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The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility: Discovering Your Reproductive Potential and Maximizing Your Odds of Having a Baby
Give yourself the best-possible odds for getting pregnant and having a baby with this concise, expert, and encouraging companion as your guide!
In the only general guide to infertility written by a medical doctor who specializes in the subject, Mark Trolice, MD—who is board-certified in both OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility)—shares the practical knowledge he has gained from working in infertility medicine for years, with many hundreds of patients, alongwith the warmth and wisdom he has acquired from getting to know prospective parents from all kind of backgrounds.
The journey from infertility to fertility, from childlessness to a brand-new baby, can be long and arduous. It involves complicated medical diagnoses, a wide range of treatment options, a host of potential lifestyle changes, lots of emotional ups and downs, and—even with the best medical insurance—challenging financial decisions. Your doctors cannot decide everything for you, and that is why an authoritative and comprehensive book, written in clear and understandable language for the layperson, is essential. This is that book.
The book opens with an exploration of all the possible causes of infertility, covering both couples who have never been pregnant and ones who have had recurrent losses of pregnancies. Unique among infertility guides, this volume gives roughly equal weight to male and female causes, which is important because about 40% of infertility cases are due to men's issues—and some couples need to address issues in both the prospective mother and prospective father. It covers endometriosis, fibroids, POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), tubal factor, male factor, and other possible causes.
Next it looks at your treatment options. Importantly, these are not just medical interventions, but they also include lifestyle changes you alone can make, involving sleep, diet, exercise, and other forms of self-care. Among medical options, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and various surgical procedures are covered in detail.
Some couples are lucky to have a short journey to fertility. For others, the process takes years. With a gentle and sure hand, and non-judgmentally, Dr. Trolice guides you through the many decisions you need to make along the way, such as whether or not to continue treatments, whether to change practitioners or treatments, and whether it is a good idea to continue to spend money on procedures not covered by your insurance. He understands that these are emotionally weighty decisions that involve the future of your family, and he provides ample grounds for optimism and hope, empowering you as you take this journey.
In the only general guide to infertility written by a medical doctor who specializes in the subject, Mark Trolice, MD—who is board-certified in both OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility)—shares the practical knowledge he has gained from working in infertility medicine for years, with many hundreds of patients, alongwith the warmth and wisdom he has acquired from getting to know prospective parents from all kind of backgrounds.
The journey from infertility to fertility, from childlessness to a brand-new baby, can be long and arduous. It involves complicated medical diagnoses, a wide range of treatment options, a host of potential lifestyle changes, lots of emotional ups and downs, and—even with the best medical insurance—challenging financial decisions. Your doctors cannot decide everything for you, and that is why an authoritative and comprehensive book, written in clear and understandable language for the layperson, is essential. This is that book.
The book opens with an exploration of all the possible causes of infertility, covering both couples who have never been pregnant and ones who have had recurrent losses of pregnancies. Unique among infertility guides, this volume gives roughly equal weight to male and female causes, which is important because about 40% of infertility cases are due to men's issues—and some couples need to address issues in both the prospective mother and prospective father. It covers endometriosis, fibroids, POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), tubal factor, male factor, and other possible causes.
Next it looks at your treatment options. Importantly, these are not just medical interventions, but they also include lifestyle changes you alone can make, involving sleep, diet, exercise, and other forms of self-care. Among medical options, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and various surgical procedures are covered in detail.
Some couples are lucky to have a short journey to fertility. For others, the process takes years. With a gentle and sure hand, and non-judgmentally, Dr. Trolice guides you through the many decisions you need to make along the way, such as whether or not to continue treatments, whether to change practitioners or treatments, and whether it is a good idea to continue to spend money on procedures not covered by your insurance. He understands that these are emotionally weighty decisions that involve the future of your family, and he provides ample grounds for optimism and hope, empowering you as you take this journey.
- GenresNonfiction
216 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2020
About the author
Mark P. Trolice
1 book10 followersMark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE, is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.
He is double Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. In early 2019, he launched a podcast entitled The Fertility Health Podcast featuring discussions with national experts on pertinent infertility and reproductive medicine topics. His current book is on the infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.
