Many couples will have to wait a while before conceiving, and this is normal! But if you and your partner have tried for 1 year without getting pregnant, it's time to discuss your concerns with your obstetrician. They can discuss possible causes for infertility and help you think about your next steps. While it's not a good idea to turn to fertility treatments just to conceive twins, you should be aware that these treatments will slightly raise your chances of having multiples. It can sometimes be difficult to figure out exactly what's behind a couple's fertility troubles. About 25% of infertility remains unexplained even after tests. In order to rule out common fertility issues, your doctor will ask about you and your partner's medical history, sexual activity, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle choices (like stress levels, smoking, or drinking alcohol). Your doctor may also run the following tests: A blood test to check on levels of hormones that stimulate ovulation. Chlamydia tests (a urine test for men and a cervical swab for women), as this STI can affect fertility. An ultrasound to see if there are blockages, scarring, or other issues (like endometriosis or fibroids) in the ovaries, womb, or fallopian tubes. If the doctor sees possible problems, they may order a follow-up X-ray or laparoscopy. A semen analysis to check for a low sperm count or improperly moving sperm. You and your doctor will decide together whether fertility medications are right for you. You'll also work together to pick which medication you should take. Be aware that most of these medications will raise your chances of conceiving multiples. It will generally cost between $1000 and $6000 USD to do these treatments under medical observation (routine ultrasounds and checkups). Some common options include: Clomiphene citrate (CC), usually taken in 50 mg/day doses for 3-6 menstrual cycles. Synthetic Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which is an injection. This type of drug has no known side effects, unlike other fertility medications. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which is also an injection. Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG), also an injection and the strongest ovulation medication that you can take. Surgery may be recommended if you have blockages or scarring in your fallopian tubes, or if you have endometriosis or fibroids. If there's a blockage preventing sperm from being ejaculated normally, surgery may be able to correct this issue, as well. Doctors can also surgically extract sperm, if necessary. Some of these surgeries may be covered by your insurance. Discuss your payment options with your doctor and insurance provider before committing to a particular treatment. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) involves placing sperm inside a woman's uterus to help along conception. It may be recommended for men with low sperm counts or limited sperm mobility. It's also an option for couples with unexplained infertility problems. IUI usually costs between $300-$1000 USD. With In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), the mother will start by completing a round of fertility medications to encourage ovulation. An egg will then be harvested and mixed with the father's sperm. This fertilized embryo will be implanted into the mother's uterus. IVF treatment may be recommended if the mother has blockages in her fallopian tubes. It's also often a last-resort treatment for couples with unexplained infertility. Since most doctors will now only implant 1 embryo at a time, the chances of multiples due to IVF treatment has dropped significantly since the late 1990s. IVF is an expensive treatment option, usually costing at least $30,000 USD.

Summary: Discuss your fertility issues with your OB/GYN after 1 year of trying. Consult with your doctor to determine possible causes of infertility. Use fertility medications to assist with ovulation issues. Look into surgical options to correct internal issues. Try IUI to address sperm issues or unexplained infertility. Turn to IVF once you've tried other treatments.

Other people might have seen something. Visit your neighbors and ask if they know anything about the situation. Check whether they know where the owner is and how to contact them. By talking to your neighbors, you also spread the word that someone might be in the house illegally. Not all squatters are dangerous, but your neighbors should nevertheless be advised of who is there. If a neighbor has seen something, have them write down notes about who they saw and when. Ask them to describe the squatters, if they can. You'll need to notify the police and the building owner, but you should have some evidence to share with them. This evidence will be useful if the owners need to sue to evict the squatters. Do the following: Take detailed notes of who you see coming and going from the property. What do they look like? How many people are there? What dates have you seen them? Photograph the building if you see broken windows or graffiti. There might be an innocent explanation for why someone has been in the property. For example, the people you see going in and out might be the lawful owners. Ask the people you encounter who they are and why they are there. You are not required to speak to the squatters, and you shouldn't if you are scared of them. It's enough to record what you have observed and then call the appropriate people. If you're scared, another option is for a group of neighbors to go talk to the squatters. There's safety in numbers.

Summary: Talk to your neighbors. Document the squatting. Speak to the squatters if you aren't afraid.

If you have not bought shoes for a while, consider getting your foot size measured at the store. People's feet tend to change sizes as they age, and you do not want to buy a shoe that is too small or too large. Many flats also come in narrow, normal/medium, and wide widths. If you have very narrow or very wide feet, this is something you might want to consider. Most flat shoes will come in different heights: below the ankle, above the ankle, and boot height. Here are some examples of the different types of flats: Below the ankle flats, such as Converse, moccasins, loafers, pointy-toed flats, and ballet flats, help legs appear longer. Above the ankle flats, such as low boots, military boots, high top Converse, and sandals with ankle straps, tend to make legs look shorter. Flat boots are great for the winter, and can help legs look more slender. Consider getting boots that have a slight dip in the front. These can be flattering on all body types. The more versatile a pair of shoes is, the better. Having fewer shoes that you can build outfits around will also help save space in small closets. Everybody can wear flats, but certain styles paired with certain outfits look more flattering on certain body types than others. If you have a petite body, consider pairing flats with skinny jeans that hit at the ankle. This will help to make you appear taller. Stick to more pointed toes rather than rounded toes. If you have an hourglass shape, wear flats with dresses that finish above the knees. If you have fuller shaped legs, choose flats in a lighter color. This will make what you are wearing the focal point, rather than drawing attention to your legs and feet. Nude-colored shoes also tend to make legs look longer. If you have a tall body, consider pairing flats with a loose top and leggings. If you want to make your legs look longer or leaner, opt for a very slight heel.
Summary: Get the right size shoe. Know that there are different types of flats. Before you buy a pair, think about at least three different outfits you can wear them with. Consider matching your shoe to your body type.