptions (though for thoroughness' sake, I did read them all).

However, those two, minor things encompass the totality of my complaints about this book.

What I love about this book is how straightforward it is. This is not to be confused with authors who are insensitive. This book just lacks the emotional aspect of a lot of the other books, which my husband especially appreciated. He felt much more comfortable reading this book than reading some of the others I speak highly of, including ones I've recommended here. The book reads largely like a textbook on infertility, if such a thing could exist given the diverse nature of individual experiences. However, it is very conversational and approachable in tone-not at all dry and difficult to read like the mention of a "text book" would suggest.

The authors write with one voice and do an excellent job at it, which I think lends itself to the "neutrality" of this book. It's not a book by women for women, or men for men. It's a book for a general audience, which I think is rare in this particular genre of texts.

The book spends some time on the interpersonal aspects of infertility, including the patients' relationships with themselves, with each other, with God, with their friends and family, with Christendom and with the general public. It also address such things as parenting after infertility, secondary infertility, childlessness by choice, and responding to well meaning advice.

Perhaps one of the most instrumental things I've read in any book on the subject was in the authors' chapter on myths of infertility. In response to the myth "If you adopt, the pain will go away," the authors cited another author who identified six key losses that are rooted in infertility:


1. Loss of control
2. Loss of individual genetic continuity
3. Loss of a jointly conceived child
4. Loss of the pregnancy and birth experiences
5. Loss of emotional gratification surrounding pregnancy and birth
6. Loss of an opportunity to nurture and parent a new generation

pg 29


How freeing it was for me to read that it is perfectly normal to mourn the loss of pregnancy--a need that will never be met through born-child adoption! I've already shared this with a few other people because it was so instrumental to me to identify the various types and sources of grief and loss. I wish I could put it on a flyer and distribute it to the world and maybe then people would cease looking for trite things to say or ways to help their infertile friends "get over" this loss!

The rest of the book, however, is what I found most useful. It's an explanation and bioethical exploration of the tests and procedures common in the treatment of infertility. It covers everything ranging from sample collection to examinations to medications to surgical procedures. The authors are quick to confess their own limits and biases, but even with the procedures with which they don't agree, they highlight the benefits along with the risks. I appreciated this neutrality. They are also careful and responsible to state that their opinions on anything that falls outside the bounds of clear scriptural teaching and/or does not jeopardize innocent life is their own opinion and not gospel truth. On the other hand, where something does violate clear scripture or the sanctity of life, they are firm in stating its inappropriateness for the committed Christian (examples would be fornicating to produce fluid samples or children, selective reduction abortion, etc). In some cases (IVF for example), they are very helpful in helping the reader understand the limits they should place in order to keep the procedure one that honors God and human life. Where Catholics and Protestants might differ, they offer information and resources for both world views.

I appreciated how respectful the authors are of opinions that differ from theirs when it comes to matters of interpretation. There is no condemnation-only simple, undecorated statement of their opinion and where applicable, medical and scientific facts. They do not pressure the reader to come to the same conclusions and as I mentioned, are generous in even offering the benefits of procedures that they would not choose for themselves.

They offer a very useful grid for evaluating the ethics of reproductive technology. They have borrowed the framework from a secular textbook and offer it as being both useful and consistent with a biblical worldview.

The four principles are:

Beneficence-to do good. Thus, we ask, "Does it do good?"

Nonmaleficece-to do no harm. We ask, "Does it avoid doing harm?"

Autonomy-the patient has the right to make decisions about care rendered to him or her. We ask, "Does it respect self-determination, the patient's right to decide for him- or herself?"

Justice-fair, equitable, and appropriate distribution of social benefits and burdens. Our own definition of justice goes beyond this definition to ask whether something seeks what is right or due the patient in a given instance. So we ask, "Does it give what is right, due and equitable?"

pg 171


So long as the reader retains honesty careful grounding in scripture when answering the questions posed in this construct, I found this to be a very useful and practical framework.

