For most couples, it takes more than a cycle or two to conceive; don’t be alarmed if it takes a little longer than you hope to get pregnant. Doctors typically recommend getting a thorough fertility work-up from an OB/GYN or fertility specialist after 6-12 months of unprotected sex…
GUIDELINES
Because female infertility increases as a woman gets older, be sure to consider the following guidelines if you have not been able to get pregnant:
- If you are younger than 35 years old and have tried to get pregnant on your own for 12 months, it is time to seek help.
- If you are between the ages of 35 and 40 and have tried to conceive on your own for 6 months, it is time to seek help.
- If you are over 40 years old, make an appointment with a reproductive specialist as soon as possible.
FERTILITY EVALUATION
During a fertility evaluation, your doctor will want to go over your medical history, complete a physical examination, and most likely order specialized testing for both partners to help determine the reason for your specific infertility issues. Basic tests would include the following:
- Blood work to determine if the reproductive hormones are functioning normally.
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test to determine the number of eggs a you have available.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to determine if your fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is a normal shape.
- Semen Analysis to determine if your partner has enough healthy sperm.
Testing should be completed before beginning any type of fertility treatment. These tests look at the male and female reproductive functions needed for successful conception. The specialist needs to know what the issues are in order to recommend an effective treatment plan.
IRREGULAR CYCLES
Sometimes the reason behind infertility is related to ovulation issues; irregular periods or no periods at all make conception difficult. Therefore, if you find that your periods are not on a regular cycle, meaning that ovulation happens infrequently or possibly not at all, don’t wait to seek assistance from a reproductive specialist. They can recommend medications, along with several treatment options, to get your ovulation back on track.
MISCARRIAGE
If you have had more than two miscarriages, it is time to see a reproductive specialist. Friends and family may tell you that if you can get pregnant, your fertility is fine. The reality, though, is often very different. Experiencing multiple miscarriages presents a specific type of infertility that impacts up to 3% of couples trying to build their families. Most miscarriages are a result of genetic abnormalities found in the embryo. Sometimes, however, miscarriages are triggered by structural problems in the uterus or hormonal causes related to thyroid conditions or diabetes.
MALE-FACTOR INFERTILITY
Conception is difficult when sperm counts are low or there are not enough good quality sperm available to fertilize the egg. If a semen analysis comes back with abnormal results, you should make an immediate appointment with a reproductive specialist. They will look at the results to determine the severity of the male factor issues and recommend appropriate solutions to help you get pregnant. In mild cases, an IUI (intrauterine insemination) may be recommended. In other cases, more high-tech solutions may be recommended, such as IVF or ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection).
GET THE HELP YOU NEED
Making an appointment with a reproductive specialist is a major step for many patients. Some couples may think that everything will work out if they just keep trying. Others may think that it is too expensive or that it probably won’t work, so why bother trying. Most of the time, an initial consultation is covered by insurance. Making the move to see a reproductive specialist, sooner rather than later, will help you get the answers you need in order to make the best decisions possible while pursuing your family dreams. Remember, your chances of successful treatment increase when you get the help you need.
Take control of your infertility today by making an appointment with a reproductive specialist. If you live in the southeast Texas area, call the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. With four conveniently located offices in Houston, Clear Lake, Pearland, and Beaumont, the successful and compassionate specialists and staff at CORM will answer any questions you may have and are experienced in providing the guidance and support that you need every step of the way.