He is double Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. In early 2019, he launched a podcast entitled The Fertility Health Podcast featuring discussions with national experts on pertinent infertility and reproductive medicine topics. His current book is on the infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 15, 2025
Dont even try reading this bizarre book. In case you are fertile or infertile couple more than educating you on the subject this book talks about the problem in length. Which adds misery to the psychology of the reader. The personal experience of not having a child is just so visible throughout book and it's written with such a pessimistic narrative. Full of fear, scare and sense of not having something that you start avoiding all gatherings just because you can't have a child as a couple. Although for many it's a dream but the idea should not be to make this a primary focus of your life. There is a lotttt of other goals you can achieve in life in case you don't concieve. If you have nothing else to do just pick this book and read and waste your time sifting through information that's already available on internet articles and that too better than he described. Horrible!
April 3, 2021
Obviously a major health issue, infertility ranks high in importance for women and couples, which is precisely why I created the following series of priorities known as my SWAT analysis for protecting your fertility in much the same way a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is used to protect a business. This was a very informative book about infertility. I learned a lot of new interesting information. This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it this book. In this fast paced book.
May 1, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility
Subtitle: Discovering Your Reproductive Potential and Maximizing Your Odds of Having a Baby
Author: Mark P. Trolice
Genre: Non-fiction, Medicine
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is a very technical book giving an insight into the body’s workings and where things can go wrong or right in the productive system. It opens our eyes to the fact there is no guarantee we will ever become a parent naturally, but there are many ways to become a parent, including adoption.
What I liked about the book:
The book provided the details while still being an engaging read.
What I didn’t like about the book:
At times the book became too much like a textbook.
My favourite bits in the book:
The advice on how to increase the chances of becoming a family.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I am not aware of other books by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a book in a category of its own. It’s a textbook, self-help book and memoir all in one.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like to find out more about how to increase your chances of parenthood and the journey to get there, this book may be the book for you.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Give yourself the best-possible odds for getting pregnant and having a baby with this concise, expert, and encouraging companion as your guide!
In the only general guide to infertility written by a medical doctor who specializes in the subject, Mark Trolice, MD—who is board-certified in both OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility)—shares the practical knowledge he has gained from working in infertility medicine for years, with many hundreds of patients, alongwith the warmth and wisdom he has acquired from getting to know prospective parents from all kind of backgrounds.
The journey from infertility to fertility, from childlessness to a brand-new baby, can be long and arduous. It involves complicated medical diagnoses, a wide range of treatment options, a host of potential lifestyle changes, lots of emotional ups and downs, and—even with the best medical insurance—challenging financial decisions. Your doctors cannot decide everything for you, and that is why an authoritative and comprehensive book, written in clear and understandable language for the layperson, is essential. This is that book.
The book opens with an exploration of all the possible causes of infertility, covering both couples who have never been pregnant and ones who have had recurrent losses of pregnancies. Unique among infertility guides, this volume gives roughly equal weight to male and female causes, which is important because about 40% of infertility cases are due to men's issues—and some couples need to address issues in both the prospective mother and prospective father. It covers endometriosis, fibroids, POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), tubal factor, male factor, and other possible causes.
Next it looks at your treatment options. Importantly, these are not just medical interventions, but they also include lifestyle changes you alone can make, involving sleep, diet, exercise, and other forms of self-care. Among medical options, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and various surgical procedures are covered in detail.
Some couples are lucky to have a short journey to fertility. For others, the process takes years. With a gentle and sure hand, and non-judgmentally, Dr. Trolice guides you through the many decisions you need to make along the way, such as whether or not to continue treatments, whether to change practitioners or treatments, and whether it is a good idea to continue to spend money on procedures not covered by your insurance. He understands that these are emotionally weighty decisions that involve the future of your family, and he provides ample grounds for optimism and hope, empowering you as you take this journey.
About the Author:
Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE, is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.
He is double Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. In early 2019, he launched a podcast entitled The Fertility Health Podcast featuring discussions with national experts on pertinent infertility and reproductive medicine topics. His current book is on the infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility
Subtitle: Discovering Your Reproductive Potential and Maximizing Your Odds of Having a Baby
Author: Mark P. Trolice
Genre: Non-fiction, Medicine
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is a very technical book giving an insight into the body’s workings and where things can go wrong or right in the productive system. It opens our eyes to the fact there is no guarantee we will ever become a parent naturally, but there are many ways to become a parent, including adoption.
What I liked about the book:
The book provided the details while still being an engaging read.
What I didn’t like about the book:
At times the book became too much like a textbook.
My favourite bits in the book:
The advice on how to increase the chances of becoming a family.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I am not aware of other books by this author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a book in a category of its own. It’s a textbook, self-help book and memoir all in one.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes
If you like to find out more about how to increase your chances of parenthood and the journey to get there, this book may be the book for you.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Give yourself the best-possible odds for getting pregnant and having a baby with this concise, expert, and encouraging companion as your guide!