The book also has quite a few extra curricular resources. The end of each chapter has discussion questions for the reader. I suppose with some moderation, they could be good prompts for a group discussion as well. The appendices of the book include a scripture-based workbook of questions and exercises for each chapter, an infertility medical workup worksheet, the Christian Medical Association Statement on Reproductive Technology, an IF glossary with common vernacular explanations, a list of resources and complete citations for all of the studies, interviews and writings cited in the book.

The book is very well cited. Each time the authors mentioned a clinical study, a public statement by a group or committee, a medical fact, and even in some cases a hermeneutic explanation, there was a corresponding citation. This set me at ease that the things that I was reading were true, or at least easily verifiable. It also gave me a place to go if anything piqued my interest to the point of wanting to seek out further information. I appreciated this responsible treatment of a lot of things that are offered as "fact" in a world full of questions and controversy.

I will confess that I did not complete the workbook or discussion questions yet, and am not sure if I plan to. However, I did read through them and found them relevant and thought provoking.

The book is like an encyclopedia insofar as there may be portions (even large ones) that are not relevant to you if you are not considering a certain procedure or class of procedures. I did read the entire book so as to have a firm understanding of it, but I admit to times when I had trouble staying interested in subjects that are not a part of our journey. I will say that the book can easily be read in sections or chapters. If you skip a section that is not relevant to your journey, I do not think it will make the rest of the book unreadable and I think you would still benefit. Each chapter can stand on its own and be contextually accurate and understandable. However, the book also feels unified enough to be read through as a traditional chapter book.

There is a ton of clinical information in this book, which distinguishes it from other books in this genre. For that reason, it's a lot more difficult to retain all of the information in the book than it is with other books that are more narrow in subject. For that reason I think this book is most useful when consulted many times, especially the subjects of particular relevance to the reader. I know I shall have to read through the details of some of the Reproductive Technologies several times before I feel I have a firm grasp on them but again, that selective reading is very possible in a book structured this way.

This book is an excellent resource for infertility patients. I'm not sure it's useful for pastors, friends and family or doctors, but I suspect it was never intended to be. This is not your typical infertility Bible or personal enrichment study, so I would not add it to my library in lieu of books that are more personally challenging, but it is an excellent academic reference resource, which is especially useful in a world where the sheer volume of facts and anecdotes can be overwhelming.

pity party
This book spent the first several chapters helping you know how to best feel sorry for yourself and understand your grief.It does have some good information in it also but I sure could have done with out the pity party section. My wife and I need the answers not sympathy.

Comforting and informative... a MUST HAVE
I am so glad I happened upon this book! The personal experiences of Sandra, the expertise of Dr. Bill, and the spiritual issues addressed in this book have been an invaluable resource to my husband and me as we have struggled through the difficulties of infertility. This book is a terrific guide to anyone going through infertility themselves or any lay person or clergy helping a couple that is struggling. Rarely does one find a book that balances medical terminology and its great detail with the emotional and spiritual aspects of the patients' experience, but this book does. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone that is beginning the journey of infertility as it clearly gives medical information. More important to me, though, was the biblical content that reminds us that we are NOT alone through this process, that God is still God, and that the emotional roller coaster is a normal thing. Not to mention the chapter that deals with handling well-intentioned advice... great content there, too! :) ... Read more

Product Description
The latest addition to our Handbook for Clinicians Series. Same trim size as teh Ob/Gyn and Internal Medicine Handbooks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great reference!
I bought this as a reference for quick review while on the wards/office on an REI resident rotation.Served that purpose well then and now as a desktop reference.

Good if you are thinking of doing OB/GYN residency
This is a good and concise reference book, but not worth the purchase if you aren't considering doing OB/GYN as a profession.Blueprints is enough to get you through the 3rd year rotation.I would have preferred larger pages to reduce the number of total pages in the book, this way it would have fit better in my white coat pocket.Something to consider for next edition I guess.

Med Student
Great pocket reference.Concise and easy to use.
A must have for anyone doing an Ob/Gyn rotation.

