How do you know when to see a fertility specialist?
We’re taught from a young age that it’s supposedly very easy to get pregnant. Many people who call Texas Fertility Center San Antonio will admit they’re surprised they haven’t yet gotten pregnant. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for everyone; one in seven couples struggles with infertility. Our San Antonio fertility center explains when to see a fertility specialist.
Most people wait longer than they should
Men and women who come to our San Antonio fertility center often tell our fertility specialists that they have been having unprotected intercourse for years, but they have only been “trying” to become pregnant for the past year. But what many couples don’t understand is that having unprotected intercourse counts as “trying” because 85% of couples will conceive within 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
When our fertility specialists diagnose infertility, it’s based on the total time the couple has been having unprotected intercourse, so “not-not-trying” counts as well. Knowing when to see a fertility specialist can save couples a lot of time on their journey to parenthood.
Most couples who conceive readily on their own do it without using basal body temperature charts, ovulation predictor kits or complex timing schedules for intercourse. If a couple is resorting to these measures without success, it’s definitely time to see a fertility specialist.
Your age and cycle frequency are factors in when to see a fertility specialist
If a woman is younger than age 35 and is not pregnant after one year of trying, she should make an appointment with our San Antonio fertility center. But a woman older than 35 should see a fertility specialist sooner, at least after six months of trying. This is because as fertility declines with age, women older than 35 benefit from earlier assistance and improved outcomes.
If your period is not regular, you don’t have to wait six months or a year before seeing a fertility specialist — go now! Women who do not have periods regularly (from PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, or other factors) are likely not ovulating regularly, and when it comes to trying to conceive, predictable ovulation is key!
The best first step should be to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio fertility specialists to find out why ovulation is not happening and what fertility treatments will correct the issue. If you’re not sure about when to see a fertility specialist, it can be better to get answers early than to wait too long.
IYKYK: If you know there’s a problem, see a fertility specialist now
Some women and couples know right off the bat there could be a problem with their fertility, or that they will need assistance. Women who have had previous pelvic infections, chemotherapy or major uterine surgery should visit a fertility specialist for a pre-conception evaluation as soon as they are ready to try to conceive.
This is also true for guys who have had groin surgeries, undescended testicles, erectile dysfunction or a history of chemotherapy. If you are single or in a same-sex relationship and will need donor eggs, donor sperm or a surrogate, knowing when to see a fertility specialist to talk about your family-building goals is the right first step.
If you’d like more information about our expert San Antonio fertility specialists and available treatments, please contact us today. Our experienced and compassionate team can help you overcome both simple and complex causes of infertility.