Infertility Books

Even if you are a women who doesnt have fetility issues this book is a good read for any woman who faces trials during their lives. It is a story of hope, love and trust. What an journey this story is! It was good for me to read this. I relized the trails that others may be going through to have children. What a great husband and sisters you have Sara!

Sara's story is an inspiring account of her struggles with infertility. This compelling story illustrated the power of personal determination and faith. It's a quick and uplifting read.

Wow, couldn't put it down and I am not an avid reader. Sara tells the story so well of her ups and down and it will amaze you what you unveil as you read this. I laughed, cried and celebrated at the end for all her courage. You will be inspired by what your read. Thank you Sara for helping me look at things a little differently!

"I Need Chocolate With That Diagnosis: One Woman's Journey Through Infertility," reveals Sara Johnson's spiritual journey of faith as she and her entire family victoriously battled infertility against incredible odds. Sara's experiences will resound with anyone who has dealt with monumental trial and felt God's overwhelming love as faith worked it's miracles. Without affectation, the book is sincere and you feel as though Sara is a dear friend telling you her miraculous story in person. The positive energy in this book abounds and will bolster and encourage any reader to celebrate life with an abundance of love, hope, faith and joy! I know it's caused me to find more joy in every experience I've had since reading her story. Thank you, Sara!

Whether or not you have faced infertility personally, Sara's story is one that inspires, builds compassion, and raises awareness. She has such a good outlook throughout her trials, yet we see the human side of her too. I was really glad I read it, and find that I keep bringing it up in so many conversations. It's gripping, shocking, lovely, and wonderful. It's such a quick read that we all can take time to read it and come away better for it.

This book was an emotional journey with the author through her struggle to educate herself about the available testing and available treatments for "all possibilities" that were causing her to deliver pre-term and miscarry. Very informitive. A great read for husbands who need a little insight....

This is an amazing book. Darci Klein paints an extremely powerful and realistic portrait of the anxiety and anguish of pregnancy after miscarriage. She also writes about the strain of loss on relationships, especially between spouses, and how these strains can be repaired.

Her story is interwoven with medical information that makes it an essential guide for women who face the same problem: needing to know more than your doctor tells you and to be stronger enough to overcome the many obstacles to becoming a mother and building a family.

Very easy to read, but with a depth & heart that only someone who lived this pain could describe.

It is a great story that I think all women should read, especially moms. I had a fairly easy and smooth pregnancy with my little girl, i didn't realize how lucky i was until i read Darci's story. I admire her determination to complete her family, she is a brave woman.

This book really educated me and helped me to understand the struggles many women have in carrying a baby to term. Darci's story is heartbreaking at times but also empowering and uplifting, esp. when she educates us on how to better manage our obstetric care. I also enjoyed the style, which blended personal accounts with research and fact. A must read for anyone who has had a miscarriage and for those who have not, because chances are you know someone who has had one who could use your support and understanding.

I recommend this book primarily for women in the determined phase after their miscarriages, who want to hear a strong, steady voice describing one mother's search for answers to her recurring losses.

Interweaved in the story are background facts, statistics about loss, the National Institutes of Health's woeful funding on miscarriage, and what she feels is the incriminating lack of chromosomal testing on early miscarriages to separate women into those who had "bad luck," and those who have a problem that can be treated to save pregnancies.

Klein's story is passionate and clearly told. She was adamant that she not lose any more babies and demanded medical intervention to save them.

I do think, however, that her mixture of stats and story is not very helpful in the early days following your first loss. It's hard to feel emotionally involved in her journey when you are constantly being fed facts in an order that might not be what you want to know, when you want to know it. Her writing is very edgy and strong, a voice that might be difficult to relate to during your saddest days.

But for those of you who have had two losses or more, those of you who are determined, frustrated, and maybe still a bit angry at your lack of answers or your care, then this is a solidly written and researched book about the journey.