Review of book
Nice book, can be carried in the pocket and is a great guide and quick reference document for the busy clinician. Quite up to date and easy to read.

Great Review of a wordy textbook!
I think it is almost equivalent to reading Speroff...saves time and also the questions really help highlight major points.
I wish they had one for the 7th edition Speroff, though. ... Read more

Product Description
One of every six couples in America is experiencing infertility, a devastating crisis that affects men and women individually and as a couple. This comforting and informative book addresses the medical, financial, and emotional issues that couples must work through while resolving their infertility. Written in a question-and-answer format, this sympathetic book offers practical advice on how to contend with the emotional ups and downs of infertility-from learning how to communicate feelings more effectively to coping with the losses of failed treatments or miscarriages. Warm and practical, the book is divided into twelve chapters, grouped according to the four stages involved in resolving infertility: crisis, acceptance, resolution and epilogue. Addressing the crisis phase are chapters on communicating effectively in a crisis, viewing infertility through the eyes of a parent, coping with family and friends, dealing with stresses at work while going through medical treatment, dealing with the medical establishment, and working through loss. For the stages of acceptance and resolution the authors offer chapters on deepening one's faith, knowing when to stop medical treatment, and practical advice for couples deciding to live child-free or considering adoption. An extensive section at the end addresses issues and concerns of professionals dealing with infertility patients. In addition, there are self-help exercises and a guide to resources. Originally titled What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility in hardcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

The women in this book are ME
I was browsing through the bookstore and this book caught my eye.I thumbed through it, and could not put it down.I bought it, and read the entire thing in one night.

I cried all night.I relate to the women in that book so much. Everything that wassaid, I have felt.I especially appreciated the section on Secondary Infertility, since that is what I am facing.Most books and other infertility resources don't even acknowledge that Secondary Infertility is a real problem-it makes those with Secondary Infertility feel so alone.

If you're looking for a book that helps you cope, helps you know that you are not alone in your struggle with infertility, and really helps you feel validated in your feelings, then I highly recommend this book.

It's About Time
It's about time a book on the topic of infertility explored the more emotional aspects of this situation. As men and women, when we are confronted with the possibility of infertility, we are thrown to the scientific wolves and sometimes end up feeling like "road kill." Doctors, labs, medicines and experimental procedures can make us feel like modern day Frankensteins. It was so theraputic for me to read this book. Not merely a scientific forum for informative medical information but more importantly, a bible that helped me move forward emotionally. A must read for anyone going through this experience. Well written and heartfelt. Bravo, Harriet and Debby--thank you so much for sharing your wealth of expertise.

-What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility : How t
As a professional working for more than 15 years w/ couples experiencing infertility, I have found that the insight offered within this book has greatly enhanced my clinical effectiveness. I have gained sensitivity to the emotional impact of infertitlity at a deeper and more meaningful level. Sadly I became aware that I had overlooked some of the day-to-day experiences of infertility. Experiences that I simply took for granted as a woman who biologically conceived without difficulty. These overlooked experiences were profoundly significant to couples working hard to resolve their infertility. Imagine my surprise when I read the review titled, "There are Better Choices Out There." It appeared that this reader was having a very personal & emotional response to this book, given his or her overly harsh reference to literary merit and the lack of professionalism of its authors. I feel this book was written in a "user-friendly" format seeking to reach all persons touched by infertility. I also happened to research the background of one of the authors, H. Rovner-Ferguson and found that she has a long and well-respected history as regards all aspects of infertility, including emotional and medical implications. I am bewildered by this persons harsh criticism and wonder if perhaps they are reviewing a different book.

this book is definetly a must read
This book is a must read for all infertility patients. It is well written and as far as I can tell, comes from the heart. I have been experiencing infertility for four long years. Everywhere I turned no one understood my jealousy and need to isolate myself from pregnant family, friends and coworkers.I felt alone and crazy. A woman in my doctorsoffice suggested that I read this book and I am so glad I took her advice. It feels great to know that I am normal.I even gave the book to my husband and he actually read some of the questions and answers.That says it all. Thank you to the authors that truly "get" what I am going through.

