When To Consult A Fertility Specialist
For many couples, beginning a family is an exciting and natural progression in life. However, when conception doesn’t occur as expected, it can lead to feelings of frustration and concerns.
When you’re trying to conceive, each month that passes without success can be like a lifetime.
Knowing why when you should see a Fertility Specialist can mean the difference between waiting too long to get help, and finally discovering the cause of your infertility so you can get the actual treatment you need.
While it is common for couples to encounter minor problems along the way, there are instances where seeking the guidance of a fertility specialist becomes necessary.
As a Fertility Specialist, we often hear women saying “I wish we hadn’t waited so long before we see you.” Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and slowly, as they grow old, the quantity and quality of those eggs declines.
Many couples wait too long to seek professional help from a Fertility Specialist, spending years trying to conceive on their own or pursuing ineffective treatments with little chance of success.
Meanwhile, the biological clock keeps ticking, and egg supply continues to decline.
Age has an impact on male fertility, too, and even many young couples are surprised to learn that getting pregnant is not as easy as they expected.
When should you see a fertility specialist and get tested?
If you suspect infertility, it is the right time to see a fertility specialist so that you and your partner can begin the testing needed to discover what’s really wrong.
From the results, your fertility specialist can then create a treatment plan that is most likely to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.
It is time to schedule a visit with us at Continental Fertility Clinic if:
- You are less than 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for one year or longer.
- You are 35 years old or older and have been trying to conceive for six months.
As a woman ages, her fertility potential gradually declines, with a more rapid decline occurring after the age of 35 years.
Age-related concerns also apply to men, as sperm quality can decrease with age, impacting fertility.
▪︎You’ve tried fertility treatment through a Gynecologist without success.
- You have had two or moremiscarriages a row. in a row
- You have had ectopic pregnancy
- Your menstrual cycles are irregular or absent.
This can indicate ovulatory dysfunction ot hormone imbalances, or underlying medical conditions. If a woman experiences cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, it is essential to seek the advice of a fertility specialist. These issues could potentially impact ovulation, making it difficult to conceive naturally without treatment.
- Your male partner is experiencing ejaculatory problems or impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- You’ve been told you might have trouble getting pregnant due to hereditary issues, hormone disorders, cancer treatment or known medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome,
- endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
- You are worried about passing a heritable disease down to your unborn child and want to know your genetic testing options
- You are interested in surrogacy or third-party reproduction.
A fertility specialist can conduct comprehensive assessments, including detailed medical history, physical exams, and fertility tests determine any potential cause of Infertility and barrier to conception.
- You indulge in excessive alcohol, smoking, drug use, and you are obese.
These can affect reproductive health and it is advisable to consult a fertility specialist to discuss lifestyle modifications and receive guidance on improving fertility outcomes.
Conclusion:
Consulting a fertility specialist can provide valuable insights and guidance for couples experiencing difficulties in achieving pregnancy.
Do not delay in seeking help when fertility concerns arise, as timely interventions can increase the likelihood of successful conception. Regardless of the specific circumstances, the expertise of a fertility specialist can help in diagnosing the underlying issues, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide emotional support throughout the journey towards starting or expanding a family.
Dr G. L. Yahaya is a Fertility Specialist and e Endoscopic Surgeon.
Medical Director Continental fertility clinic.