Infertility: When Is It Time to See a Doctor

Starting a family is a goal for many couples. Unfortunately, one in ten couples may have some difficulty getting pregnant and require medical treatment. You might be wondering about infertility: when is it time to see a doctor?

Infertility: When Is It Time to See a Doctor?

Generally, it is time to consult your physician about getting pregnant if you have been unable to conceive a pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex if you are under the age of 35. Women over the age of 35 and for those who have irregular menstrual cycles or have known abnormalities with their reproductive system should talk with their doctor sooner, after six months. 

What is Infertility?

Infertility is a diagnosable medical condition in which a woman has been unable to conceive a pregnancy despite unprotected intercourse. 

What Causes Infertility?

Infertility in women is usually caused by abnormal ovulation. Infertility in men is commonly caused by problems with sperm cells such as how many there are or how they function. 

Aside from these physiological causes, factors that can affect a couple’s fertility include their age, health status, and lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, or smoking.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are overweight, underweight, or exercise too much may have a difficult time getting pregnant, as well as men who are heavy drinkers or smoke marijuana since these are known to lower sperm count and movement. 

In some cases the cause of infertility cannot be determined and in these cases is referred to as unexplained infertility. 

Who Should See a Physician?

Infertility affects both people in a couple. In a traditional couple, there is a 30% chance the infertility is related to male factors, 30% related to female factors, and 30% chance a combination of both factors. Therefore, anyone in a couple may need to discuss their options with their physician about starting a family. Here are some reasons to see a doctor:

• couples unable to conceive after twelve months of unprotected intercourse without birth control
• women are over thirty-five years old
• couples who have had two or more miscarriages
• men who have difficulty maintaining an erection
• women who have abnormal menstrual cycles (no periods, irregular periods, or very heavy periods)
• couples who have had sexually transmitted infections
• women who have ever undergone chemotherapy treatment

What Should I Expect for Infertility Treatment?

When you consult your physician about infertility, you can expect that they will start your care with a complete history and physical exam. They may order blood testing, urinalysis, hormone tests or other diagnostics to check for any abnormalities. It may be necessary to have your partner undergo an exam and diagnostic testing also. Ultrasound or X-ray test could be ordered as well.

After all of the tests you will meet with your physician to discuss the results as well as go over treatment options and recommendations. After you make a decision about the treatment plan that is best for you, you will receive support and guidance in your process to get pregnant. 

What Can I Do About Infertility?

Medical treatment and new technologies can increase your chances of getting pregnant. One or both partners in a couple may undergo treatment. 

Medication

Medications may be taken by mouth or injected. There are drug therapies for both men and women, aimed at increasing egg production or sperm count. A comprehensive list of medicines frequently prescribed for infertility treatment can be found here. 

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, blockages, scar tissue, or abnormal growths require surgical intervention. This may be done laparoscopically by making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a small camera and instruments for a minimally invasive procedure.

IVF and IUI

The two most common infertility treatments today are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

IUI is a non-surgical outpatient procedure in which a physician inserts sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation. This method is least invasive and most cost effective, but has lower success rates. The estimated success rate is 10-20% for a single cycle of IUI, but additional cycles increase chances and in three to six cycles the success rate is up to 80%.

IVF is a complex procedure requiring surgical retrieval of a woman’s eggs, fertilization in a laboratory, and then transfer of the fertilized eggs back into the uterus. Women under the age of 35 can expect about a 50% success rate for IVF treatment but this process requires intense testing and monitoring, and can cost $20,000 to $50,000.  

Conclusion

Starting a family can be challenging and your physician may be able to offer options to guide you through the process. Infertility is a medical condition that affects many couples and there are treatment and hope available. 

If you still have questions or you would like to discuss your problem with our board certified OB/GYN specialists, click below to schedule an appointment. My Virtual Physician treats conditions including infertility, irregular periods, sexually transmitted infections and more. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about, let us know! Don’t forget to check out our podcasts for more and follow us on social media.