There are better choices out there.
I did not learn anything from this book that I did not already know.Most of the information included comes under the definition of common sense.If you're looking for a book that will really give you practical strategies by which to deal with infertility issues, there are better ones out there.From a literary standpoint, this was not a well written piece.

From what I've been told, the authors don't have the best reputation for professionalism either. ... Read more

Product Description
Are you having problems becoming pregnant? You’re not alone; over 7.2 million Americans are facing the same challenges of infertility. Though some non-experts say that it’s all a matter of relaxation or taking medication, you need clear, straightforward, and trustworthy answers from healthcare professionals without feeling insulted, humiliated, or scared.

Written with compassion as well as professional knowledge, Infertility for Dummies combines comfort and expertise to walk you through your journey to becoming pregnant. This plain-English guide explains how infertility affects both men and women, while covering the latest treatments. It covers all key areas, including:

• Determining if you are infertile
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner
• Making healthy pre-conception lifestyle changes
• Understanding the male and female anatomy
• Techniques for timing your conception
• Different ways to diagnose infertility
• Dealing with early pregnancy loss
• Finding the right doctor
• Different types of alternative insemination
• New advances and concerns in infertility
• Improving your chances of conceiving

Infertility for Dummies includes strategies for dealing with family and friends — what to expect from them, how to deal with inappropriate comments, and understanding that they are just trying to help. This book also provides the names and profiles of fertility medications and where you can find them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great overview of what to expect
This book gave a nice big picture of the whole infertility process.I read it before we visited the doctors.It was helpful to have background info going into the whole process because the doctors tended to gloss over things.

Awesome Book
Out of all the infertility books we bought, this was the best one.You must buy this book first before you buy any other books on infertility.

Great Reference Book!
I own this book and on many occassions have looked up a term or explanation during my infertility journey.It offers a great balance of medical knowledge and patient experience. ... Read more

Product Description
Since the birth of the first in vitro fertilization baby 30 years ago, assisted reproductive technology continues to advance exponentially. Despite this progress in medical technology, the psychological understanding of related emotional, ethical, and moral dilemmas needs to be further explored.

Written by specialists in the field of reproductive counseling, this volume will help clinicians to understand and effectively treat the unique needs of clients who have experienced adverse reproductive events, which include infertility, miscarriage, perinatal or newborn loss, and premature or other complicated births.

Illustrated with numerous clinical examples, this volume will help mental health professionals gain both insight and clinical skill in working with this complex and growing clinical population. ... Read more

Product Description
Hope and strategies for couples dealing with male infertility If you or your partner is suffering from male infertility, you’re not alone. Millions of couples are struggling with this problem. About 400f these couples have exclusively male infertility problems, while another 20% have both male and female infertility problems. Now, two leading experts, a urologist specializing in male infertility and a psychologist, team up to write the most complete guide available on male infertility. From the latest, state-of-the-art treatments to advice on how to handle the emotional aspects of male infertility, you’ll find out where to get the help you need. Overcoming Male Infertility also covers the psychological issues that are unique to men, and gives advice to women on helping their man through the trauma of infertility treatment—including how to get him to see a doctor in the first place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Informative IF info
We have had a hard time finding many resources since we started our infertility journey 3 years ago. Once we realized the issue was due to the sperm my husband produced, it was nearly impossible to find anything written about male infertility. I couldn't find anything at the library or our local bookstores, healthfood stores, etc. So, when we found this - we felt more helfpul Granted many infertility problems stem from the women, not enough is written online or in books about dealing with MALE infertility. This book has been very informative, practical and quite helpful for us. I would highly recommend it to anyone suffering from male I F. It also gives hope to us that eventually we will be able to conceive a healthy baby. Best of luck to anyone that is reading this. It can be a very frustrating, sad and maddening experience dealing with IF but this book makes it easy to read, follow and understand in simple terms.I wish there were more books such as this one out there- but they are few and far between...highly recommended.

