When do we need to see a fertility specialist?

When do we need to see a fertility specialist?

Infertility is defined as unprotected sex without pregnancy for greater than one year. In patients 35 years of age or older, infertility can be diagnosed after just 6 months of unprotected sex.

Every couple’s situation can be different. If you are struggling to conceive, it may be time to see one of our fertility specialists for an evaluation! We can do a thorough work-up to determine why you may be having a hard time getting pregnant. Initial evaluation typically includes:

• Blood tests to evaluate ovarian reserve and hormones
• X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes (Hysterosalpingogram)
• Semen analysis and male labs
• Recessive disease screening
• Transvaginal ultrasound

What can affect my fertility?

Medical Conditions:

• Irregular periods
• Endometriosis
• Tubal disease
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• History of miscarriages
• Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disease, diabetes or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Inherited genetic disorders
• Low egg count

Lifestyle:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Drug use
• Frequent alcohol use
• High or low BMI
• Excessive exercise
• Hot tub use (male partner)
• Certain medications
• Poor diet
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Age:

• Women are born with all of the eggs that they will ever have. By the time a woman hits puberty, only ¼ of her eggs remain!
• As a woman gets older, conception becomes more difficult due to decreasing egg count and quality. This can contribute to infertility and miscarriages.