Reaching Resolution

If you undergo fertility treatment, hopefully, you'll be successful. The reality is, however, that treatments don't work for everyone.

There may come a time when you consider other options for starting a family. Maybe you've undergone all the IVF cycles you can handle. Or perhaps stress is taking too much of a toll on you and your partner.

Some couples begin thinking about alternative solutions such as adoption while they're still undergoing fertility treatments. That way they may be better prepared to make that decision if the time comes.

Thinking about adoption.

Many people consider adoption. For some couples this is an easy decision. For others, it can be difficult. However, many couples discover that, once they see their adopted child, they believe that destiny had brought them together.[1]

Considering foster care.

Social services are often looking for couples or individuals to act as foster parents. Some people try being foster care parents before they decide to adopt a child.

Living child–free.

Some people come to terms with living child–free. While this can be a difficult decision at first, many people who make peace with their decision go on to live energized, fulfilling lives. This is a personal decision that only you can make.

To learn more about adopting or living child–free, visit the American Fertility Association (www.theafa.org) and RESOLVE (www.resolve.org).

• My Fertility Planning Guide (135 KB)