Great Book - Very informative.
Within the last few months I have read a lot about male infertility, but nothing I read even comes close to how informative this book is. There aren't many books out there that specifically focus on the male side of infertility. Highly recommend.

Great Resource
Its ashame there are not that many good books for dealing with male infertility. This is definatly one of the few and the best i've read. It has excellent information, and gives you an idea of what can be wrong, the approaches to fixing it etc.. I would definatly say to anyone going through this to buy this book, it will be an eye opener.

Good balance of scientific evidence and practical information
As a scientist, it is comforting to know that there are authors out there that know that many people would like to know scientific information without being treated like a specimen.This book gives great scientific citations while also giving practical information and personal stories.I think it is a good balance for this type of book.

I was encouraged to see evidence of what some major religions thought about different infertility treatments-this is often left out of such books, but these authors realized that it is important to many people.

The book itself discusses causes, treatments and psychology around male infertility.It discusses from both the male and femal perspective, which I believe is important.There are many great references in the back of the book as well.

A great book for those in need.
This was a great book for us.Very easy to read - it had the technical stuff but explained in a very down to earth way.It covered many subjects from IVF, IVF ICSI, donor sperm.All in non-judgmental ways, I gives you the facts of all and lets you decide without steering you one way or the other.It also discusses some of the causes.I thought the books was super and should be required reading for all couples that are in this situation. ... Read more

Product Description

The man's guide to anything and everything in the infertility universe

Customer Reviews (1)

A slick book, on a slippery subject!
I totally hijacked my husband's e-mail to write this review. This clever book was a journey within a helpful guide that I didn't want to leave on the nightstand for the next day. It was so funny, I was laughing out loud throughout the book and my husband was constantly asking me what could possibly be so funny about fertility. Apparently, a tremendous amount of ha-ha funny mixed with familiar funny that was perfect. The writer is so good at giving supportive information on a tough process while also telling a wonderful personal story from his own guy brain. I mean the chapter names alone make it worth reading. This is a must guide for the guy in your life and he will actually enjoy it! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (23)

The Gift of Hope
As a woman who has suffered from unexplained infertility for some time, this book was truly a gift.I just read finished it, so I haven't had a chance to utilize all of the techniques.However, the stories and advice have allowed me to begin to relax, change the tone of my inner and outer voice to a more positive one, and has made me feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.I highly recommend giving it a try. As the author encourages, empty your cup!

GREAT BOOK
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO CONCEIVE, THE STORIES REALLY TOUCH ME, GREAT INFORMATION, I COULDN'T STOP READING IT AND PLAN TO FOLLOW WHAT THEY DID IN THE BOOK.

Read this book, especially if 40+
I'm just getting around to actually reading books now that I've been ttc#2 for 3 years after having my DD when I was 41. I wish I had read this book much earlier, although it is a program that will take A LOT of time to do if you do everything.

I've tried everything for ttc#2 short of DE (and including surrogacy) but the one thing I haven't done that helped me for ttc#1 is change my diet. This book tells you the specifics of diet, including why, how to diagnose yourself, what to eat and recipes (the Fertility Fudgeless Cake is satisfying my sweet tooth), as well as various qi gong exercises, massage, how to apply moxa and other info. It's packed with information, but easy to read and follow. This book won't replace working with an acupuncturist, which the author is, but it definitely is an excellent resource to use in conjunction.

For those interested, this book inspired me so much, and I feel so strongly that diet is key, that I've set up a support group in Yahoo Groups (see Fertility Diet in Yahoo Groups). We're just getting started and welcome other women who are ttc and believe diet can help.

Must-read for those interested in a TCM approach to fertility
This is undoubtedly the best book on the subject that I have read so far.Beyond the very practical & well-explained TCM advice on how to optimize your body for pregnancy, it is a book about hope and a much needed reminder of how to laugh in the midst of trial.The writing is at once instructive and entertaining; a "page-turner" as far as infertility books go!I found the TCM advice to be very accessible (i.e., not obscure, easy to understand) and the vignettes beautifully appropriate and encouraging.Clearly, the author is a brilliant healer not only of the body but also of the soul.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is on a journey to embracing life in whatever form that ultimately takes.

