Could I Have A Fertility Problem?

Couples who go months trying to conceive without success may wonder whether a fertility problem may be to blame. It is important that couples trying to conceive realize that conception may take a lot of time and patience. Typically a young couple with normal fertility in their early 20s may take anywhere from one month to six months to conceive. The length of time it takes to conceive raises when you are in your thirties. Roughly 80% of normally fertile couples will conceive within their first year of trying.

If however you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for more than 12 months, most doctors would recommend you come in for a fertility screening. Couples over the age of 35 who have been trying to conceive for more than six months might also seek treatment if they have not yet conceived, as conception becomes more difficult particularly for women after age 35.

Roughly one in every six couples will experience problems with fertility. While many of these couples will go on to conceive after specific interventions or treatment, the journey toward conceiving is often one filled with emotion and many ups and downs. Many infertile couples need simple treatments and interventions to get pregnant, so they aren't necessarily infertile for life, just need extra time in order to successfully conceive.

What Risk Factors May Improve Odds of Infertility

Some couples are more at risk for infertility than others. Women over the age of 35 are more likely for example to experience trouble with infertility than women in their 20s and early 30s. There are medical conditions that can also contribute to infertility. Among some of the more common infertility problems include: polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, presence of an infection or STD, prior abdominal surgery, illness or auto immune disorders or ill health.

It is important you seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in order to diagnose any medical conditions that may influence your chances of conception. Many times medical causes for infertility can be successfully addressed and treated resulting in a later pregnancy. If you have ever experienced irregular cycles or abnormal periods, hormonal causes may be to blame for infertility. Fortunately there are various natural and prescription drug therapies that can help regulate cycles and promote fertility in women with hormonal difficulties.

Men may also have health conditions associated with infertility. These can make conceiving more difficult, particularly if their partner is also experiencing problems related to fertility. Some of the more common causes of infertility in men include STDs like chlamydia, infection with certain bacteria, chronic illnesses or auto immune conditions, hormonal irregularities, low sperm counts, injury or previous surgery to groin and testicles, use of certain medications, over use of alcohol, caffeine or tobacco and even regular or routine use of hot tubs and whirl pools (which can decrease sperm count and motility).

If you or your partner suspects that you might have a problem with fertility it is important you contact your health care provider. Your doctor can run multiple tests to help pinpoint the exact issue or problems that are contributing to infertility. In some cases a general practitioner may refer you to a reproductive specialist, someone with greater knowledge on male and female infertility.

Fortunately with the help of a qualified medical practitioner, many couples will go on to conceive within a year of infertility treatments. While this is not always the case, seeking proper care more often than not help promote fertility. If nothing else your doctor or health care provider can provide you with peace of mind and help identify the true causes behind your difficulty conceiving.