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The internet is an amazing resource but it’s important to be discerning about where you get your information. This is especially true when dealing with topics – like fertility – that are wholly connected to your physical and emotional well-being. Rather than trying to suss out which sources are accurate and which ones aren’t, we thought we’d put together list of 10 great online resources that you and your partner can use.
These websites will help you learn more about your options and can help you establish a support network with others who are going through – or have been through – the same things you are.
Top 10 Online Resources for All Things Fertility Related
- RESOLVE. The National Infertility Association is celebrating their 40th birthday this year. They assist both men and women dealing with infertility issues by providing a wealth of current information regarding infertility and treatments as well as access to support groups all over the nation.
- The American Fertility Association. This is a not-for-profit organization committed to sharing the latest news and education regarding infertility, its prevention and treatment, as well as creating a network where fertility specialists and the public can connect. They also share information regarding adoption and other family-building options.
- ReproductiveFacts.org. This website is run by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a way to keep the public informed about reproductive health with a heavy emphasis on fertility assistance options. They offer a wealth of factsheets, videos, booklets and answers to FAQs.
- CDC – Assisted Reproductive Technologies. The Center for Disease Control provides information about the various options available through ART as well as a list of available treatment providers. They are also the nation’s holding tank regarding ART success rates for individual clinics.
- Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART). Affiliated with ASRM, the mission of SART is to define and uphold the standards for ART procedures. They also serve as a resource for individuals and couples looking for credible fertility specialists and treatment clinics in their area. Additionally, SART provides statistics of individual clinics’ IVF and other ART success rates and statistics.
- MedlinePlus. The MedlinePlus website is a project of the National Library of Medicine. You will find information regarding the definitions and explanations of the medical terms related to infertility, medications, and various ART procedures, which can get pretty confusing. They also offer resources for care, support and to assist you with your decision making process.
- Livestrong Fertility. This website falls under the umbrella of the LiveStrong Foundation and is designed primarily as a resource for individuals who are struggling with infertility as the result of cancer and/or its related treatments or who have been diagnosed with cancer and want to learn more about their fertility options pre- and post-treatment.
- NIH Fertility and Infertility. If you want to read about the nitty-gritty, scientific facts regarding infertility, fertility, treatments and clinical studies, this is your website. The studies and research findings that can be difficult to navigate if you don’t have a scientific background but they’re worth perusing to better understand the risks, complications and successes associated with your condition and/or your treatment(s) of choice.
- Personal Blogs. While our emphasis is on bona fide associations and organizations, we certainly don’t want to neglect the personal blogs and websites that are created by men and women just like you who have learned everything they didn’t necessarily want to know about infertility and fertility treatments. Here is a list of 5 of Our Favorite Infertility Blogs, but there are hundreds more out there. In addition to providing a less clinical perspective, these personal blogs offer a great deal of comfort, connecting you with others who are feeling and experiencing the same things you are.
- RRCs Website and Blog. We don’t want to toot our own horn too loudly but the RRC website and blogs are a great resource for learning more about your fertility options as well as tips for preventing infertility or to help you to get pregnant when the time is right.
What are some of your favorite online resources for fertility? Share them with us in the comment box below.
Image Source: ivfconnections.com