Infertility

Each year more than 100 couples in Qingdao receive IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment to have a child.

Psychologists warn couples to think carefully before they go ahead with the treatment.

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"It's like getting your tubes tied," Coner says.Mirena IUD What it is: an intrauterine device that's professionally inserted and removed that releases progesterone slowly into your uterus.

Must be replaced every five to seven years.Pros: Good for women who want to space out their children, Wright says.

Can make periods lighter and, in some women, will end periods altogether.Cons: The progesterone in this IUD may contribute to more headaches and tiredness than are associated with the copper IUD, says Stutsman.It has the same risk as other progesterone-only products.As with the copper IUD, if you get a sexually transmitted disease while using one of these devices, it can be more of a problem.And if you get pregnant while using an IUD, the risk of an ectopic (outside the uterus) pregnancy is higher.Cost: about $425 plus a doctor's fee for inserting the device.Effectiveness: about 99 percent.

©The Times March 30, 2006 Printer-friendly version Health/Fitness Headlines For the Week • Film festival encourages young talent• Innovations give women more options for birth control• David McMillian: No one is doomed to the past• Paul Simon returns with first album in six years• Two-day Scottish heritage festival kicks off Sa...