How Fertility Wisdom Has Helped Me
After having difficulty conceiving in my early thirties, my husband and I sought out fertility drugs accompanied with artificial insemination on two occasions originally.One of which was successful, only to end in miscarriage.I switched providers including doctors and attempted a third session when the doctor asked to run my blood work when the Clomid didn't seem to be working.My blood work came back with what the doctor said was an elevated FSH.(I believe it was at about 17.)The doctor was baffled because despite the elevated FSH another test taken during the same draw revealed I had indeed ovulated.After running blood tests a second time, my FSH was even higher.The first thing the doctor said after reviewing the results is "you have little to no chance of getting pregnant with that FSH level and you will need to seek out donor eggs of a young 25 year old if you really want to get pregnant."I was officially diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure and devastated to say the least.Soon after, I began experiencing strong hot flashes.I saw yet another Western doctor and the hormonal imbalance was deemed as Premenopause.He even gave me estrogen patches which made them lessen in duration, frequency and strength but all that he could do was offer to supply more drugs at varying strengths to try and get it under control.Even then I couldn't yet throw in the towel and saw an endocrine specialist who had blood work done and my FSH had elevated to 100+ by this time.Although, overall a terrible story, I'm grateful for the painful journey because it actually brought me into the vast entity of Eastern medicine and ultimately to the graces of Dr. Wu's practice.It was several recommendations from friends that are having success with Eastern treatments and referred me to Fertility Wisdom.

After reading the book, I went straight to our local natural/organic store, and with book in hand, bought all warming foods, eliminated wheat etc... as I new I had a cool disposition (from a prior acupuncture treatment here in L.A.).I then took my estrogen patch off, and started eating as recommended by Dr. Wu and within about two weeks my hot flashes had completely disappeared!Among that major accomplishment, I also had regular periods, strengthened nails, new hair growth and only minor (if at all) cold symptoms when the cold/flu season arrived.

My most memorable part of this adventure is the month I "cheated".I started eating the bread that would come to the table when dining out, candy at Easter, and pizza at special occasions.It took approximately 2 weeks for my body to completely relapse back into hot flashes!This was the jarring realization that I can't stray far from the diet recommended in the book.As soon as I switched back to the diet, the hot flashes diminished again.Fertility wisdom is truly amazing to say the least...

Now on to my next milestone...getting pregnant!Fertility Wisdom's diet helped me combated the hot flashes, now I have my eye on the prize.I've flown out to visit Dr. Wu and her healing practice in person.I'm 100% committed to her advice and recommendations and hoping this is a "to be continued" miracle story so stay tuned...

... Read more

Product Description
Infertility Sucks! The poking, the prodding and the probing. The endless examinations and the unbelievable questions ¿ all about the most intimate aspects of your life and body. And that¿s just from friends and family who are "trying to help!" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Packed with helpful, witty and honest insights
As a childfree woman in her forties,I wish I had read this book in my mid thirties,when it seemed as if everyone I knew was having infertility issues. Barna writes with wit and compassion,laced with irony and humour via the medium of created characters such as "Madame Ovary" around the ups, the downs, and, dare I say,the ins and the outs of infertility and how it colours all aspects of one's life.As I read it, I squirmed and hoped against hope that I hadn't ever transgressed and said any of the things on the list of "Things Not To Say" to my many friends who were experiencing infertility at that time.

I found this to be laugh out loud funny and insightful from several angles as to the issues surrounding infertility; and I hope that,having read it,I now have more understanding and compassion for others facing this pain.

Bravo to the author for writing the unwritable and shining her light on this topic - and my experience proves that it's not only a book for those lying there with their legs in stirrups, either.