Read a full review at www.pregnancyloss.info

Where do I start. When I got this book the first part I read was the acknowledgement. OMG!!, this book was written for me. I imeadiatly contacted Karen Steward and have struck up a friendship with her. I am so thankful she wrote this book. It has help me and my family tremendously. Anybody or any one who knows anybody with ARD you HAVE to get this book for yourself and them. This book provided be hope and clairity regarding my condition. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Mrs. Steward shares and intimate view of faith, love, and tribulation as her family navigates a health care system that fails to listen or understand her daughters debilitating illness. This story spans a painful fourteen year search for answers in an often rushed or hostile health care system. In this system women are quickly labeled depressed or hysterical if diagnoses are not easily found and patients easily cured. This nightmare journey of multiple physician visits, painful tests, and ineffective treatments eventually takes Karen and her daughter Melissa to Germany. At last the elusive cause of much suffering was determined to be multiple adhesions and effective surgical care was provided, thus returning quality of life to a bright young woman and her family.

The story of Melissa's victory over pain and illness and her mother's determination to not give up are certainly inspirational. This book not only sheds light on a medical condition that is often not considered on list of differential diagnoses, but also sheds light on a fractured and rushed health care system. The descriptions in this book of various physicians visits range from hysterical to infuriating. Mrs. Steward's impressions of physicians from the patient's point of view are so insightful and well written that I believe all physicians should be required to read this book. In the words of Robert Burns "Oh what a powerful gift to give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

It is my hope that this book will bring awareness of ARD to both patients and health care providers as well as remind us all to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we would like to be treated with.

Powerful, enlightening, inspiring! This mother's completely committed journey to find relief and the answers to her daughter's suffering is nothing short of awesome. In doing so she has given, in her book, the help and the hope so desperately needed by those also suffering from adhesions. Help for those who may not even know, until now, what they are suffering from and the hope to know that their pain can come to an end.

This is one of the most informative and well written books I have picked up in a long time. She knows her topic, she has lived it! The heart and sole that is poured into the book comes through very clear. If you know nothing of the disease you will be well informed when you finish the read. It is not boring and info packed it is info packed and interesting. Edna Summers

As I read this book, I was reminded of being a teenager with a blood pressure of 180/110 and a resting heart rate of 130 beats per minute. My mother and I consulted with a top cardiologist who couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and wanted to put me on tranquilizers. When my mother and I refused the medicine, he called her in and read her the riot act. This was particularly challenging because the cardiologist was one of my father's best gardening service customers. After shopping around with my mother to 12 more doctors, I finally found one who did the obvious and gave me a test to see if I had an overactive thyroid . . . which I did. Within a few days, I was better with medicine to slow down the thyroid production. Without my mother's obstinate pursuit of a proper diagnosis and cure, I probably wouldn't be alive today.

The same is true for Karen Steward and her daughter, Melissa. Unfortunately, Melissa was suffering from complications brought about by adhesions (where one organ is attached to another so they cannot move freely), a condition for which there is no simple blood test as there is for an overactive thyroid. These two brave women suffered through what my mom and I did for fourteen years rather than fourteen weeks, as was the case for me. I feel sorry for them.

Today, the better medical schools (such as the University of Massachusetts) teach physicians to listen to patients and take what they say seriously. The Stewards mostly found physicians who believed that teenage girls and women usually lie about their conditions . . . and just need something to bring down the swelling (cortisone-based steroids and to calm their nerves (antidepressants).

Research in the internet eventually led Ms. Steward to realize that her daughter could have adhesions. Even with that realization and recommendations from enthusiastic patients who suffered from adhesions, the Stewards found two dishonest physicians who operated on Melissa before finding one who was honest and had the right methods to help her . . . in Germany, far from their home in Texas.

If you have adhesion-related ills, you should read this book. If you have mysterious pains in your abdomen and pelvis, are nauseous a lot, have constipation, and have been told that your bowels are narrowed, you should be checked out by a professional who knows this area. The Stewards had success with Dr. Kruschinski, using a method for keeping surgery from causing new adhesions (surgery is the number one cause of adhesions). You can read information about Dr. Kruschinski and words of advice from him at the ends of the book. You'll also see vivid color photographs of what adhesions look like.