In the only general guide to infertility written by a medical doctor who specializes in the subject, Mark Trolice, MD—who is board-certified in both OB/GYN and REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility)—shares the practical knowledge he has gained from working in infertility medicine for years, with many hundreds of patients, alongwith the warmth and wisdom he has acquired from getting to know prospective parents from all kind of backgrounds.
The journey from infertility to fertility, from childlessness to a brand-new baby, can be long and arduous. It involves complicated medical diagnoses, a wide range of treatment options, a host of potential lifestyle changes, lots of emotional ups and downs, and—even with the best medical insurance—challenging financial decisions. Your doctors cannot decide everything for you, and that is why an authoritative and comprehensive book, written in clear and understandable language for the layperson, is essential. This is that book.
The book opens with an exploration of all the possible causes of infertility, covering both couples who have never been pregnant and ones who have had recurrent losses of pregnancies. Unique among infertility guides, this volume gives roughly equal weight to male and female causes, which is important because about 40% of infertility cases are due to men's issues—and some couples need to address issues in both the prospective mother and prospective father. It covers endometriosis, fibroids, POS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), tubal factor, male factor, and other possible causes.
Next it looks at your treatment options. Importantly, these are not just medical interventions, but they also include lifestyle changes you alone can make, involving sleep, diet, exercise, and other forms of self-care. Among medical options, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and various surgical procedures are covered in detail.
Some couples are lucky to have a short journey to fertility. For others, the process takes years. With a gentle and sure hand, and non-judgmentally, Dr. Trolice guides you through the many decisions you need to make along the way, such as whether or not to continue treatments, whether to change practitioners or treatments, and whether it is a good idea to continue to spend money on procedures not covered by your insurance. He understands that these are emotionally weighty decisions that involve the future of your family, and he provides ample grounds for optimism and hope, empowering you as you take this journey.
About the Author:
Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE, is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.
He is double Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. For ten years his foundation, Fertile Dreams, organized seminars to increase fertility awareness and granted national scholarships for those unable to afford in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
Dr. Trolice serves on committees for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology as well as the editorial advisory board of Ob.Gyn.News. He has conducted scientific studies with resultant numerous publications and been appointed a reviewer in many leading medical journals and textbooks. He has lectured at numerous physician and patient seminars around the country. In addition, he is interviewed regularly on TV news/talk shows, radio, podcasts, print/online magazines and newspapers on reproductive health topics. In early 2019, he launched a podcast entitled The Fertility Health Podcast featuring discussions with national experts on pertinent infertility and reproductive medicine topics. His current book is on the infertility journey to be published by Harvard Common Press in mid-2019.
October 25, 2022
Thank you Booktasters for getting me in touch with the author who in turn provided me with the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What this book offers:
Ways to optimize women and men's health to obtain better results
Understanding infertility for both men and women.
Different treatments for infertility
Options for LGBTQ community
Ways to avoid inappropriate infertility exams
I mean there’s so much more that this book offers I’m just listing a few that I wrote down but this is a great resource to have because it touches on a little on everything one would need in order to expand knowledge on the subject.
The book starts off with a foreword by Brenda Strong and she said something pretty interesting and true that many people overlook when they're young. It's that when people are in their 20's, they typically postpone having a baby until they get to their 30's only to realize that having a baby is a lot more difficult than they thought.
I believe that throughout the book, Dr Trolice tries to make it his mission to guide, support and encourage those seeking help on their infertility journey.
I liked this read because it's not just for those wanting to see how to improve their chances of having a biological family, but it also can be served as a tool for those family members that want to empathize and encourage couples going through this journey too.
Another topic Dr Trolice touches on, and he tells you right off the bat about it, that some fertility doctors can be cunning and may use a person's infertility to their advantage and he explains how in his book.
I really loved this book because along the way it gave me much more than just knowledge on infertility, I gained insight in many other things I found interesting too, like how doctors are better doctors if they are able to tap into their poetic side and write poetry because the humanities help them become empathetic and reflective.
In Ch. 1 Dr Trolice mentions that he struggled 10 years alongside his wife with infertility, and just the way he explained those emotions made me tear up because I completely understood his struggle. Thankfully he didn't make my anxiety sky rocket and have me wait 20+ chapters to know if they eventually had kids. They adopted 5 kids and that made my heart feel at ease and I could continue reading the book in peace.
