The roller coaster ride really did mirror infertility treatment for me and many others. I would do something that terrified me, that wreaked havoc on my body and my mind for my child. I would take what I perceived as a personal risk for her. When I knew I couldn't handle the roller coaster anymore I chose another ride, hoping that different ride would work.

For at least 2500 years, the Chinese culture has used acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to safely and effectively assist in the treatment of infertility, pregnancy, post-partum conditions, and many other gynecological conditions.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am a independent and successful woman of 21 years old. I have been trying for a child now for 3 years, with 3 different partners. I know some people would not agree with this but I want a child so much. Two of the partners had children from previous relationships.

I had an abortion 4 years ago and caught an infection from this. I am getting so down about this it is affecting my whole life. I quit smoking and drinking and have generally lived a healthy lifestyle. Would they give me fertility testing as a single woman?

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am going on twenty years old this year. I dated a guy from for four years; from the age of barely fourteen to just before I turned eighteen. The first six months we did not use protection (I know it was foolish and risky) but I luckily at the time never became pregnant.

Infertility testing -- yikes! Tell him not to think of the test as a test of his manliness but a simple sperm donation. Having a fertility test is very worthwhile and can detect potential problems with fertility that may save you both years of heartache. How can you explain that it will expedite the process and make you much happier? Read on for ideas.

Without our faith in God and trusting in his guidance we would have never been able to continue down this path. But despite our losses we look upon each day as a gift from God and we are patiently waiting until He feels the time is right to bless us with a child.

Nadine was so excited for us, it was just precious. I don't think either of us will ever forget that phone call as long as we live. We talked for I guess 2-3 hours. I kept telling Nadine that I would shut up so she could go to bed, but then we would start talking again.

by Colette Bouchez

A gynecological infection known as bacterial vaginosis may be more widespread than previously believed, even in women with no history of sexual activity.

In a study of almost 2,000 women who entered basic training for the U.S. Marines, doctors from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) report that bacterial vaginosis (BV) was present in more than one of every four. Eighteen percent of those infected were virgins.

The research appears in the November issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.