How Long Should You Wait?
Many women assume pregnancy will happen quickly, but that isn’t always the case. After trying to get pregnant for at least 1 year, 12-15% of couples are unable to conceive. There can be many causes of infertility, including older female age, ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, and endometriosis. Low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal shape can also present a problem on the male side. While some couples may prefer to keep trying naturally for a period, at a certain point, a consultation with a specialist becomes necessary. Here are 3 signs to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist.
1. The 1-year rule
For women under the age of 35, the standard rule is to try to conceive naturally for at least 1 year before seeing a fertility specialist. Women over 35 have reduced egg quality and quantity, so a shorter 6-month period is recommended. Attempting conception after age 40 warrants a much quicker referral to a specialist if pregnancy does not occur. Waiting the recommended amount of time helps increase the chances of a natural pregnancy, decreases unnecessary interventions, and avoids considerable expenses associated with fertility testing and treatment in couples who truly do not require assistance.
2. Missing or irregular period
Most women get a period every 28 days. Although slight variation is expected between individuals, not having a period, or having a period that is significantly shorter or longer than normal, are reasons to see a fertility specialist. While an off-cycle on occasion can frequently be attributed to stress or lifestyle changes, frequent irregularity often indicates an underlying medical condition. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) affects roughly 1 in 10 women and is a common reason for cycle irregularity. Thyroid problems, chronic illness, rapid weight changes, certain medications, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and age are other possible causes of irregular periods. A fertility doctor can gather more data and assess further.
3. Multiple miscarriages
Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is unfortunately quite common, occurring in up to 20% of recognized pregnancies. While a single pregnancy loss isn’t usually cause for concern, multiple miscarriages should be investigated further. If a woman experiences more than 3 consecutive miscarriages, further assessment with a fertility doctor should take place. At the appointment, the doctor will evaluate the patient for genetic issues, uterine abnormalities, infections, autoimmune disorders, and hormone imbalances to determine the possible cause.
Path to pregnancy
Getting pregnant isn’t always straightforward. For some couples, the process can take months, or even years. Early intervention helps improve outcomes. If a couple has been trying to conceive for at least 1 year, or 6 months for women over 35, a fertility consult should be scheduled. Irregular cycles and recurrent miscarriages are other valid reasons to seek an assessment sooner rather than later. The fertility doctor can help identify the cause of infertility and make a personalized plan to overcome any barriers and achieve a healthy pregnancy.
