When you make the decision to grow your family, it often comes with excitement and hope. But trying to conceive can also be frustrating, especially if you have a known reproductive issue. For those couples concerned about their fertility, the best next step is a consultation with a doctor specializing in infertility. Here, we offer the following five signs it’s time to see a fertility specialist.
5 Signs You Should See a Fertility Specialist Now
A physician who specializes in the treatment of infertility helps you identify the cause of your inability to conceive and, once they achieve a diagnosis, provide the correct treatment. In most cases, treatment involves surgery, medications, and procedures such as IVF or IUI. Of course, your doctor considers additional factors such as age, overall health of both parents, and what treatment offers the best outcome. Rest assured, you and your fertility specialist work together as a team to realize your goal for growing your family.
Here are five signs it’s time to see a fertility specialist.
1. You’ve Been Trying to Conceive for 6-12 Months Without Success
Women under the age of 35 should consult a fertility specialist after 12 consecutive months of unprotected sex that doesn’t result in pregnancy. For those women over 35, experts advise consulting a specialist after six months of trying to conceive. For those women under 35, 12 months without success could indicate an underlying condition such as endometriosis or PCOS. If you’re over 35, age may play a role in your inability to conceive.
2. You’ve Experienced Two or More Miscarriages
Miscarriages can be especially devastating for those trying to grow their family. And when you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, it’s especially heartbreaking. Even though 10%-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, doctors consider two or more miscarriages a condition called “recurrent miscarriage” and a sign it’s time to see a fertility specialist. There are several possible causes of recurrent miscarriage. You may have structural issues with your uterus, a genetic condition, or an underlying medical condition. Your fertility specialist can diagnose the cause and proceed with treatment.
3. Your Periods are Irregular or Non-Existent
Your menstrual cycle is a great indicator of your reproductive health. Regular periods typically indicate all is well with your reproductive system and you’re ovulating as you should. However, missed periods when you aren’t pregnant and the absence of your period altogether indicate that there is a problem. A missed or non-existent period may be indicative of PCOS or ovulatory dysfunction, for example. If you have irregular periods or no period at all, it’s time to see a fertility specialist.
4. You or Your Partner Has an Underlying Condition that May Cause Infertility
Both men and women may experience fertility issues due to an underlying or undiagnosed condition. Some women may have endometriosis or uterine fibroids, which prevent pregnancy. In many cases, the only signs are painful or heavy periods.
For men, there may be a testicular issue or structural issue that interferes with normal sperm development. Some conditions may also lower sperm count. And there may be blockages interfering with the delivery of the sperm.
Both men and women can develop scar tissue due to STIs. That scaring may cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and inflammation of the reproductive tract in men. Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and some medications that treat chronic conditions also interfere with men’s and women’s fertility. If you suspect an underlying condition may be at the root of your infertility or inability to conceive, it’s time to consult a specialist.
5. You’ve Seen Your OB-GYN, and There’s Nothing More They Can Do
When you’re trying to conceive and haven’t had any success, typically you’ll reach out to your OB-GYN. That just makes sense. And in many cases, your OB-GYN will prescribe a few rounds of a medication called clomiphene citrate, or, more commonly known by the brand name Clomid.
This prescription medication induces ovulation in women who have PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles and is usually the first course of action when treating infertility. If you’ve tried two to three rounds of clomid and haven’t had success, it’s time you consult with a fertility specialist about the next steps.
We’re Here to Help You
Struggling to conceive isn’t easy for anyone. If you have reason to think you may have issues with your fertility, don’t wait. It’s time for you to see a fertility specialist. Please schedule a consultation with LA IVF today. We’re here to help.
