Starting a family is a big life step — but some couples may be surprised to discover that getting pregnant isn’t as easy as they anticipated. As months go by without a pregnancy, you and your partner may grow concerned regarding your ability to have children. Visiting a fertility clinic that evaluates you for potential issues may be needed — here is what to expect.
When Should You Visit a Fertility Clinic?
If you’ve only been trying to get pregnant for a couple months, you probably don’t need to worry about fertility issues quite yet. Even perfectly normal couples can take up to 12 months to achieve a healthy pregnancy. If you have been trying to get pregnant for longer than that without any results, then you should probably schedule an appointment.
If you are above the age of 35, however, you will need to visit a fertility doctor sooner, in large part because of the woman’s declining egg supply. Women over 35 should schedule an appointment if they have tried to get pregnant for 6 consecutive months without success.
Other health issues mean you should visit a fertility doctor right away. Unusually high or low BMI, thyroid conditions, endometriosis, or irregular cycles can all cause fertility problems that make it harder to get pregnant or increase the risk of miscarriage.
What a Fertility Clinic Will Do
When you first visit a fertility clinic, you and your partner will both provide your medical history and then undergo a few medical tests. Blood work will be needed to check hormone levels, which can indicate various fertility problems. Men will also undergo a semen analysis.
These basic tests are often enough for a fertility doctor to determine why you are having trouble getting pregnant. Keep in mind, however, that some couples experience “unexplained fertility,” in which a concrete diagnosis cannot be made.
Following this analysis, your fertility doctor will offer suggestions as to which treatments will work best for you. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get pregnant with a combination of medication and timed intercourse. Surgical corrections can also help address some fertility problems. Yet others will require in vitro fertilization. By visiting a fertility clinic, you will gain a better understanding of what you need to do next to start your family.
Conclusion
Struggling with infertility can prove to be both physically and emotionally draining. The good news is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. By working with a reputable fertility clinic to determine why you haven’t been able to get pregnant, you will find the right solutions for starting your family.