Dr Trolice having gone through his own journey, is certainly empathetic towards people that are unable to conceive/are sterile, however, this book isn't the typical 10+ chapters of anecdotes and couple's stories of infertility, I mean it certainly has that sprinkled throughout but, it also is a really informative read that discusses a wide variety of medical topics and explains medical jargon that can give the reader more understanding on the topic he explains throughout the book.
Some things that I noticed in the book, that weren’t necessarily things about the book that I didn’t like, but that were just things that popped out were:
He was very pro WHO; I personally would have liked to have heard about a more diverse range of resources and he does, he does include them but, I personally don’t know if I believe anything that the WHO says these days. But this opinion is a bit biased on my part.
Folate - I wish he would have touched on folate instead of folic acid and the difference between the two and the ways these impact infertility.
MTHFR – again, I really wish he would have touched on this topic a bit more, and get his input on the MTHFR gene and how it has been allegedly said that this gene is one of the culprits on infertility.
LGBTQ Inclusivity – Now anytime an author attempts to include inclusivity in their book, 9 out of 10 times it’s directed more towards either race or the LGBTQ+ community. The problem with including inclusivity in books, especially in one such as this one, ironically, it leaves a whole other mess of people out of the “inclusiveness” so you really can’t make people happy with this topic because you’re always bound to leave someone out. But, the chapter he dedicated to LGBTQ and fertility issues/options they have was a great resource.
What this book offers:
Ways to optimize women and men's health to obtain better results
Understanding infertility for both men and women.
Different treatments for infertility
Options for LGBTQ community
Ways to avoid inappropriate infertility exams
I mean there’s so much more that this book offers I’m just listing a few that I wrote down but this is a great resource to have because it touches on a little on everything one would need in order to expand knowledge on the subject.
The book starts off with a foreword by Brenda Strong and she said something pretty interesting and true that many people overlook when they're young. It's that when people are in their 20's, they typically postpone having a baby until they get to their 30's only to realize that having a baby is a lot more difficult than they thought.
I believe that throughout the book, Dr Trolice tries to make it his mission to guide, support and encourage those seeking help on their infertility journey.
I liked this read because it's not just for those wanting to see how to improve their chances of having a biological family, but it also can be served as a tool for those family members that want to empathize and encourage couples going through this journey too.
Another topic Dr Trolice touches on, and he tells you right off the bat about it, that some fertility doctors can be cunning and may use a person's infertility to their advantage and he explains how in his book.
I really loved this book because along the way it gave me much more than just knowledge on infertility, I gained insight in many other things I found interesting too, like how doctors are better doctors if they are able to tap into their poetic side and write poetry because the humanities help them become empathetic and reflective.
In Ch. 1 Dr Trolice mentions that he struggled 10 years alongside his wife with infertility, and just the way he explained those emotions made me tear up because I completely understood his struggle. Thankfully he didn't make my anxiety sky rocket and have me wait 20+ chapters to know if they eventually had kids. They adopted 5 kids and that made my heart feel at ease and I could continue reading the book in peace.
Dr Trolice having gone through his own journey, is certainly empathetic towards people that are unable to conceive/are sterile, however, this book isn't the typical 10+ chapters of anecdotes and couple's stories of infertility, I mean it certainly has that sprinkled throughout but, it also is a really informative read that discusses a wide variety of medical topics and explains medical jargon that can give the reader more understanding on the topic he explains throughout the book.
Some things that I noticed in the book, that weren’t necessarily things about the book that I didn’t like, but that were just things that popped out were:
He was very pro WHO; I personally would have liked to have heard about a more diverse range of resources and he does, he does include them but, I personally don’t know if I believe anything that the WHO says these days. But this opinion is a bit biased on my part.
Folate - I wish he would have touched on folate instead of folic acid and the difference between the two and the ways these impact infertility.
MTHFR – again, I really wish he would have touched on this topic a bit more, and get his input on the MTHFR gene and how it has been allegedly said that this gene is one of the culprits on infertility.
LGBTQ Inclusivity – Now anytime an author attempts to include inclusivity in their book, 9 out of 10 times it’s directed more towards either race or the LGBTQ+ community. The problem with including inclusivity in books, especially in one such as this one, ironically, it leaves a whole other mess of people out of the “inclusiveness” so you really can’t make people happy with this topic because you’re always bound to leave someone out. But, the chapter he dedicated to LGBTQ and fertility issues/options they have was a great resource.
