Sometimes getting pregnant takes time. Your friends and family tell you to “relax,” “be patient” and “enjoy trying.” But when all of your friends are happily celebrating their pregnancies and you are looking at a negative pregnancy test (again), it may be time to take things to the next step.
Answer the following questions to see if you should book an appointment with an infertility specialist:
- Have you been having regular, unprotected intercourse for over a year with no success?
- If you are over 35, have you been trying for 6 months? A woman’s fertility decreases steadily after age 35.
- Are your periods irregular? If your periods aren’t regular (every 25 to 35 days) it can signal ovulation problems.
- Have you had more than 3 miscarriages?
- Do you or your partner have a history of infertility or infertility-causing diseases?
- Did your mother take diethylstilbestrol (DES) when she was pregnant with you? This synthetic form of estrogen has been linked to infertility.
- Have you been treated for cancer? Some but not all cancers and their treatments can affect your ability to get pregnant.
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, make the call.
The good news is many infertility issues can be overcome with today’s treatments and technologies. A fertility specialist can give you your best chance at a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
