Product Description

A wise and compassionate guide to getting successfully through one of the most expensive and stressful fertility treatments.

Despite the fact that it is an expensive, complex, emotionally draining, and often last-ditch fertility treatment, there are now over 250,000 couples who consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) every year; more than 125,000 couples decide to undergo it. While dry, clinical information is available, there is a gaping need for sisterly advice from someone who's been through the process herself.

From evaluating care and preparing for the complicated process to understanding egg retrieval and embryo transfer; from tips on taking medications and coping with hormonal surges to dealing with the emotional aspects of the grueling IVF process, Liza Charlesworth's The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization offers knowing, sensitive counsel. Full of hard-won personal wisdom and the most up-to-date medical information explained in layman's terms, this invaluable guide is sure to become recommended reading for couples trying to conceive and their families alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #159370 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-04
• Released on: 2004-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 312 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780738208978
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"This book offers support, guidance and valuable information for the couple considering this process." -- Parents Express March 2005

About the Author
Liza Charlesworth underwent two rounds of IVF, the second of which was a success. An educational writer and the former editorial director at Scholastic Books, she lives in Forest Hills Garden, New York.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book! A Must-Have for IVFers!
I am the kind of person who researches and reads EVERYTHING when they are faced with an issue or problem. Needless to say, I have purchased a multitude of IVF books, and this one is one of my favorites. It goes through the IVF process step-by-step, shares sample protocols, and explains ALL the medicines. In fact, I found myself going back and re-reading several parts of the book while in the midst of the IVF process. It's simply a must-have!

Good Info, But Trite and Patronising
The book is filled with good definitions about the winding road that is IVF-fertility treatment is packed with acronyms, abbreviations, and science, and the author does do a good job of explaining what all of the acronyms and abbreviations are. The book flows well and has wit, but the constant underlying message is one of success! IVF succeeds! Just keep your legs in the air/take to bed rest/keep thinking smiley happy positive thoughts and it always works! As someone who's been through a few rounds of IVF and ongoing still, it's not that easy for most people. IVF is hard enough without infusing constant messages of false hope-I feel the author is irresponsible in suggesting that IVF can be otherwise.

good guidebook
The Couple's Guide to In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Liza Charlesworth
Publisher: De Capo Press
ISBN: 0-7382-0897-3

IVF for most people is a private event that they will learn as they go through each cycle on their personal road to parenthood. This is that journey's guidebook. It is written very matter-of-factly with simple language even with technical terminology.

Written as a step by step "how to manual" of sorts, what it lacks in that personal touch it makes up for in sheer volume of information. It weighs in at 300 pages (at a bargain price of $16.95) and has 10 chapters with charts, graphs, sample calendars, resource guide, and a glossary of terminology.

For a "IVF for Dummies" type of book, I'd recommend this for its wealth of knowledge. I know I'm glad to have it in my arsenal of books when I understand this complex and nerve wracking procedure for myself. I believe most people will be able to use this guide and benefit from it. A great resource.