cover image Overcoming Infertility: 12 Couples Share Their Success Stories

Overcoming Infertility: 12 Couples Share Their Success Stories

Herbert A. Goldfarb. John Wiley & Sons, $14.95 (252pp) ISBN 978-0-471-55706-7

Until 20 years ago, most reproductive technology focused on the prevention of pregnancy. Couples who wanted children but who were having difficulty conceiving had few options outside of adoption. But procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) have changed the course of infertility treatment. Today, according to the authors, more than 270 IVF centers exist in the U.S., and more than 10,000 ``miracle'' babies have been born. This volume offers 12 examples of couples who have successfully beaten their infertility problems. Goldfarb, an obstetrician and gynecologist who specializes in helping wannabe parents to conceive, culls from his medical practice couples who illustrate different causes of infertility: endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and partner-to-partner allergies where the woman's antibodies are directed against her partner's sperm. All of the case histories described end happily with the birth of a baby (and, sometimes, even more than one). But knowing the cause of a problem doesn't necessarily mean that the path to biological parenthood is an easy one. As one patient explains, ``You have to be dedicated to the project. It's a physical, emotional, lifestyle commitment.'' This book will help couples realize that they are not alone as they face the disappointment of yet another negative pregnancy test. And it explains the battery of treatments with clarity and compassion, making the burden of overcoming barrenness just a little easier to bear. (Feb.)