In young women where there have been no surgeries, adhesions can also occur due to endometriosis (growths like the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus). In Ms. Steward's case, she was prone to cysts that grew and dissolved. Each time that happened, there was a risk that adhesions would occur. But each physician they consulted said that there was no chance that Ms. Steward could have her symptoms based endometriosis. Right.

Undoubtedly due to concerns about libel suits, the physicians who did a poor job are described with pseudonyms. I would hope someone would open an investigation into those physicians. Several of them need to have their licenses yanked.

The book also points out the poor way that churches, Christians, friends, and neighbors can behave in dealing with someone suffering from a chronic illness. Even if you or your family doesn't have this problem, you can learn a lot about how to be a better person by seeing how the Stewards reacted to poorly considered words and behavior among those they considered friends and fellow Christians.

The Stewards kept going, in part, based on their faith in God. This book is testimony to the kinds of suffering that can be part of God's plan, just as it was with Job.

Bravo, Ms. Steward! You are a good mom and a good Christian.

This book is great if you are trying to conceive. It has great information in regards to healthy living and understanding your body. I have read this book a few times and I refer to it frequently.

This book was an excellent overview on fertility and conception. The layout and pictures made it a pleasure to read. This book was great at covering what the body goes through every month, how to time conception, general health for both man and women, and if there is difficulty getting pregnant, what the options are. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about getting pregnant and concerned about their own fertility.

I found this book to be informative, educational, and visual enough to be interesting to my husband. This is a great start for those TTC.

This book is an excellent resource and guide to helping couples conceive. When I tried to get pregnant in my late 30's, I followed the many useful guidelines in this book on maintaining a proper diet, to a liver detox . Finally with the help of IVF and acupuncture, I had success. The book is well organized and full of photographs and helpful suggestions for several options. From trying the natural way, to the help of alternative medicine, to the help of science, this book guides you through each process, discusses both male and female roles and offers a clear view in simple terms to understand. I would highly recommend it. Each time I utilized the advice in this book, I was able to have a successful outcome and now I have three healthy children. I only wish I found this book sooner.

This book is very colorful and full of little facts. It highlights the important information and provides a little extra for those bookworms. I found the information to be interesting and well presented. The pictures and graphs helped with my understanding and are great if you need to refer back.

Very good resource if you are considering the ethical implications of IVF and infertility treatments.

The Infertility Companion: Hope and Help for Couples Facing Infertility (Christian Medical Association) is a book that is part almanac, part dictionary, part personal testimony and part Bible teaching and study. It's written by a Christian Infertility Doctor and a Christian Infertility Patient.

I'll start with my critiques because they're pretty minor. My biggest complaint about the book is that for some reason I've not quite put my finger on, DH and I both found it visually hard to read. I can't decide if the text is smaller, the leading is smaller, the characters are closer together, the lines are longer or if it's because the pages are gray and not white, but I found it hard to read more than 20 pages in one sitting before my eyes were too tired. I've never experienced that with a book before and I'm quite confident it wasn't the content that made it hard to read so I'm quite befuddled. At times I was frustrated because I wanted to continue reading but couldn't comfortably do so.

My other critique is that the book is littered with one paragraph personal anecdotes from various people that I found distracting on almost every occasion. I struggle to see their purpose and at times, was frustrated by the incongruence that occurred when the anecdotes interrupted the primary authors' train of thought, with little explanation as to why they were offered in the first place. The primary text is stronger when one skips the interruptions (though for thoroughness' sake, I did read them all).

However, those two, minor things encompass the totality of my complaints about this book.

What I love about this book is how straightforward it is. This is not to be confused with authors who are insensitive. This book just lacks the emotional aspect of a lot of the other books, which my husband especially appreciated. He felt much more comfortable reading this book than reading some of the others I speak highly of, including ones I've recommended here. The book reads largely like a textbook on infertility, if such a thing could exist given the diverse nature of individual experiences. However, it is very conversational and approachable in tone-not at all dry and difficult to read like the mention of a "text book" would suggest.

