Getting pregnant is not always easy for every woman. The big question, however, is how long should you try to get pregnant before seeing an expert?
To put it simply: When should we seek fertility help?
It is true that if you do not get pregnant right away, you might easily become impatient. However, you should also remember that getting timely help is of the essence.
Recommended Time for Trying to Get Pregnant
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), if a couple has not achieved pregnancy after a year of unprotected sex, then they should seek medical help for getting pregnant. However, if the woman is over the age of 35, then she should not wait for one whole year. In such cases, it is recommended that a couple see a specialist after just six months of unprotected sex.
Factors to Consider
Not everyone needs to wait six months to a year before seeing a doctor. In fact, some men and women should seek help much sooner. Here are some factors that can have a definite impact on a woman’s fertility:
*History of irregular menstrual periods or absence of periods
*Previous abdominal or gynecological surgery, pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other sexually transmitted disease
*Known structural abnormalities of the uterus or other reproductive organs
*Endocrine (hormonal) disorders such as thyroid disease
*Pituitary tumours or hyperprolactemia
*Family history of early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure)
*Two consecutive miscarriages
If a woman has experienced any of the aforementioned, it is recommended that she undergoes a baseline fertility workup regardless of age.
Considering Your Partner
Another key point to keep in mind is that 1 in 5 couples who seek fertility treatment are found to have significant male factor issues. Male factor makes up almost half of all infertility cases.
Fertility at Home
The starting point of fertility assessment for some women happens in the privacy of their own homes. A group of activities referred to as fertility awareness methods (FAM) can help a woman determine if she is ovulating regularly. The methods include:
*charting the woman’s basal body temperature
*keeping track of any cyclical changes in cervical position
*monitoring changes in amount and consistency of cervical mucous
FAM helps in providing a retrospective assessment. A woman can learn even at home whether or not she has already ovulated.
Basic Fertility Work-Ups
If you have tried the home methods and found when you’re ovulating but still haven’t been able to get pregnant, a number of tests can be performed by a fertility specialist like Dr. Fay Weisberg.
There are tests to be done for both men and women. If you want to know more about what options are available for you, setup an appointment with Dr. Fay Weisberg today.