Disappointed
Dealing with almost ten years of infertility, I really thought this would be a book I'd breeze right through. Barna tends to speak only to IVF patients as she refers to the Lupron Loonies. What happened to the Clomid Crazies which I'm sure many more infertility patients can relate to? Not all infertility patients can afford IVF or even feel led to go down that road so I found her frequent mentions hurtful. I really did not laugh much. I expected to be laughing so hard I'd have to stop to wipe the tears or hold my sides but it was just a chuckle here and there. I found her wording to be difficult at times as if she was trying too hard for a laugh. Lastly, why is this book so much money? If you understand those of us going through infertility then you would also realize much of our money has gone to ARTs, adoption, HPTs, OPKs, doctor visits, surgery, tests, etc so where's the break? $20 could easily go toward a copay.

Uck.
I just couldn't get into this book.The writing just wasn't my style, and I didn't find the jokes funny...Oh well.

A delicate topic handled with wit and compassion
As some other reviewers have noted, this book can be useful both to those going through the experience of dealing with infertility, and to those who want to interact with them with tact and understanding.The author treats every conceivable aspect of the topic.Her approach is always intelligent and warm, yet never cloying or clinical.

The author's wit (and impressive familiarity with pop culture!) make the book compulsively readable and even---though I hesitate to apply the term to a book on such a serious subject---highly entertaining.

The book is filled with practical advice as well as with moral support for those going through the experience of trying to cope with infertility. Highly recommended!

Awesome!!!
A truly excellent book. It is funny, sad, deep, and very touching.

Everybody should read it, in particular people that did not go thru such an ordeal. It really opens a new window on a not so openly discussed problem.
It made me understand what friends, neighbors, relatives really went thru, and I suddenly felt so very close to them.

This book deserves more than a 5 stars rating.

CF ... Read more

Product Description
Testimonials from men and women who have survived fertility difficulties accompany exercises and practical strategies designed to help readers make informed decisions, cope with stress and anger, consider third-party reproductive options, and decide when it’s time to quit treatment and move on. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

These words are so comforting
After 3.5 years of trying and a fourth failed IVF treatment, I finally found comfort in the words of Dr. Daniluk. She proved to me that I'm not alone in my anger, jealousy and frustration. Infertility is challenging enough without doubting my emotions, and her words gave me the strength to realize it's okay to feel the way I do.

Her chapters on dealing with friends who have babies, dealing with unwanted advice and dealing with my emotions in general really have given me emotional strength.

Thank you.

Great book
I love this book.The emotional turmoil of infertility is not easily put into words, but it is done fabulously in this book.I've been reading it thinking "Yes, that is EXACTLY how I feel"No, it doesn't sugar coat what this roller coaster ride is like and probably isn't the best resource for anyone who has been trying for less than 1 year to get pregnant or anyone who is not ready to accept that there just may be a possibility that treatments will not work.But, for those of us who know that our fertility is a struggle that will not be easily overcome, if at all, it is a great source of information. I highly recommend it.

Discouraging
I found this book to be discouraging and depressing.Infertility is a miserable experience, and reviewing the bad feelings associated with it is counter-productive.We know we're not alone and we know we're on an emotional rollercoaster, now someone offer us something useful.This book reviews all of these feelings in great detail, making one dwell on the helplessness of the situation.The information on handling family and friends was helpful, but overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone dealing with infertility; please find another source of support.

Very Helpful!
My partner and I found this book to be tremendously helpful.Daniluk's book contains lots of really useful information on what to expect and how to cope with medical infertility treatments, as well as lots of valuable suggestions and ideas on responding to the comments of others.We found the part on how to deal with family gatherings particularly informative.My partner and I read this book together.We found it helped us stay connected as a couple as Daniluk gave us words to describe the emotions we were each experiencing.We found that by reading Daniluk's book we were in a better position to make treatment decisions during the time we were trying to get pregnant, and we recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how to better cope with the trials and tribulations of being infertile.

Infertility
This is the most depressing book I've read on the topic and I've read quite a few now.The chapter of what to say to significant and not significant others is about the most useful part of the book, otherwise it is quite discouraging.If you are in the early days of infertility and still having lots of tests and still have lots of hope then please don't read this yet.I finished feeling like I'd better prepare for not ever getting pregnant. ... Read more