Missed Conceptions: Overcoming Infertility

Deborah Fisher is a medical doctor associated with Mount Sinai Hospital
in Toronto.

This book’s title is a brilliant double entendre, in that the work
deals with overcoming infertility and with the problem of misinformed
attitudes. Mullen’s extensive research in the area of infertility is
demonstrated by the scope of her search of the literature, the variety
and number of resource people contacted, and the inclusion of personal
interviews with affected couples.

The book focuses on infertility, the problems encountered in overcoming
it, and the benefits and drawbacks of various treatment regimes. It is
written in a casual style that facilitates understanding the material.
Mullens uses medical jargon extensively but explains this terminology to
the lay reader.

Early in the text the author discusses the physical as well as
psychological ramifications of infertility for those involved. She
discusses stress in a subsection bearing that name, and she offers
numerous coping strategies. This is followed by an interesting chapter
on the history of the understanding (or, more appropriately,
misunderstanding) of procreative problems. A chapter on the anatomy and
physiology of sexual reproductive organs and the act of conception is
coherently presented. The author offers a “how-to” section with a
checklist on finding the appropriate medical and other supportive
helpers.

There are chapters reviewing the different potential causes of failed
conception. For example, the section about hormonal aberrations explains
ovarian failure. Under the anatomical marquee, tubal problems are
elucidated. A separate study of male infertility is provided. Included
as well are chapters on in vitro fertilization, new technologies,
pregnancy, and even when to give up trying. The available solutions to
each problem are explored.

The chapter on donor insemination is a representative example of
Mullen’s work. She outlines the history and psychological aspects of
donor insemination and provides a checklist of emotionally sensitive
issues to be confronted by the partners. The pros and cons of the
procedure, a detailed and accurate description of its mechanics, donor
screening and motivation, statistical outcome, government legislation,
and ethics are illuminated.

There is a tremendous amount of information in Missed Conceptions,
usually accompanied by appropriate documentation. At times the author
introduces quotations from patients themselves, a touch that enlivens
the book. Unfortunately, there are so many subsections and categories
within each chapter that at times it is difficult to sort out and absorb
the information. Chapters that deal with similar problems have different
formats; this is distracting. Nonetheless, the work is still
comprehensible and enjoyable to read. It will supply a much-needed
reference source for those affected by infertility. Similarly, it
provides useful material for involved practitioners to recommend to
their patients.