A Woman Doctor's Guide to Infertility: Essential Facts and Up-To-Minute Information on the Techniques and Treatments to Achieve Pregnancy

Treiser, co-director of the Fertility and Gynecology Center in Somerset, N.J., and journalist Levinson describe the many medical options-surgical, pharmaceutical, hormonal-that ``infertile'' couples can consider in trying to conceive a child. In the process, they also debunk many of the myths associated with infertility and suggest reasons why some couples experience difficulty in conceiving. ``Infertile'' couples, they say, have a 70% chance of becoming pregnant after at least one year of treatment, depending on the complexity of their problems and the physician working with them. In discussing available treatments, Treiser and Levinson assess the ethical and psychological issues raised by activities like donor insemination and surrogate birth. They're realistic about the time and energy needed for couples to participate in various programs, and about why some procedures work better than others. Just as selecting appropriate treatment options matters, so does selecting the right fertility specialists. Although the writing here is static and the case histories are stilted, more than adequate information-and a glossary and resource list-will aid couples who want to become parents but haven't yet quite managed it. (Aug.)