April 4, 2023
Let's say you have a home repair of some sort you wish to make. In my experience, there are two types of reference books you can choose from. The first, the one I usually consult, is written in the simplest possible language, has diagrams and a step-by-step process, and seems to assume that I have no desire to learn anything further about the item being repaired. The second is far more comprehensive. It includes a little about the author's background and his motivation for writing the book, tells you every possible way that the offending appliance or whatever is incorporated into the operation of your house, and permits you to achieve some sort of repair homeostasis. The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Fertility, by Mark Trolice, is definitely among the latter category of books. It addresses fertility as everyone's potential problem, suggests a proactive approach to getting pregnant, and analyzes every possible nut and bolt of the "having a baby" operation. If I were currently of child bearing age and wished to maximize my potential for having a family, I would ensure that The Fertility Doctor's guide occupied a spot on my bookshelf.
So, you ask, what is so special about this book? It's written by a guy who has 5 adopted children - he has dealt with infertility, is aware of its concerns, and hopes to alleviate your chance for similar difficulties. The author's stance is "protect your fertility" - avoid sexually transmitted diseases and watch out for stress, over or underweight, target child bearing for about age 30, and avoid tobacco. He suggests that you be aware of 5 misconceptions - timing sex with regard to ovulation is not necessary, infertility is not rare (1 couple in 8 experiences it), childbirth over the age 40 is possible but less likely, seeing a specialist BEFORE problems are experienced is a good idea, and casting blame about infertility is counterproductive. Trolice emphasizes men's and women's prenatal health - diet and exercise, avoiding substance abuse, being aware of family histories, etc.
If you wish to get into the technical jargon about ovarian aging, embryo testing, etc, it's there. Frankly, I started skimming when I got to terms such as emndometrial polyps, fibroids and polysystic ovary syndrome, but it's all there if you wish to be educated. Trolice gives advice on how to cope with the reaction of family and friends to your infertility, how to deal with infertility AFTER the first child is born, how to choose doctors, what to do about recurrent miscarriage, whether or not self help is a good idea and how to go about that, even how to finance pregnancy procedures, such as intrauterine or invitro insemination, egg donation, or surrogacy. He even includes case histories and a Q and A at the end.
When your car is running well, an awareness why it is running well and periodic consultation with an automotive expert are probably good ideas. This is basically Trolice's approach - keep the body running well, ensure that you are doing the right things, consult an expert for advice or repair, and your chances for successful pregnancy are greatly enhanced.
So, you ask, what is so special about this book? It's written by a guy who has 5 adopted children - he has dealt with infertility, is aware of its concerns, and hopes to alleviate your chance for similar difficulties. The author's stance is "protect your fertility" - avoid sexually transmitted diseases and watch out for stress, over or underweight, target child bearing for about age 30, and avoid tobacco. He suggests that you be aware of 5 misconceptions - timing sex with regard to ovulation is not necessary, infertility is not rare (1 couple in 8 experiences it), childbirth over the age 40 is possible but less likely, seeing a specialist BEFORE problems are experienced is a good idea, and casting blame about infertility is counterproductive. Trolice emphasizes men's and women's prenatal health - diet and exercise, avoiding substance abuse, being aware of family histories, etc.
If you wish to get into the technical jargon about ovarian aging, embryo testing, etc, it's there. Frankly, I started skimming when I got to terms such as emndometrial polyps, fibroids and polysystic ovary syndrome, but it's all there if you wish to be educated. Trolice gives advice on how to cope with the reaction of family and friends to your infertility, how to deal with infertility AFTER the first child is born, how to choose doctors, what to do about recurrent miscarriage, whether or not self help is a good idea and how to go about that, even how to finance pregnancy procedures, such as intrauterine or invitro insemination, egg donation, or surrogacy. He even includes case histories and a Q and A at the end.
When your car is running well, an awareness why it is running well and periodic consultation with an automotive expert are probably good ideas. This is basically Trolice's approach - keep the body running well, ensure that you are doing the right things, consult an expert for advice or repair, and your chances for successful pregnancy are greatly enhanced.
March 23, 2021
Infertility is a topic no one wants to discuss.
Unfortunately, millions of people across the globe are afflicted with it annually. It’s the most basic and necessary function for a species, and that’s what makes it so difficult for the unlucky ones.
I was one of them. Dr. Mark P. Trolice was, as well. My wife and I ended up making it work thanks to a wonderful fertility doctor whose guidance and expertise led to Blake, our 4-year-old daughter who makes our lives brighter every day. Trolice welcomed his five children, “born in our hearts and meant to be ours,” through adoption.
