If you think you may have an infertility issue, there are several things that you should be looking for, especially if you have been trying to conceive for more than twelve months. Couples often suffer in silence for longer than is necessary, trying to conceive when they could actually have a solution so much sooner…
FEMALE INFERTILITY
For women, one of the first things to do is to determine if your menstrual cycle is regular (usually between 28-30 days) and if you have a regular flow. You may have a hormonal issue that needs to be addressed if your monthly menstrual cycle is extra-long or short, or if you experience heavy bleeding throughout each cycle. Hormonal issues can cause many issues for a woman’s system. In fact, hormones can wreak havoc in many ways, including producing additional facial hair, weight gains or loss with no dietary changes, the sudden onset of acne, or even mid-cycle spotting. Check with your OB/GYN or primary care physician if you have been experiencing any of these issues to determine whether or not they might be related to a hormonal imbalance.
TIME IS A FACTOR
Did you know that age plays an important role in fertility? It is an unfortunate fact that as women age, their fertility declines. Many women are not ready to have a baby in their 20s, when they are in their fertility prime; they may choose to wait several years or more for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are waiting for the right guy to come along, or maybe they are finishing their education or building their career. Whatever the reason may be, time is so important when thinking about fertility and raising a family. Days and years fly by and, as we age, our eggs and our ovarian reserve age as well. Knowing that your “fertility” ages with each passing year should encourage you to seek help sooner, rather than later. Don’t let the window of opportunity close without seeking help from the experts.
A reproductive specialist will look at many factors, including potential female diseases that could be affecting your fertility, rather than just age and hormonal issues. Any concerns found will be addressed as necessary. Fertility impacting issues could include PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), blocked ovarian tubes, or Endometriosis.
MALE INFERTILITY
When a couple experiences difficulty conceiving, there is a good chance that the male partner may be the contributor to the infertility issue. Because there is a quick and easy test available to test the male’s sperm count, it is important to get the sperm testing done early in the infertility evaluation process, before moving on to more invasive female infertility testing. A sperm count test not only determines the total number of sperm, it also looks at the sperm’s size and shape, as well as how they swim and in which direction.
Men can also have a hormonal imbalance that impacts fertility; signs of this can be erectile dysfunction, low libido, irregular heartbeat, and body fat in the mid-section. Smoking, alcohol intake, and diet can also have a dramatic impact on the health of sperm, therefore certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a man’s fertility. Typically, if an initial sperm test comes back with any issues, the male partner will be referred to a urologist who can explain the findings in greater detail. In the past, it was not so easy to treat male infertility. Today, however, with the lastest and greatest medical technology, approximately 90% of male infertility issues are treatable.
WHAT TO DO NOW?
If you are under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more, it is time to get the help you need to make your dreams of building your family come true. If you are over 35, visit a fertility clinic or see a reproductive specialist if you have not conceived within six months of your initial attempt to get pregnant. Remember, your chances of treatment success increase when you get help sooner, rather than later. There are a number of high-tech fertility treatments available today, along with many additional ways to support healthy fertility.
If you have feel like any of the signs of infertility apply to you, or if you have been trying to conceive for more than six to twelve months, it is definitely time to take control of your fertility and make an appointment with one of our compassionate and highly trained team. The reproductive specialists and staff at the Center for Reproductive Medicine (CORM) understand that help and extra support is often needed when you have not been successful in your attempts to conceive. At CORM, our professional staff is committed to providing the highest quality reproductive medicine, while ensuring the best care possible is given to every patient/couple undergoing fertility treatment. The Center of Reproductive Medicine serves the greater southeast Texas area with three full-service fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Give us a call today!
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, or if you have other questions, it may be time to make an appointment with a reproductive specialist. Call our knowledgeable staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) today. CORM serves the greater southeast Texas area with three state-of-the-art fertility clinics located in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. Our highly trained doctors will work with you to determine appropriate testing and they will help you choose the best fertility program for your individual reproductive medical needs.