WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A FERTILITY SPECIALIST?
Getting pregnant appears to be the most natural thing in this world, but when things don’t happen on time, it can lead to anxiety. Ability or capacity to conceive is something which is taken for granted by many & unnecessary delay would lead to loss of the most fertile period & regret.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to see a fertility doctor.
How long have you been trying to become pregnant??
Depending on the age & duration of active trying (defined as having regular intercourse in fertile period without birth control) fertility specialists advice to come in for an evaluation: When
You are under 35 yrs with regular cycles and haven’t become pregnant after 1 year
You are 35 to 39 yrs with regular cycles and haven’t become pregnant after 6 months
You are 40 or over with regular cycles and haven’t become pregnant after 3 months
Research shows an average woman in her 30s has a 15% to 20% chance of getting pregnant in 1 month, around 60% of women will have gotten pregnant after 4 or 5 months have passed and the pregnancy rates begin to fall each month after that, down to a 1% or 2% per month after a year has passed.
Significant past history:
It’s a good idea to consult early if you have the following issues
Period are delayed, irregular or absent
Extremely painful periods
Difficulty in having intercourse
Past surgery – abdominal or pelvic
Pelvic infections in the past
Past miscarriages & tubal pregnancies
Thyroid problems
Already have 1 child & delay in conceiving again
Male partner’s health:
Male contributes to 35-40% of the cases in infertility practice. Semen analysis is the main determinant of sperm health, but certain other conditions if present warrant early testing like
Erection & ejaculation problems
History of Sexually transmitted infections
Mumps infection after puberty
Injury or surgery to the genitals & groin region
Lump or swelling in genital
Not everyone needs to wait six months to a year before getting help. In fact, some men and women should seek help much sooner. If you or your partner have any risk factors or symptoms mentioned above, you should talk to your doctor now.