Taking Charge of Infertility by Patricia Irwin Johnston Purchase at:  Amazon.com  Format: Paperback, 272pp.  ISBN: 0944934080 Publisher: Perspectives Press, Incorporated  Pub. Date: July 1996

Description from Amazon.com

The publisher, Perspectives Press: The Infertility and Adoption Publisher (www.perspectivespress.com) , June 19, 1997 

Printed reviews of this book include... From Patient's Bookshelf section of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's Fertility News (December, 1994.) "The recurring then throughout this book is a "get real" approach for infertile couples. Relearning how to communicate effectively is stressed, complemented by up-to-date, accurate infmormation with respet to the infertility evaluation and treatment....Each chapter has a very interesting orgnaization in that after the salient points are made, a section on resources pertinent to the information conveyed is presented--very useful indeed...In summary, it's all here in a readily understandable manner. As the concluding chapter is entitled, "life goes on." Ms. Johnston is to be congratulated for her well-organized, succinct approach to providing truly state-of-the-art knowledge for patients. RESOLVE of Pittsburgh (May/June 1994) "This book does much more than just list options. .. I was impressed by the number of issues that werre presented clearly as 'food for thought:' re-commitment to the relationship in spite of infertility; the grief/infertility treadmill; decision-making/prioritizing/communication strategies; medical treatment options, life without children; adoption; and more...It's method of presentation is surprisingly original and exciting....The title of the book alone is a definite-sell: what more could we infertility patients want than a way to at least have a change at taking charge of infertility? I actually felt more empowered because the book not only navigated the decision-making steps along the way, but took the time to pose the tough questions from which some so often get detoured...Without imposing her own preferences, Ms. Johnston presents the map from which couples can forge their own path." From Library Journal (April 1, 1994) feature article... "Provides up-to-date information and a comprehensive approach designed to help those with impaired fertility make realisitc choices about their future, from selecting a service provider to knowing when it's time to stop and consider the alternatives to treatment."

The publisher, Perspectives Press: The Infertility and Adoption Publisher (www.perspectivespress.com) , June 19, 1997 

PRinted reviews of this book include the following... From Patient's Bookshelf section of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's Fertility News (December, 1994.) "The recurring then throughout this book is a "get real" approach for infertile couples. Relearning how to communicate effectively is stressed, complemented by up-to-date, accurate infmormation with respet to the infertility evaluation and treatment....Each chapter has a very interesting orgnaization in that after the salient points are made, a section on resources pertinent to the information conveyed is presented--very useful indeed...In summary, it's all here in a readily understandable manner. As the concluding chapter is entitled, "life goes on." Ms. Johnston is to be congratulated for her well-organized, succinct approach to providing truly state-of-the-art knowledge for patients. RESOLVE of Pittsburgh (May/June 1994) "This book does much more than just list options. .. I was impressed by the number of issues that werre presented clearly as 'food for thought:' re-commitment to the relationship in spite of infertility; the grief/infertility treadmill; decision-making/prioritizing/communication strategies; medical treatment options, life without children; adoption; and more...It's method of presentation is surprisingly original and exciting....The title of the book alone is a definite-sell: what more could we infertility patients want than a way to at least have a change at taking charge of infertility? I actually felt more empowered because the book not only navigated the decision-making steps along the way, but took the time to pose the tough questions from which some so often get detoured...Without imposing her own preferences, Ms. Johnston presents the map from which couples can forge their own path." From Library Journal (April 1, 1994) feature article... "Provides up-to-date information and a comprehensive approach designed to help those with impaired fertility make realisitc choices about their future, from selecting a service provider to knowing when it's time to stop and consider the alternatives to treatment." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Description from BarnesandNoble.com

From Publisher's Weekly - Publishers Weekly

According to recent statistics, one in five American couples are faced with infertility. Johnson, who is the publisher of Perspectives Press, an infertility and adoption publishing house founded in 1982, here provides a handbook to assist with the negotiation of emotional and psychological issues that accompany infertility and to help couples to communicate realistically and effectively at a difficult time. Johnson stresses the need for accurate information to make sound decisions when faced with infertility. The cornerstone of his book is control; too often, she says, infertile couples cede the reins to the medical specialists. The author urges them to reassume it when making decisions about treatment options, family building options (surrogacy, donor insemination and adoption) and others. Herself infertile, Johnson knows the loss many feel when denied biological parenthood. She recognizes the devastating emotional aftershocks that often rattle partners after a diagnosis of infertility. The author discusses the loss of sexual privacy and spontaneity that can occur as partners pursue parenthood and the importance of taking stock. Throughout each chapter, scattered among suggestions about drug therapies and strategizing, are brief profiles of couples who face fertility problems. The real-life stories--some of which end in births and some of which don't--add strength to the author's grounded approach to a difficult issue. These pages offer solace and, even more importantly, guidance. (Mar.)