How to Make Love to a Plastic Cup

July 12, 2010
Although infertility is no laughing matter for most couples, screenwriter Wolfe, writing from personal experience, turns it into a one-night standup act in which words such as "follicular" and "luteal" become punch lines to wink-and-nudge stories. With chapter titles such as "It's not over till it's ova," "sperm-a-lot," and "what a prick!" Wolfe tries to lead men through the maze of medical terminology and procedures designed to overcome infertility. For example, he provides step-by-step instructions on how to inject your wife with fertility drugs, and he offers advice ("prepare to chafe, badly"; "you don't have to fill the whole cup"; how to deposit one's sperm in an IVF clinic). Wolfe's need to make a joke out of every little step along the way grows quickly tiresome and precious and regrettably ends up making too much light of a serious issue.

July 1, 2010
The premise of this book is a refreshing one—finally, a man's view of the promises and problems, ups and downs of infertility treatment; however, Wolfe's tone proves disappointing and his attempts at humor fall short. Wolfe, who spent time with the Groundlings and ACME Comedy Theatre improv groups, covers information on tests and treatments that infertile couples can expect to undergo and the ethical, legal, financial, and psychological issues. VERDICTIdentical information is covered with more depth and in a better tone in other infertility titles like Rebecca A. Clark's "Planning Parenthood: Strategies for Success in Fertility Assistance, Adoption, and Surrogacy"and Melissa Ford's "Navigating the Land of If: Understanding Infertility and Exploring Your Options" Some readers might find parts downright insulting, inconsiderate, and, in some instances, chauvinistic. Not recommended.—Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib., OH

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