Far too often, couples and individuals put off seeing a fertility specialist. Many factors may contribute to the delay in seeking fertility help, including stigmas, denial, or a simple lack of information. It’s important to realize that infertility is common. As many as one in eight couples will experience difficulty conceiving on their own. You wouldn’t put off seeing a necessary specialist when it comes to other areas of your health, so why wait to see a fertility specialist at Carolinas Fertility Institute? Our team provides decades of experience and care in many different areas of infertility treatment. To help you decipher when to see a fertility specialist, we’re explaining some of the top indications that it may be time to seek additional help in your fertility journey.
Time
If you’re trying to figure out when to see a fertility specialist, one of the first indications of fertility problems is time. For women under the age of 35, you should seek help after you’re still having trouble conceiving after one year of having regular, unprotected sex. For women over 35, we recommend a shorter time period of six months. While our team at Carolinas Fertility Institute is skilled at IVF and other fertility treatments, our staff also specializes in reproductive endocrinology, which encompasses pituitary and thyroid conditions. This knowledge allows us to identify and diagnose a variety of potential reasons why you may be struggling with infertility.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles can make it difficult to become pregnant because you may not be ovulating regularly. Ovulation is key to pregnancy, so if you have a history of irregular periods, a fertility specialist can help you find the treat treatment plan to help get you on track. Possible treatments include hormonal medicine and other fertility procedures.
Three or More Miscarriages
Miscarriages are far more common than most people may realize. It is estimated that anywhere from one-third to one-half of pregnancies end in miscarriage before a woman misses her period or even knows that she is pregnant. Out of women who know that they’re pregnant, an estimated 10-20% of them will miscarry. Fortunately, miscarriages do not necessarily mean that there is a present fertility problem. In fact, 87% of women who have miscarriages will have subsequent normal pregnancies and births. In rare cases, there is a possibility to have repeated miscarriages, which is defined as three or more miscarriages in a row. If you have had repeated miscarriages, it’s time to see a fertility specialist who can help identify the root cause.
Your Medical History
We have covered a history of repeated miscarriages, but other aspects of your medical history may also be a reason to see a fertility specialist. Some other conditions that may impact fertility include a history of ovarian surgery, endometriosis, or a history of STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Family History
Other aspects of your fertility may be out of your control. This includes your family history or your partner’s medical history. For example, if you have a family history of premature menopause, this may be a reason that you are having trouble conceiving and may be reason enough to seek help from a fertility specialist.
Your Partner’s History
If you have had trouble conceiving, you and your partner should both see a fertility specialist. Many don’t realize that men and women are equally likely to have fertility problems. Infertility conditions that are specific to men include varicoceles, genetic conditions, and hormonal disorders. You may want to seek help earlier if your partner has a history of reproductive tract surgeries, infections, or exposure to chemotherapy or radiation.
Talk to A Fertility Expert
If you’ve been struggling with fertility issues, have been interested in any fertility services, or have any questions about when to see a fertility specialist, reach out to Carolinas Fertility Institute today. We offer a wide variety of services, from fertility evaluations to In Vitro fertilization. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation by calling our Charlotte office at (844) 686-2233 or our office in the Triad at (336) 448-9100.