The authors write with one voice and do an excellent job at it, which I think lends itself to the "neutrality" of this book. It's not a book by women for women, or men for men. It's a book for a general audience, which I think is rare in this particular genre of texts.

The book spends some time on the interpersonal aspects of infertility, including the patients' relationships with themselves, with each other, with God, with their friends and family, with Christendom and with the general public. It also address such things as parenting after infertility, secondary infertility, childlessness by choice, and responding to well meaning advice.

Perhaps one of the most instrumental things I've read in any book on the subject was in the authors' chapter on myths of infertility. In response to the myth "If you adopt, the pain will go away," the authors cited another author who identified six key losses that are rooted in infertility:


1. Loss of control
2. Loss of individual genetic continuity
3. Loss of a jointly conceived child
4. Loss of the pregnancy and birth experiences
5. Loss of emotional gratification surrounding pregnancy and birth
6. Loss of an opportunity to nurture and parent a new generation

pg 29


How freeing it was for me to read that it is perfectly normal to mourn the loss of pregnancy--a need that will never be met through born-child adoption! I've already shared this with a few other people because it was so instrumental to me to identify the various types and sources of grief and loss. I wish I could put it on a flyer and distribute it to the world and maybe then people would cease looking for trite things to say or ways to help their infertile friends "get over" this loss!

The rest of the book, however, is what I found most useful. It's an explanation and bioethical exploration of the tests and procedures common in the treatment of infertility. It covers everything ranging from sample collection to examinations to medications to surgical procedures. The authors are quick to confess their own limits and biases, but even with the procedures with which they don't agree, they highlight the benefits along with the risks. I appreciated this neutrality. They are also careful and responsible to state that their opinions on anything that falls outside the bounds of clear scriptural teaching and/or does not jeopardize innocent life is their own opinion and not gospel truth. On the other hand, where something does violate clear scripture or the sanctity of life, they are firm in stating its inappropriateness for the committed Christian (examples would be fornicating to produce fluid samples or children, selective reduction abortion, etc). In some cases (IVF for example), they are very helpful in helping the reader understand the limits they should place in order to keep the procedure one that honors God and human life. Where Catholics and Protestants might differ, they offer information and resources for both world views.

I appreciated how respectful the authors are of opinions that differ from theirs when it comes to matters of interpretation. There is no condemnation-only simple, undecorated statement of their opinion and where applicable, medical and scientific facts. They do not pressure the reader to come to the same conclusions and as I mentioned, are generous in even offering the benefits of procedures that they would not choose for themselves.

They offer a very useful grid for evaluating the ethics of reproductive technology. They have borrowed the framework from a secular textbook and offer it as being both useful and consistent with a biblical worldview.

The four principles are:

Beneficence-to do good. Thus, we ask, "Does it do good?"

Nonmaleficece-to do no harm. We ask, "Does it avoid doing harm?"

Autonomy-the patient has the right to make decisions about care rendered to him or her. We ask, "Does it respect self-determination, the patient's right to decide for him- or herself?"

Justice-fair, equitable, and appropriate distribution of social benefits and burdens. Our own definition of justice goes beyond this definition to ask whether something seeks what is right or due the patient in a given instance. So we ask, "Does it give what is right, due and equitable?"

pg 171


So long as the reader retains honesty careful grounding in scripture when answering the questions posed in this construct, I found this to be a very useful and practical framework.

The book also has quite a few extra curricular resources. The end of each chapter has discussion questions for the reader. I suppose with some moderation, they could be good prompts for a group discussion as well. The appendices of the book include a scripture-based workbook of questions and exercises for each chapter, an infertility medical workup worksheet, the Christian Medical Association Statement on Reproductive Technology, an IF glossary with common vernacular explanations, a list of resources and complete citations for all of the studies, interviews and writings cited in the book.

