In recent decades, there have been notable strides in balancing the roles of men and women.  Nearly half of the medical students in the U.S. today are females. And just last year, two different women nearly became this country’s first female president and vice president.

That’s progress.

However, there are some arenas where the scales continue to be tipped.  Where women fall below, carrying the brunt of the weight.

For example, during childbirth, I think we all can agree that playing field is a cakewalk for the trojan team.

But before I rummage through that messy pile, perhaps we should back up a little.

As a couple begins the journey of trying to conceive, their initial steps are often taken together hand-in-hand.  Together they endure week after week, and sometimes month after month of physical and emotional intensity.  Occasionally a woman will take the time for an ovulation test and/or basal temperature measurement, but overall, it is an ultimate passage of love for two people walking side-by-side.

That is, until one year has passed and no pregnancies have occurred.

Then…well, that scale begins to plummet to one side.  This is the time when most physicians will begin to explore what may be wrong.

Here is a recent CliffsNotes timeline of our infertility journey: (more…)