While not making light of the situation, I couldn’t help but think of the old Hair Club for Men commercials while I was reading Trolice’s book: “I'm not only the Hair Club president, but I'm also a client.”
Trolice, you see, is also a fertility doctor, and he compiled his decades of experiences on both sides of the doctor’s desk in “The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility.” He’s also a musician. He moonlights as singer Mark Romeo, which makes me like him even more, because music makes everything better.
I wanted to read the book, because I was interested in learning more about the affliction and how others dealt with it. It hit the mark in that regard. In many ways, for better or worse, I almost felt like I was going through the journey again. I was thrilled when couples found a way to break through their struggles and devastated when nothing could be done. Because I vividly remember that helpless, sinking feeling in my stomach when things seemed hopeless.
I can tell from reading the book that Trolice is great with people, which is an invaluable trait to have as a fertility doctor. You're often dealing with people on the very worst days of their lives, occasionally being the one bearing the bad news that makes the days so painful. But there's also a generous helping of joy, and he does a great job transferring that to the pages.
The book does get a bit technical at times, but that’s to be expected. It is, after all, aimed at helping people conceive, and the causes of infertility are legion. Trolice does what he can to keep the medical jargon to a minimum, and tries to explain everything as succinctly as possible, even recapping what he just wrote at the end of each chapter to help it sink in, but there still were some parts that lost me a little bit.
But again, I’m not the target audience for this book. I’m sure had things not turned out the way they did with us, I’d want to know every last detail about what might have gone wrong and how we could potentially fix it.
I’m going to give Blake extra hugs tonight.
Unfortunately, millions of people across the globe are afflicted with it annually. It’s the most basic and necessary function for a species, and that’s what makes it so difficult for the unlucky ones.
I was one of them. Dr. Mark P. Trolice was, as well. My wife and I ended up making it work thanks to a wonderful fertility doctor whose guidance and expertise led to Blake, our 4-year-old daughter who makes our lives brighter every day. Trolice welcomed his five children, “born in our hearts and meant to be ours,” through adoption.
While not making light of the situation, I couldn’t help but think of the old Hair Club for Men commercials while I was reading Trolice’s book: “I'm not only the Hair Club president, but I'm also a client.”
Trolice, you see, is also a fertility doctor, and he compiled his decades of experiences on both sides of the doctor’s desk in “The Fertility Doctor’s Guide to Overcoming Infertility.” He’s also a musician. He moonlights as singer Mark Romeo, which makes me like him even more, because music makes everything better.
I wanted to read the book, because I was interested in learning more about the affliction and how others dealt with it. It hit the mark in that regard. In many ways, for better or worse, I almost felt like I was going through the journey again. I was thrilled when couples found a way to break through their struggles and devastated when nothing could be done. Because I vividly remember that helpless, sinking feeling in my stomach when things seemed hopeless.
I can tell from reading the book that Trolice is great with people, which is an invaluable trait to have as a fertility doctor. You're often dealing with people on the very worst days of their lives, occasionally being the one bearing the bad news that makes the days so painful. But there's also a generous helping of joy, and he does a great job transferring that to the pages.
The book does get a bit technical at times, but that’s to be expected. It is, after all, aimed at helping people conceive, and the causes of infertility are legion. Trolice does what he can to keep the medical jargon to a minimum, and tries to explain everything as succinctly as possible, even recapping what he just wrote at the end of each chapter to help it sink in, but there still were some parts that lost me a little bit.
But again, I’m not the target audience for this book. I’m sure had things not turned out the way they did with us, I’d want to know every last detail about what might have gone wrong and how we could potentially fix it.
I’m going to give Blake extra hugs tonight.
November 23, 2024
"The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility" by Mark P. Trolice is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the challenging journey of infertility. Dr. Trolice, with his extensive experience and compassionate approach, provides a comprehensive guide that is both informative and deeply empathetic.
From the moment I opened the book, I felt like I was being guided by a trusted friend. Dr. Trolice's writing is clear and accessible, making complex medical information understandable for everyone. He covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of reproductive health to the latest advancements in fertility treatments. Each chapter is filled with practical advice, real-life stories, and a sense of reassurance that you are not alone in this journey.
What stands out in this book is Dr. Trolice's holistic approach. He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health. His insights into the emotional toll of infertility and the strategies for coping with stress and anxiety are invaluable. The book also addresses the impact of infertility on relationships, offering guidance on how to maintain strong connections with your partner and loved ones.