The book is very well cited. Each time the authors mentioned a clinical study, a public statement by a group or committee, a medical fact, and even in some cases a hermeneutic explanation, there was a corresponding citation. This set me at ease that the things that I was reading were true, or at least easily verifiable. It also gave me a place to go if anything piqued my interest to the point of wanting to seek out further information. I appreciated this responsible treatment of a lot of things that are offered as "fact" in a world full of questions and controversy.

I will confess that I did not complete the workbook or discussion questions yet, and am not sure if I plan to. However, I did read through them and found them relevant and thought provoking.

The book is like an encyclopedia insofar as there may be portions (even large ones) that are not relevant to you if you are not considering a certain procedure or class of procedures. I did read the entire book so as to have a firm understanding of it, but I admit to times when I had trouble staying interested in subjects that are not a part of our journey. I will say that the book can easily be read in sections or chapters. If you skip a section that is not relevant to your journey, I do not think it will make the rest of the book unreadable and I think you would still benefit. Each chapter can stand on its own and be contextually accurate and understandable. However, the book also feels unified enough to be read through as a traditional chapter book.

There is a ton of clinical information in this book, which distinguishes it from other books in this genre. For that reason, it's a lot more difficult to retain all of the information in the book than it is with other books that are more narrow in subject. For that reason I think this book is most useful when consulted many times, especially the subjects of particular relevance to the reader. I know I shall have to read through the details of some of the Reproductive Technologies several times before I feel I have a firm grasp on them but again, that selective reading is very possible in a book structured this way.

This book is an excellent resource for infertility patients. I'm not sure it's useful for pastors, friends and family or doctors, but I suspect it was never intended to be. This is not your typical infertility Bible or personal enrichment study, so I would not add it to my library in lieu of books that are more personally challenging, but it is an excellent academic reference resource, which is especially useful in a world where the sheer volume of facts and anecdotes can be overwhelming.

This book spent the first several chapters helping you know how to best feel sorry for yourself and understand your grief. It does have some good information in it also but I sure could have done with out the pity party section. My wife and I need the answers not sympathy.

I am so glad I happened upon this book! The personal experiences of Sandra, the expertise of Dr. Bill, and the spiritual issues addressed in this book have been an invaluable resource to my husband and me as we have struggled through the difficulties of infertility. This book is a terrific guide to anyone going through infertility themselves or any lay person or clergy helping a couple that is struggling. Rarely does one find a book that balances medical terminology and its great detail with the emotional and spiritual aspects of the patients' experience, but this book does. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone that is beginning the journey of infertility as it clearly gives medical information. More important to me, though, was the biblical content that reminds us that we are NOT alone through this process, that God is still God, and that the emotional roller coaster is a normal thing. Not to mention the chapter that deals with handling well-intentioned advice... great content there, too! :)

Right around this time of year, sermons about Mother's Day and the beauty of parenthood bring grief to those experiencing the hellish ride of infertility. Though I have not personally experienced this, I have walked with several friends that have. This book was invaluable in helping me understand the medical, spiritual and emotional issues facing infertile couples. Glahn's personal story is woven throughout, giving the reader glimpses into the pain of infertility. Cutrer offers the reader practical and sound medical advice, gleaned from years and years of treating infertile couples. Both grapple with theological questions like "Is infertility a curse from God?" and "Why did God create sex?" Perhaps the most helpful chapter detailed the well-intentioned (but painful) things people say: Just relax. You can have my children for a weekend. If you adopt, you'll conceive. Just trust God. The latter half of the book deals with the ethics of medical intervention in an honest, non-alarmist way. If you are looking for an infertility manual with heart, pick up this book. If you are longing to love a friend or family member through infertility's minefield, read it for understanding.

