Making the decision to try and conceive is an exciting one for any couple, however, it can become incredibly stressful if you struggle to fall pregnant straight away. This issue used to be dealt with behind closed doors or in the doctor’s office, but with one in eight couples experiencing fertility issues in the United States alone, trips to fertility specialists are becoming more common. Most couples don’t envision their pregnancy journey starting in a clinic, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to evaluate whether it’s time to start seeking the help of a fertility specialist, and what to expect of the process.
How Long Have You Been Trying to Conceive?
As every couple are different, it’s hard to pin down how long you should wait until you seek outside help. The general advice is that if you are a woman under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than a year to no avail, then you should seek the advice of a fertility specialist. If you are over 35 however, it is advisable that you should make an appointment if you have been trying for more than six months, as it becomes harder to fall pregnant at this age.
How Regular is Your Menstrual Cycle?
Falling pregnant is heavily connected to your menstrual cycle, as you are more likely to conceive at certain times of the month. If you’re a woman who has irregular periods or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, then it is definitely worth seeking advice from your local fertility clinic, as they may be able to provide you with medication to help your periods regulate, and in turn, make it much easier to conceive.
Have You Ever Miscarried?
If you are considering trying for a baby after a miscarriage, it is reassuring to know that the chances of suffering through another one are very low. However, if you have had three miscarriages or more, it is recommended that you should see a fertility specialist. Not only will a trained doctor run tests to see if there is an underlying issue, but having a conversation with a trained professional in this field may help to eliminate the worry of whether you will miscarry again.
Do You Have Other Medical Issues?
As you may know, your health can play a large part in whether or not you can conceive, especially if you have problems with your thyroid or if you’re overweight. If this is the case, you should make an appointment at your fertility clinic as soon as possible, because this may be what is delaying you falling pregnant.
Seeking fertility advice from a specialist clinic shouldn’t just be a last resort. In fact, they are a great place to start if you just want somebody to chat to or for general pregnancy advice. They most certainly aren’t hard to come by either – a simple Google search for fertility clinics in Tampa Florida for example, brings up loads of results for respected and professional clinics that will be more than happy to help you kickstart your pregnancy journey.