Dr. Trolice's compassionate tone and dedication to his patients shine through every page. He doesn't just provide medical advice; he offers hope and encouragement, reminding readers that there is always a path forward, even when the journey seems daunting.
In essence, "The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility" is more than just a medical guide; it's a source of comfort and strength for anyone facing the challenges of infertility. It's a reminder that, no matter how difficult the road may be, you have the power to keep moving forward and find your way to the family you've always dreamed of.
From the moment I opened the book, I felt like I was being guided by a trusted friend. Dr. Trolice's writing is clear and accessible, making complex medical information understandable for everyone. He covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of reproductive health to the latest advancements in fertility treatments. Each chapter is filled with practical advice, real-life stories, and a sense of reassurance that you are not alone in this journey.
What stands out in this book is Dr. Trolice's holistic approach. He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health. His insights into the emotional toll of infertility and the strategies for coping with stress and anxiety are invaluable. The book also addresses the impact of infertility on relationships, offering guidance on how to maintain strong connections with your partner and loved ones.
Dr. Trolice's compassionate tone and dedication to his patients shine through every page. He doesn't just provide medical advice; he offers hope and encouragement, reminding readers that there is always a path forward, even when the journey seems daunting.
In essence, "The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility" is more than just a medical guide; it's a source of comfort and strength for anyone facing the challenges of infertility. It's a reminder that, no matter how difficult the road may be, you have the power to keep moving forward and find your way to the family you've always dreamed of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
As a person currently in the midst of treatment for infertility, I was anxious about reading this guide as, like most people who experience infertility, we feel we have trawled and exhausted all avenues and advice by the time we reach this difficult state. However, the honesty shared in the opening chapters of this guide sets it apart from others. There is no other context like this and to know that the author themselves had their 'nose pressed against the glass' while observing families grow and feeling the widening absence of a child grows inside of you like a hurt that never fades helps you to feel a kinship with the guide itself. This is a guide that understands the fraught grief and the sheer vulnerability of infertility. It also provides a way of taking this back and maximizing your odds of having a baby. This empowerment is what kept me reading the book. I am sure I will continue to dip into different chapters during this journey as I find that the cyclical nature of the treatment means you're living your life and experiencing emotions that fall into very defined periods (for lack of a better word here!). Thank you for writing this and for sparking hope inside of us as we embark on the next stage of our treatment.
April 22, 2021
Not only does this reading contain an expert guide to raising one's own family with one or more desired children, but it also offers the honest and humane help of someone who has faced the suffering of infertility. If the author's knowledge and advice were more widely spread during youth, many people could anticipate, prepare for, and succeed in conceiving a child; not before, not ever, but at the right time.
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Esta lectura no sólo contiene la excepcional guía de un experto para lograr formar la propia familia con uno o más hijos deseados, sino que además ofrece la ayuda honesta y humana de alguien que ha enfrentado el sufrimiento de la infertilidad. Si el conocimiento y los consejos que expone el autor fueran más divulgados durante la juventud, muchas personas podrían prever, prepararse y tener éxito en concebir un hijo; no antes, no nunca, sino en el momento adecuado.
________
Esta lectura no sólo contiene la excepcional guía de un experto para lograr formar la propia familia con uno o más hijos deseados, sino que además ofrece la ayuda honesta y humana de alguien que ha enfrentado el sufrimiento de la infertilidad. Si el conocimiento y los consejos que expone el autor fueran más divulgados durante la juventud, muchas personas podrían prever, prepararse y tener éxito en concebir un hijo; no antes, no nunca, sino en el momento adecuado.
April 25, 2021
For those who have experienced infertility, my heart goes out to you. I read this solely in order to get a deeper understanding, since so many friends and family have gone through this. No, I do not have children, but I am always at a loss as to what I'm supposed to say, or what they are going through. Reading this book helped me not only understand it from a scientific point of view, but also from what the couple is going through. I would recommend this book to any who are currently going through this. Dr. Trolice is not just a doctor, he has gone through this firsthand, and shares his thoughts and feelings as well. For those who are not lucky enough to have him as their personal doctor, reading this book would be the next best thing.
July 21, 2021
In "The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility," Dr. Trolice covers every aspect of infertility, from why it occurs to making decisions about expensive treatments, with respect, hope, and optimism. Not only is he an authority on the topic, but he has personally experienced the inability to naturally conceive and understands the roller-coaster of emotions that occur. This book is essential reading, not just for those experiencing conception challenges, but also for anyone who wants to start a family with the best odds for success.