This book is an excellent guide to help individuals through the difficult decision making processes associated with the infertility ride. It is thoughtful, well written and informative. I encourage all to read this book before beginning the journey. Perhaps your rollercoaster will have a few less loops!
Mindy Berkson, Infertility Consultant
Lotus Blossom Consulting

Most of us (including both men and women) just assume that we'll someday have a child of our own. The thought that our life partner, ourself, or both may not be able to naturally conceive a child once we decide to have a family doesn't really cross our minds. Unfortunately, this is the reality that many men and women must face.

Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster is written by an individual who has lived through the issues of infertility for both men and women trying to cope with their own situations. Three things really stood out for me within this book: the author's compassion, the wide variety of potential strategies set out for those facing infertility, and that the book actually took into consideration how men feel about these issues. That there are lots of viable alternatives and that couples can take control of their therapy and decision making process is empowering during an otherwise very daunting time. Moreover, bringing couples together in understanding at such a difficult time can only make the relationship stronger.

When I was undergoing fertility treatment with my first child, I didn't have a comprehensive resource to turn to for both the big, emotional issues, and the smaller, detail-oriented issues (like what to do with all the paperwork!) I could have really benefited from this book, and am glad it's now available for other women undergoing infertility treatment.

In Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster: A Guide To Educate And Inspire, Iris Waichler draws upon her years of experience as a medical social worker to address the difficult emotional and physical health issues surrounding issue of infertility. Deftly providing readers through a sensitive understanding of the variety of infertility causes affecting men and women, Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster covers the issues of menopause, disclosure infertility and conception, parenting after infertility, how to find a doctor or lawyer, the psychology of infertility treatment, becoming a couple again, and the choice of a childless marriage. Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster is very strongly recommended for couples searching for a comprehensive grasp of infertility issues and is a complete guide to overcoming the inevitable hardships that dealing with infertility will inevitably encumber.

'Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster' is a book that speaks not only to those directly affected by infertility, but to those of us who have family members and friends going through the highly emotional experience of treatment, high expectations, and a less than guaranteed outcome.

Waichler offers a comprehensive guide that allows readers to fully understand every aspect of the infertility experience. It is a support and reference guide that is written with heart, professionalism and a true sense of what it means to go through the journey. Hats off to Waichler and the many others who contributed in sharing their personal experiences and giving us some insight to this topic!

To anyone struggling to understand what it's all about; the legal and medical aspects, the financial and emotional issues, and most importantly, the growing number of options available, this is truly a worthwhile read!

This book is so much more than the title led me to believe. This is not a book on infertility, although the lessons taught can certainly be applied to any area of a woman's life/health. It was easy to understand, and the way it is presented should be easily followed , even for a novice such as myself. I read this book cover to cover in one day. I could not put it down. Thank you to the author for finally giving us a book written at a level that can be heard and absorbed by all who pick up this gem.

I love that she is both a medical doctor and has "crossed the pond" to embrace the ancient Chinese Secrets and Holistic lifestyle approach to living a healthy well rounded life!
She has a fresh and unique approach to getting the knowledge out there in a laypersons voice! Finally a doctor we can relate to!
Loving it!
Thank-you Randine Lewis
Your the kind of physican all American doctors should follow suit to!
Spread the Word...

Women can use diagnostic questionnaires, qi gong exercises, and guided meditations to help how elements of nature express themselves in mind and spirit in THE WAY OF THE FERTILE SOUL: TEN ANCIENT CHINESE SECRETS TO TAP INTO A WOMAN'S CREATIVE POTENTIAL, which provides tools for women on how to identify imbalances, reduce stress and uncover creativity. Chapters are packed with analysis of underlying energies and spirit sources and make for an excellent survey of women's psychic and physical health issues.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I bought this book after having read "the infertility cure" and I was expecting the same style: a practical, compassionate, infertility related book. "The way of the fertile soul", however, is a very "out there" kind of book, focused on the theory of ancient chinese medicine and no practical information. For example, it tells you that you have to stop having negative thoughts, but never bothers with practical advice on how to stop your brain from producing them.
I thought it was a good book to read if you want to expand your horizons and learn about something completely new (at least for us westerners), but it is by no means an instruction book on how to accomplish the things she is talking about. Most importantly it IS NOT A FERTILITY BOOK, at least not in the narrow sense of fertility as creating a baby.
For women like me, who want to buy it to expand the information they got from her other book (the infertility cure), I would say don't bother, it has nothing to offer you...

