In Pursuit of Fertility: A Fertility Expert Tells You How to Get Pregnant  by Robert R. Franklin, Veasy C. Buttram, Dorothy Kay Brockman (Contributor) Purchase at:  Amazon.com  Format: Paperback, 2nd ed., 349pp. ISBN: 0805041818 Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated Pub. Date: June 1995

Description from Amazon.com

Customer Reviews 

Descriptive, Concise, and Hopeful, July 23, 2000 
Reviewer: Angie (see more about me) from Berlin, Germany 
I read this book before I had my first Laparoscopy and HSG. It helped me to know what to expect, and how the procedure is performed. And (! ) if I should get a disappointing diagnosis, which I did, I had it all right there in my hands. From PCOS to Endo to Adhesions, it has it all, but not everyone has it all. And for this reason I found it extremely helpful for many friends of mine who have a different diagnosis than I to give them descriptive reference. What I especially liked about the Author was his way of "looking" into his patients feelings. I wish more doctors would take that extra, yet essential time, to really know their clients.

Good on 'structural' problems, lacking in other areas, January 12, 2000 
Reviewer: A reader from Houston, Texas 
This book is filled with valuable information, but there are two problems:

1. Some of the information, or lack thereof, is outdated (it was fully updated in the most recent edition - 1996).

2. The focus of the book is somewhat narrow, although there is no indication of this fact until you read other books and understand Dr. Franklin's clinical and research interests.

That having been said, there is a wealth of excellent information regarding structural infertility causes in both women and men. Dr. Larry Lipschultz, a leader in his field, authors the best and most comprehensive chapter I have seen on male-factor infertility - this alone makes purchasing the book worthwhile!

Dr. Franklin provides detailed information regarding endometriosis, uterine abnormalities and tubal abnormalities in addition to other issues. Where this book is lacking is on matters of hormonal causes of female infertility. For example, it lacks FULL information regarding the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disease, instead focusing on telling women to 'just lose weight.' Many treatment options for hormonal-based infertility are not covered. Other books are much better for this purpose. (This stands to reason since Dr. Frankin is not a reproductive endocrinologist. This is a key point.)

The bottom line is this book has a lot of good information, but is best used in conjunction with other books on infertility.

Be an active participant in your case management, December 9, 1999 
Reviewer: A reader from Madison, Wisconsin 
I have lived by this book for the past three years. Instead of having the medical terms that were tossed around at my clinic visits go right over my head, this book gave me the tools to understand what was happening at all times.

Also, my husband and I were able to make informed decisions about what procedures we would be willing to go through, and those that we did not feel were right for us.

If you are looking for facts, and a way to determine if the odds for a particular course of treatment are favorable, read this book.

Avoid this book if you're looking for comfort, December 2, 1999 
Reviewer: A reader 
This book might be helpful if you are looking for detailed medical information, but it generally scared the daylights out of us. We were taking things a step at a time, not knowing how much medical intervention we'd be comfortable with, and this book consistently left us feeling frightened that we were in for a major ordeal. We eventually threw it in the trash -- we did not even include it in the carton of books we donated to the library, lest another couple find it as consistently discouraging.

Description from BarnesandNoble.com

Annotation

"...a world-renowned fertility specialist examines all infertility treatments, providing reassuring, sensitive advice on how to handle the emotional stress accompanying infertility, and also covers alternative solutions."

From the Publisher

This new and completely revised edition of a classic book covers all the latest medical breakthroughs that can help you have a baby. Dr. Robert R. Franklin, a world-renowned fertility specialist, offers the most comprehensive, up-to-date information you need about the complex process of overcoming infertility. This authoritative and reassuring book offers a thorough analysis of the causes of both female and male infertility, an evaluation of all the latest research and treatment techniques, and an empowering approach to the emotions and stresses unique to this issue. The book also sensitively discusses alternatives, such as adoption and surrogacy.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Authors' Note

Acknowledgments

1 The Miracle of Fertilization   1

Pt. I Female Infertility: Evaluation and Treatment

2 Endometriosis   23

3 Diseases of the Fallopian Tubes   88

4 Hormonal Imbalances   111

Pt. II Male Infertility: Evaluation and Treatment

5 Repair of an Obstruction of the Duct System and a Varicose Vein of the Testicle   153

6 "Low" Sperm Count - Cause Unknown   179

Pt. III Important Issues in Infertility

7 Unexplained Infertility   191

8 Repeated Spontaneous Abortion   199

9 Breakthroughs in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)   222

10 The Emotions of Infertility   252

Pt. IV Alternative Solutions

11 Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID)   279

12 Surrogate Motherhood   287

13 The Challenge of Adoption   298

Glossary   319

Index   333