Some couples want to have children because they hope that it will help a troubled relationship, while usually the opposite is true. Some women may feel unfulfilled without children, especially as they get older, and want to have a baby while there is still time. Many couples today find that they can have a satisfying life together without children. Discuss your feelings with your partner. Think about the alternatives, including the possibility of not expanding your family.
Adoption is also a valid alternative to bearing a child.
The process of adopting a child can be long and complex and varies from area to area. Check with your local agencies, or ask your doctor about available resources. By thinking over these questions and issues before making the decision of whether to have an infertility workup, you and your partner will have a more realistic attitude about what to expect. You will also have a clearer idea about your wishes concerning childbearing, including the alternatives to having children of your own. Although stress has been shown to contribute to infertility in some cases, emotional problems are not a major cause.