I believe that every great teacher's job is to shine light, not give heat to a person seeking information. Dr. Randine Lewis does just that by sharing her vast wisdom and interpretation of ancient Chinese methodology. She helps us to remember what we've forgotten and connect with our great potential for living with passion, joy, strength and unlimited possibility.
Kristen Magnacca,
Author of Girlfriend To Girlfriend: A Fertility Companion (Authorhouse2000), Love and Infertility

READ THIS BEFORE YOU PROCEED TO IUI or IVF. I mean it. Outstanding in every way. Hard to imagine that it might apply to you, but read it anyway. Once you realize that infections can be passed down in utero (meaning you could have gotten them from your parents or in-laws) and that traditional STD testing AND traditional treatment methods only mask the problem, you begin to accept that perhaps pathogens are playing a role in your infertility. Know that if you have undiagnosed harmful bacteria in your uterus, and you succeed in getting pregnant without being propery treated, you are playing Russian roulette with your baby's life and health. Learn about the connection between prostate cancer and heart disease in parents (like yours) and a baby's future infertility (you could be that baby!) I've met several women who went to this doctor and were stunned to find out what they tested positive for... They realized they'd had symptoms they didn't even know meant anything (like frequent urination) when they were really signs of low-lying infection. One of these women just had her baby after 6 previous m/c's. Another is pg naturally with twins (first pregnancy after years of infertility.) Amazing stuff. The single most important book in the infertility world.

Finally, a doctor who makes sense! Dr. Toth is fabulous at finding the root cause at not only fertility problems but health problems! Read this book 1st before going through ANY FERTILITY procedures!!! A Must READ!

This is an important book not only for pre-sexually active teens, but also their parents and/or those to provide them with advice. It is well written, and provides enough clear technical detail to keep the average reader interested even though the topics could be boaring in another context. For those who are sexually active and/or contemplating starting a family the self-assessment chapter combined with the chapter on signs and symtoms are extremely helpful. This is book that clearly provides insight in to the problem of infertility for both the medical professional and the public at large.

Dr Toth is a remarkable man. His work and treatment are simple but groundbreaking. In a world where those experiencing infertility are sent hurtling towards high-tech (and high cost) procedures such as IVF, his advice seems almost mundane yet it flies in the face of current medical thinking - fix the cause not the symptom. He believes, and his practice shows, that chronic infections cause many of todays reproductive problems; problems that can often be easily remedied with an extended course of antibiotics. Even more astounding, he purports that infections cause many of the diseases we are facing today - diabetes, heart disease, even some cancers. He talks about how infections can be passed from partner to partner but also from mother to child. The more I read his work and evidence, more convinced I became. As someone who has benefitted tremendously from reproductive medicine but has also seen it fail in a tragic way, I have become convinced that Dr Toth is onto something here. Testing of all couples prior to pregnancy is the only sensible outcome of his work but beyond that, his work has huge implications for the way we manage our overall health and medicine in general. We all should read his book, whether facing infertility or not, and take heed.

This is a revolutionary, ground-breaking study of the importance of bacterial infections in causing infertility. I was treated by Dr. Toth after suffering miscarriages at the age of 43, and conceived my second son at 45 and my daughter at 47, both after treatments with him. I only hope more women learn of his methods.

This book is exactly what I've been searching for. The validation of what we all are going through with infertility is unrecognized loss. this book is insightful about walking you through those feelings and emotions. I highly recommended it.

Wow! This book was amazingly on target. Just about everything I was feeling while going through infertility treatments was discussed. It really validated my feelings and provided very helpful insights on dealing with all the ups and downs while undegoing treatments! I only wished I read this sooner! I strongly encourage anyone going thru infertility to read.

