In this country, approximately 9% of men and 11% of women struggle with their fertility. If you and your partner are actively trying to conceive without results you may wonder if it’s time to see a fertility specialist. Here, we offer some guidelines for you if you think you may have a fertility issue.
The standard rule of thumb regarding fertility and when you should see a specialist is as follows. If you are under 35 and have had unprotected intercourse for a year or more without conceiving a baby then you should schedule a consultation. For women over 35, the standard is six months of unprotected sex.
How Do You Know It’s Time to See A Fertility Specialist?
When you aren’t having any success it’s probably time to get to the bottom of your fertility struggles. In most cases, your OB-GYN follows your reproductive journey and refers you to a specialist to help you better understand the nature of your potential infertility. Some other signs it may be time to see a fertility specialist are:
You Are Aware of An Underlying Condition
In some cases, one partner or the other may know of a factor affecting their fertility. These include conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and treatment for certain illnesses like cancer. Other conditions that may affect fertility are endocrine-related, genetic conditions, and chronic conditions such as diabetes, thyroid issues, or auto-immune illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. If you or your partner deal with any of these conditions you need to see a fertility specialist as many of these illnesses affect fertility.
Another known factor for which you should see a fertility specialist? Surgical sterilization. If you had your tubes tied (tubal ligation) or your partner had a vasectomy but you’ve decided you want a child, speak with a fertility specialist. It is possible, in some cases, to reverse the procedure and restore your ability to conceive.
You Never Know When Your Period is Due
Irregular or absent periods are a definite sign that something is off regarding your ovulation. No matter how old you are, ovulation disorders make conception difficult at best. Ovulation disorders are the most common issue in female infertility, but they are typically easy to resolve.
Many times, hormonal treatment restores ovulation. Other times, depending on the cause of your ovulatory issue, you require different treatment. If you experience irregular periods or have no period at all it’s time to see a fertility specialist.
Your Partner’s Semen Analysis is Abnormal
If your partner has a low sperm count, or poor quality sperm, natural conception is extremely difficult. A few issues could be at the root of an abnormal semen analysis. Testicular trauma, ejaculatory issues, erectile dysfunction, or a pre-disposed genetic condition are common reasons for an abnormal semen analysis.
Depending on the diagnosis, correcting the issue may be relatively easy. The good news is conception only requires one healthy sperm and IVF may be the answer. If your partner suspects any of these issues it’s time for that consultation with a fertility doctor.
You’ve Had Multiple (2 or more) Miscarriages
Those who’ve experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage may console themselves that it’s not infertility. After all, they did conceive. But, unfortunately, there is a specific type of infertility related to recurrent miscarriage.
Miscarriage, defined as loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, is most commonly caused by one of the following:
- Advanced reproductive age
- Hormonal imbalances
- Structural abnormalities in the uterus
- Thyroid disease
- Auto-immune condition
- Diabetes
- Genetic abnormalities of the embryo
No matter the reason, multiple miscarriages are devastating. If you’ve experienced two or more miscarriages it’s time to see a fertility specialist and get some answers.
You Have a Cancer Diagnosis
Undergoing cancer treatment can wreak havoc on your entire body, including your reproductive system. Before starting treatment seek out the advice of a fertility specialist. They offer ways for you to preserve your fertility for the future. If you’ve undergone treatment in the past you should seek out an evaluation to evaluate your fertility.
It’s Time to See the Best Fertility Specialist
At LA IVF, we offer options for infertility treatment, depending on your diagnosis. If you and your partner believe you’re experiencing infertility, have trouble conceiving a child, or are aware of an underlying condition, please contact LA IVF today. Together we’ll find a way for you to realize your dream of having a baby.
