Most causes of male infertility are related to the presence of too few sperm to fertilize an egg or to abnormal sperm shape or motility (the vigor with which sperm cells propel themselves) (American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2008). A major cause of infer­tility in men is a damaged or enlarged vein in the testis […]

A woman can have difficulty conceiving or be unable to conceive for a number of reasons. Problems with ovulation account for approxi­mately 20% of infertility (Urman & Yakin, 2006). Increasing age reduces fertility significantly (Brandes et al., 2011; Schmidt et al., 2012): A woman’s fertility peaks between ages 20 and 24 and begins to decrease […]

Most people grow up believing that they can conceive children when they decide to begin a family. Experiencing infertility is an unanticipated shock and crisis (Wilkes, 2006). As their infertility becomes more evident and undeniable, a couple may feel a great sense of isolation from others during social discussions of pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing. […]

Sixty percent of couples become pregnant within 3 months, but if attempts at impreg­nation are unsuccessful after 6 months, a couple should consult a physician. It has been estimated that about 12% of U. S. couples attempting pregnancy experience fer­tility problems, defined as not conceiving after at least 1 year (Bell et al., 2012; Han­non, […]

The desire to have a child of a certain sex has existed since ancient times. Superstitions about determining the sex of a child during intercourse are part of Western folk tradi — tion—for example, the belief that if a man wore a hat during intercourse, he would father a male child or that if a […]

In the remainder of this chapter, we look at some of the developments, experiences, and feelings involved in the physiological process of becoming parents, starting with becoming pregnant. This first step can be difficult for some couples. Enhancing the Possibility of Conception Choosing the right time for intercourse is important in increasing the probability of […]

More couples and individuals than in the past are choosing to be "kid-free." In 1975 about 9% of 40- to 44-year-old women did not have children; in 2010 almost 19% were childless (U. S. Census Bureau, 2010). Remaining childless has many potential advantages. Individuals and couples have much more time for themselves, more finan­cial resources, […]

Process and Choice Parenthood as an Option What are the pros and cons of being parents or remaining child-free? Becoming Pregnant What are some of the causes of male and female infertility? The Experience of Pregnancy How does pregnancy affect sexuality? A Healthy Pregnancy How does the fetus change in each trimester of pregnancy? What […]

■ Plan B, oral contraceptives, and the ParaGard IUD can be used for emergency contraception when a woman has had unprotected intercourse. ■ The FDA denied over-the-counter status to emergency contraception, against its committee’s recommendation. Fertility Awareness Methods ■ Contraceptive methods based on the menstrual cycle— including the standard days, mucus, calendar, and basal body […]

■ Condoms are available in a variety of styles. Advantages include protection from sexually transmitted infections and availability as a backup method. Disadvantages include CHAPTER 10 interruption of sexual activity if the couple do not incor­porate its use into their sex play. A female condom has also been developed. ■ Vaginal spermicides (including contraceptive foam, […]