When Should You See a Fertility Doctor
You've been trying to have a baby for some time with no success. Here are the suggestions that when a couple should consult a fertility doctor.
Dr. Sarita Jain
Jul 24, 2019
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If you have been trying to get pregnant for a while now but have not had much luck, you may wonder if it is time to see a specialist. The doctors who deal with fertility issues are known as ‘reproductive endocrinologists’. A reproductive endocrinologist is a gynaecologist/obstetrics. Unlike before, there are now some medical interventions that can help you to have your own baby even if it can sometimes feel impossible.
When to consult a fertility doctor
Here are some guidelines that you must keep in mind when you decide to see a doctor for fertility issues:
- Below 35 and healthy
Couples of this age who are healthy are may take about a year to conceive. This is especially true if you have been on some kind of birth control before trying. If you have tried for a full twelve months without using any type of birth control and you are still having trouble getting a positive on your pregnancy tests, it is time to see your specialist.
- Above 35
There is a peak age for everything, and it is no different with our reproductive age. For men, once they hit 40, it can become more challenging to have children. For women, 35 is the peak age to conceive, so if you have reached that hill or are over it, your egg supply may begin to drop. While it is still possible to have children, getting pregnant may not be as easy as it is before this age. If you have been trying for six months now, free of birth control but have had not conceived yet, consult your doctor.
- Thyroid problems
Your thyroid is directly connected to your hormones, so if it is behaving in a problematic way, there is a chance that you may have some problems with conceiving as well. 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. As per a study, thyroid problems are connected to fertility issues.
- Reproductive Issues
Sometimes you are already aware that you have a problem with your reproductive system as they occur in the form of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and endometriosis. In such cases, you should visit your doctor immediately if you are trying to conceive.
- Multiple Miscarriages
You will know when it is time to see a fertility specialist if you have had some positive pregnancy tests but end up with miscarriages.
Questions you should ask your fertility specialist
While visiting a fertility specialist, you should go prepared and carry along all your medical reports so that your doctor will be aware of your medical history. Here are some questions you should ask your doctor during your first visit.
- What is causing problems in conception?
- What additional tests will we be required?
- Will the tests be covered by insurance?
- Which treatment is the most successful and what are the rates of its success?
- How long will the treatment last for?
- Are there any side effects that come with this treatment and what are they?
- If this treatment does not show any results, what treatment should we try next?
- What else can I do to improve the chances of the treatment being a success?
You must keep trying to conceive and not give hope if you really want a baby. But, if you are above 35 or 40, you should have yourselves checked as early as possible as waiting may complicate things.
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