Seeking Advice from a Specialist in Reproductive Medicine
In the journey of starting a family, understanding one's fertility is crucial. Here are some essential facts that every potential parent should know.
For those with a history of major health issues or past medical problems, it's advisable to consult a fertility doctor to ensure no side effects on the reproductive system. This is especially important for women as they approach menopause, a time when fertility naturally declines.
Age plays a significant role in fertility. For women, 35 is the peak age to conceive. As women age beyond this, getting pregnant may not be as easy as before. If you have reached this age or are over it, and have been trying for six months without success, despite being free of birth control, it's time to consult your doctor.
Couples under 35 years of age who are healthy may take about a year to conceive, but if they have tried for a full twelve months without using any type of birth control and still have trouble getting a positive on their pregnancy tests, they should see a specialist.
Weight is another critical factor when it comes to getting pregnant. If your BMI is either above 30 or below 18, you may have a bit of trouble conceiving.
Medical interventions can now help people have their own babies even if it can sometimes feel impossible. However, it's important to remember that as you hit 40, not only does the number of eggs your body produce start dropping, but the quality starts to drop as well. This means that there is a greater chance of having miscarriages or trouble getting pregnant.
Multiple miscarriages may be caused by anatomic uterine problems like scar tissue or a septate uterus. Therefore, if you have experienced multiple miscarriages, it's essential to consult a doctor to investigate potential causes.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or heart conditions, hypertension, and cancer survivors, can affect fertility. If you fall into any of these categories, it's recommended to get your fertility checked.
Thyroid problems are also connected to fertility issues. If you have a thyroid problem, consult a doctor to make sure that you will not suffer from any side effects with regards to conception.
For women under 35 with difficulties conceiving, it's advisable to consider consulting a fertility specialist early. For women over 35, it's recommended to seek specialist advice sooner due to increased risks and declining fertility with age. Generally, fertility assessment is recommended after one year of trying for women under 35 and after six months for women over 35.
When consulting a fertility specialist, it's essential to ask questions about the causes of infertility, additional tests, insurance coverage, treatment success rates, treatment duration, potential side effects, next treatment options if the current one fails, and ways to improve treatment success.
If you have reproductive issues such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) or endometriosis, you should visit your doctor immediately if you are trying to conceive.
Lastly, a family history of early menopause may affect the amount of time to conceive. If you are over 35 or 40, it's recommended to get checked early to increase your chances of conception.
Remember, seeking help early can significantly improve your chances of starting a family. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
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