In the midst of one of the most painful struggles of our lives (dealing with infertility), I cannot say how healing it was to finally feel heard and understood. When I first read about the "trauma of infertility" the authors describe, I thought that's exactly it - that's what we're going through!
There are lots of good books out there that deal with infertility, but let this be one of the first ones you read. You won't regret it.

Bought for my daughter who is experiencing the awful pain of infertility and failed IVF. She read it twice and I am reading it now to catch up. The authors have been through the same, which was important to my daughter. They speak with love, compassion, professionalism and authority on the subject.

I can't say enough good things about this book. For several years,I have had problems mourning and moving past my infertility. This book helped me finally move on from the hurt and disappointment because it helped me realize that lots of other people feel the same pain and anger when they struggle with infertility. It made me realize that I am NORMAL and infertility is a devastating thing that should not be taken lightly. I feel so much better having read this book.

It's true. After reading the first chapter, I found that I just kept talking about this book to everyone I saw. It is so well written, so touching and thought provoking. I felt like I was sitting down with the author, sharing our stories back and forth. Excellent book!

Being a woman who's been through five miscarriages, I could sense the comfort and hope that this book brings to those who are unable to conceive. The loss of a pregnancy or the fact that you can't conceive at all can be a dark place in one's life.

The author's own experience offers hope and opens new paths for women who need a hand to guide them through this dark time.

As with her last book, Shannon Woodward paints vivid pictures with her words, in a style that is unique to her writing.

In this book, Shannon Woodward basically shares her personal story and struggle with infertility. While I related to many of the feelings she expressed, and found some things helpful in the book, overall I did not identify with most of what she wrote about. Her book largely covers her pursuit of adoption, and the many failed attempts she endured. While I found her stories engaging, I personally have not chosen the adoption route. I have pursued my path more through medical intervention to conceive biological children, and very little was mentioned in her book about this option, mostly because she seemed to have barely pursued it. I do think this is a good book, but I wish that I had been able to get more of a picture of what this book actually covered before I had purchased it.

I am absolutely awed by Shannon Woodward's ability to tell this story. A story lived by many, but voiced by far too few.

She has taken this uncomfortable and sometimes extremely painful journey and helped forge a way to healing.

I would highly recommend this book to any women who is struggling with issues surrounding infertility. Sometimes it's good to know you're not walking through darkness alone.

This book shares the author's journey of learning to accept the fact that she'll never be able to conceive children. Her story begins in 1988, when her doctor discloses the dreaded news. She said his words became like "a constant, haunting hum in my head, like a song you can't shake -- a song with the power to drive you insane. His voice was inescapable."

Shannon Woodward explores her pain and subsequent healing in intimate detail for readers. She takes us back to her childhood, where she first looks out at the stars and wonders if God even exists, and she shares with us how her faith began to grow.

She takes us with her to every scene, filling each memory with description and dialogue which reads like the best of storytelling. We reach the point with her when she and her husband decide to adopt -- and we agonize with her frustration when birth mother after birth mother changes her mind.

One of the most poignant scenes in the book is when she and her husband are bringing home their first adopted son, Zachary, whose name means, "The Lord has remembered." As their new little son is bundled in soft blankets in the car seat, she and her husband look up and see an oversized, lighted marquis hovering above a used car lot. In bold black letters, the sign reads, "Congratulations, Dave and Shannon. It's a boy." They never learned who wrote that message.

The book takes readers up to the present, where we see how Shannon's journey has helped her become a mother to many. She has an active ministry in mentoring and encouraging hundreds of women through her speaking and writing.

There are some books I read once, then set aside, without feeling a change. Shannon Woodward's book is one I'll read again and again, always remembering how the blessing of motherhood is a gift not to be taken lightly. The back of the book contains a wonderful reader's guide which includes discussion questions for each chapter.

This is a must-read for anyone who struggles with infertility; Shannon's transparency gives readers the support they need to move toward peace.