Rating: 
Summary: Not my favorite infertility book, but somewhat useful.
Review: Although I did find some useful information in this book, it is not my first resource when I have a question. I tried to read it from start to finish, but it didn't seem to have a natural flow or direction. Rather, it seemed to say a little on a topic on one page, and then more about the same topic later. I don't feel that it is as comprehensive as some of the other books out there.
Rating: 
Summary: the only technical manual to infertility you really need
Review: As of now (1998-1999) this is the best encyclopedia around of all the various medical causes of infertility and how they are addressed. It doesn't hesitate to spell out what's still uncertain, what's theory, and what's been debunked. I would say if you were going to buy only two books about infertility, you should make this your ``mechanic's guide'' and add Debby Peoples et al.'s ``What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility'' for discussion of the very real emotional costs of infertility. Depending on your circumstances, you can later add Ellen Glazer's ``The Long-Awaited Stork'' and Patricia Johnston's ``Adopting After Infertility'' and you will have read the four best books around for getting you through the flames. Frankly, most other books are either out of date, too general or not sufficiently sensitive to the emotional pain of infertility.
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent, well-written and balanced overview
Review: Despite being physicians ourselves, my husband and I have been overwhelmed at our introduction to "being infertile". I have browed through everything from original articles in the medical literature to reproductive medicine textbooks to books and articles in the "lay" media. Overcoming Infertility is the best-balanced and one of the best-written overview I've come across so far. Jansen doesn't brush over the science (or lack thereof) behind the diagnoses and treatments patients are likely to be given; he also maintains an empathetic and supportive perspective throughout (which the textbooks lack). I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to become better informed about the "brave new world" (cliche this is) of reproductive medicine.
Rating: 
Summary: Very useful
Review: I bought this book in search of answer to my problems, and I found it. Along with my physician I have a beautiful three months old daughter after three years of wait. I think it ease my spirit.
The only problem is that it haslanguage that sometimes get too scientific to be understood.
Rating:
Summary: Very useful
Review: I bought this book in search of answer to my problems, and I found it. Along with my physician I have a beautiful three months old daughter after three years of wait. I think it ease my spirit.
The only problem is that it haslanguage that sometimes get too scientific to be understood.
Rating:
Summary: Information Packed!
Review: I have been going through infertility treatment for two years. I have read a lot of information and talked to several doctors. This book, however, was the most informative literature that I have read yet. I learned things in this book about my infertility that I had not even heard mentioned from my doctors. Dr. Jansen did a wonderful job of explaining a wide range of infertility challenges and answered any question that I had. His book was easy to understand and filled with excellent information. I was able to use some of the information that I learned in this book to have intelligent conversations with my doctors and recommend treatments not suggested.It is unfortunate that in this day of managed health care we, as consumers, often have to be researchers and take control of our own health care. However, it is to our advantage that we have wonderfully informative references such as this!
Rating:
Summary: If you are looking for some answers, this is the book!
Review: I have read and searched for answers from many sources. I found this book to be a wealth of information! The book is well set up. It goes into depth on specific problems as well going over the basics. The chapters and headings are labelled and organized well. And the index is very extensive and it is easy to find what you are looking for. The author is not only an expert in this field but also is able to get the information across so that readers without a medical degree can understand. I have been able to use this book in conjunction with receiving treatment from a fertility specialist. It confirms and helps me better understand what my doctor is doing. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource for women.
Review: I sat and read this book from cover to cover in one afternoon. I was so pleased to finally find the answers to my questions all in one book. The information I have gained has given me far more confidence to raise issues with my doctors as I now know what all the jargon means. One doctor commented that I seemed to know more than he did! I believe that everyone needs to find out as much as they can about their health and the associated issues so that they can make informed decisions. Prof. Jansen's book gave me the facts I needed. I would particularly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in undertaking IVF.
Rating:
Summary: A human look at infertility
Review: I started reading 'Overcoming Infertility' in a bookshop. I couldn't put it down. It was a little embarrassing because I couldn't help laughing out loud. For the first time in my life I was able to smile at my predicament. It was an incredible relief to read a book written by a person who really understood the issues and who had an exceptionally positive and pragmatic outlook. 'Overcoming Infertility' is not only motivating it is also extremely detailed, up to date and informative. I have a number of friends who also suffer from infertility and I have found Professor Jansen's book to be a useful reference. The information is clearly laid out and it is easy to read sequentially or in isolated sections. The index is very comprehensive. It is the kind of book that you can rely on to answer those ongoing questions. Importantly, Professor Jansen's knowledge of infertility is vast. In reading the book I gained a valuable insight into the latest worldwide leading edge infertility treatments. The book has helped me to decide which step to take next. 'Overcoming Infertility' is a 'must have' for anyone suffering from infertility. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A marvel of organization ... an excellent trustworthy guide
Review: In "Overcoming Infertility", Robert Jansen presents a surefooted, thoughtful and, indeed, compassionate book on the myriad aspects of infertility and its treatment. Using a supportive but not overly personal tone, he has created a handbook that in its self-contained chapters and detailed boxes allows the reader to take exactly what he or she needs. And in giving his medical opinions, Jansen has avoided the posture of many infertility specialists who write as though they are your personal doctor -- or worse, your friend -- and can "solve" your infertility if only you follow their detailed advice on high-tech treatments...Jansen's clarity itself provides relief. He manages to be comprehensive without burying the reader in detail...It is hard to accept that the term "infertile" applies to oneself, and it takes courage to open a book that maps out the road ahead. Jansen proves an excellent, trustworthy guide. Robin Herman, The Washington Post
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