Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after trying for one year (six months if the woman is over age 35), or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth.  It's also not as uncommon as you may think.  1 in 8 couples (or 7.3 million Americans) have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. (Resolve.org)  

To assist during this difficult time, we have put together 5 ways to help you cope with infertility challenges, and best manage a fertility medication treatment plan.

1. It is important that if you, or someone you love, are experiencing infertility challenges, that you see a specialist for a complete fertility analysis.  Approximately 44% of women with infertility have sought medical assistance. Of those who seek medical intervention, approximately 65% give birth. (Resolve.org)
2. Get more information to educate yourself about fertility, and what the next steps are in your treatment. Your doctor will likely provide you with resources, and you can also look at Resolve.org, and the Center for Disease Control for additional information.  We have also put together a guide to help you in the specialty pharmacy selection process.
3. If your doctor starts you on a fertility medication and treatment plan, find a specialty pharmacy that will work with you through each step of the process.  You will need to find a specialty pharmacy instead of a traditional pharmacy because commonly prescribed fertility medications are expensive and often injected.  In addition, the dosage is customized for each patient.  These are compounded specialty fertility medications that are traditionally only prepared by specialty pharmacies.  
4. As you have probably researched, fertility medication programs can be costly.  Find out about cost savings programs and services.  Ensure that your doctor and specialty pharmacy are working together on financial assistance for you, and providing you with the most competitive and transparent pricing.  Many pharmacies will publish their fertility medication pricing online, but there are often hidden costs.  Be sure to look beyond an online price list or quoted price on the telephone.  
5. During this time, it may also be beneficial for you to find a support group.  A support group, whether professionally-led or peer-led, will help you feel less isolated, empower you with knowledge, and validate your emotional response to infertility issues.  Here is a list of support groups in the US from Resolve.org.

We understand that infertility challenges, and going through fertility treatment, is not just emotionally taxing, but also financially taxing.  We hope this list of ways to help cope with infertility challenges is beneficial for you or your loved one.  

If you are moving forward with a fertility medication treatment plan, we invite you to download our guide to selecting the right specialty pharmacy for your fertility treatment plan.  This guide summarizes everything you and your reproductive center should look for in a specialty pharmacy.