Infertility is frustrating. Couples having fertility issues often turn to the experts of fertility: an infertility specialist. You may have a long list of questions or concerns about seeking assistance with your fertility. You aren’t alone. Infertility impacts 1 in 7 couples. Many don’t seek help due to fearing the potential costs or invasive procedures, yet early consultations can lead to an easier path to growing your family.
What is infertility?
Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after 12 months or longer of unprotected sex or six months or more if you are a woman 35 years of age or older. In the United States, 9% of men and 11% of women of childbearing age experience infertility.
Infertility can be an issue for couples at the beginning of their conception journey, known as primary infertility. It can also happen to couples after previously having had successful pregnancies, called secondary infertility. Secondary infertility can also present as miscarriages after a successful pregnancy.
What are some common causes of infertility?
There are numerous molecular and biochemical events that must occur perfectly for a pregnancy to successfully develop. Simply put, a woman’s body first must release an egg from her ovaries. A man’s sperm then fertilizes the egg. The fertilized egg travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus and attaches to the uterus.
Sometimes there are clear explanations on why people experience issues with fertility. Other times, there is no clear issue. When no clear cause can be determined, this is called idiopathic infertility, or unexplained fertility.
If a man or woman is experiencing infertility, it can be due to issues such as:
- Reproductive issues in women (e.g., PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts).
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Cancer, radiation or chemotherapy.
- Being overweight or underweight.
- High blood pressure.
- Low sperm count or motility in men.
What are some options to try before seeing an infertility specialist?
You may be thinking that since you are facing an infertility diagnosis, your only chance to grow your family comes from in vitro fertilization. However, while an option, IVF may not be your best move. Knowing your options can give you a needed boost in confidence, which can lessen your stress. There are options you can try before turning to a fertility specialist, including some at home options like:
- Ovulation tracking — Ovulation is the releasing of an egg from the ovary every month. An inexpensive place to start your fertility journey is ovulation tracking. You can track your basal body temperature at home. This will also help you time the optimal window for unprotected sex.
- At-home testing — As medical advances have been made, there are now numerous options to test your reproductive — male and female — health at home. These tests, however, do not replace professional medical advice. Several at-home tests still need a doctor to review the results.
- Supplements and diet — All your body’s systems are connected. What you consume can also impact your fertility. Being over-/underweight, eating disorders, and insulin resistance are complications that can lead to fertility issues. Vitamins and minerals can help boost your fertility and overall well-being.
- Acupuncture — The entire body is affected by blood flow and hormones. Acupuncture can help regulate hormones, which in turn can help boost fertility.
- Sleep amount — Getting enough sleep each night is important. Your body enters a recovery period when you are sleeping. This helps all your body’s systems, including the reproductive systems.
When is it time to see an infertility specialist?
You have been trying to conceive naturally and have been unsuccessful. When do you turn to an infertility specialist? If you are a woman under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more, it is time to consult a specialist. If you are 35 or over and have been trying to conceive for six months or more, it is best you seek out a specialist.
When seeing an infertility specialist, both partners should go; testing is beneficial for the both of you. Male infertility is the cause in about 30% of couples. Ovulatory defects in women cause approximately 40% of infertility issues of couples.
A fertility specialist can help determine the cause of your infertility and create the path that can help you start your family.
Innovative fertility care to jump-start your journey
In a rapidly changing world, medical care is experiencing innovative changes. Fertility care is now available at home through virtual appointments. At-home care options can offer comprehensive treatments and consultations with board-certified specialists, the same as in-person clinics. At-home consultations can work with your schedule, granting you peace of mind from your computer, phone or tablet.
After your consultation, your doctor may recommend at-home testing or treatments. Though these will be shipped directly to your home, your doctor will still be there to closely monitor your care and treatment.
Let our Fertility Cloud family help grow your family
An infertility diagnosis doesn’t mean you won’t conceive. We understand how difficult and frustrating this journey is. Maybe you’re waiting to seek help because you’re afraid of hearing bad news. The good news is there is a chance that whatever issue is keeping your family from growing may have a simple solution.
Our team at Fertility Cloud is made up of experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology. We have experienced firsthand the stress and uncertainty of not knowing where to turn or what your options are.
Our approach is designed to best benefit you. We look at your unique situation through our at-home appointments. We strive to provide you with top-notch care to maximize your chances of growing your family.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.