This review is posted in collaboration with Booktasters. Find many more book and product reviews and recommendations on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google. #AmazonInfluencer
This review is posted in collaboration with Booktasters. Find many more book and product reviews and recommendations on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google. #AmazonInfluencer
November 12, 2020
Very informative book about infertility and overcoming it.
The book is very organized and follows a sequential pattern from causes to remediation to what to avoid. There are some myth busters too.
The best thing is that there is equal weightage to both male and female issues and one of the part of the book also highlights not to play blame game so overall a wholesome read.
What I might like a little different about the book is that even though overall it's an easy read but in few places the technical data is too overloaded. So maybe spacing that put could have made it even better.
Anyways a good informative read. A good guide for people planning to get pregnant.
The book is very organized and follows a sequential pattern from causes to remediation to what to avoid. There are some myth busters too.
The best thing is that there is equal weightage to both male and female issues and one of the part of the book also highlights not to play blame game so overall a wholesome read.
What I might like a little different about the book is that even though overall it's an easy read but in few places the technical data is too overloaded. So maybe spacing that put could have made it even better.
Anyways a good informative read. A good guide for people planning to get pregnant.
April 21, 2021
If you are planning to have a baby or struggling to conceive then this is a very informative and interesting read. The book has a lot of information but is split up in sections to make it easier to read and to allow you to start making small changes to increase all your chances before you have to go down the IVF type route. I also liked the fact it includes a lot of information about what men need to do to improve their fertility not just what the women need to do. This is a must read for anyone on the fertility journey no matter what step they are on.
October 18, 2023
I did enjoy reading this book.
When I began reading, I thought about this book's subject matter, and how infertility may be something that is difficult to talk about, and my first impression was that this book could assist the reader, in that respect, if necessary.
There was a lot of useful information in this book. Certainly, I felt that I learned something while reading it, and I would say that this is an interesting and enlightening read, not just for couples who are trying to conceive, but for anyone at all, anyone who wants to read it.
When I began reading, I thought about this book's subject matter, and how infertility may be something that is difficult to talk about, and my first impression was that this book could assist the reader, in that respect, if necessary.
There was a lot of useful information in this book. Certainly, I felt that I learned something while reading it, and I would say that this is an interesting and enlightening read, not just for couples who are trying to conceive, but for anyone at all, anyone who wants to read it.
October 27, 2020
"The Fertility Doctor's Guide to Overcoming Infertility" by Mark P. Trolice, MD
In the last few weeks, I've been reading a lot of books about fertility. I was first introduced to these books with a book written by a patient going through the IVF process and stories of others in a similar situation. I was hoping for a more scientific book with written by an actual doctor. I was very excited to get my hands on this copy.
However, the more I read, the more I felt this book was like reading a medical text book or journal. It gave gave good information with a lot of research and statistics. The part I was missing was some sort of information that resonated with my own journey.
I would recommend this book to someone new to the IVF journey. It is very helpful. For me, I was just hoping more for some suggestions or an approach that I was not already familiar with. One point I would like to mention is that this doctor repeatedly said that age is the number one factor of success of IVF, so get in earlier rather than later. He spoke about the word "infertility" a lot. In my opinion, age is a huge factor, however, it definitely should not be the one determining factor or should give people older than 40 less hope. I also like the word fertility more than infertility. It's like the glass is half full or half empty. That may be my positive influence and mind speaking, and clearly I am not a medical doctor.
Wishing everyone on this journey much success.
In the last few weeks, I've been reading a lot of books about fertility. I was first introduced to these books with a book written by a patient going through the IVF process and stories of others in a similar situation. I was hoping for a more scientific book with written by an actual doctor. I was very excited to get my hands on this copy.
However, the more I read, the more I felt this book was like reading a medical text book or journal. It gave gave good information with a lot of research and statistics. The part I was missing was some sort of information that resonated with my own journey.
I would recommend this book to someone new to the IVF journey. It is very helpful. For me, I was just hoping more for some suggestions or an approach that I was not already familiar with. One point I would like to mention is that this doctor repeatedly said that age is the number one factor of success of IVF, so get in earlier rather than later. He spoke about the word "infertility" a lot. In my opinion, age is a huge factor, however, it definitely should not be the one determining factor or should give people older than 40 less hope. I also like the word fertility more than infertility. It's like the glass is half full or half empty. That may be my positive influence and mind speaking, and clearly I am not a medical doctor.
Wishing everyone on this journey much success.
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