When Should I See a Fertility Specialist? 3 Things That Suggest It’s Time to Seek Help

Apr 18, 2023

When Should I See a Fertility Specialist? 3 Things That Suggest It’s Time to Seek Help

Apr 18, 2023

We know it’s hard to know what’s right when it comes to seeking medical attention. As a nation, Irish people are often hesitant to seek help from a GP or medical professional, thinking that everything will be ‘grand’. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and for many people, medical assistance or intervention is needed in order to grow their family.

If you are having trouble conceiving, you are not alone. About 15 percent or 1 in 6 couples in Ireland have difficulty conceiving or staying pregnant.

The term infertility is the inability to conceive after a year or longer of having unprotected sex. If the female in a heterosexual couple is over 35, this would be 6 months of ‘trying’.

While some causes of infertility are unknown, there are a number of other possible reasons for infertility as well.

At Thérapie Fertility, we can help determine whether there is an identifiable cause of infertility and provide the appropriate treatment plan once an evaluation has been completed. Treatment choices depend on test results, the length of time a couple has been trying to conceive, the overall health of the couple and preferences of the partners.

Here are 3 reasons you might want to consider seeking advice from a fertility specialist in your journey to growing your family.

1. You Have a Known Reproductive Issue

Some common conditions that can lead to infertility include:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility and is a hormonal disorder that impacts the ability of a woman to ovulate regularly. It affects up to 1 in 5 women. If a woman is not ovulating regularly, it is challenging or impossible to conceive. Typically, PCOS is treated with oral or injectable medications that induce ovulation.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows elsewhere, such as in the ovaries, fallopian tube and other space in the pelvis. Treatment is individualised for each person but can include surgery and the use of assisted conception methods such as IVF.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus and are a common finding in reproductive aged women. Although they may interfere with the ability of a woman to get pregnant or may lead to pregnancy loss, many women with fibroids are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy without difficulty.

Male Chromosomal and Genetic Disorders

Some conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis or Kleinfelters Syndrome can cause infertility in men or the inability to father a genetic child. In many cases, the use of donor sperm may be advised.

2. You Have Had Multiple Miscarriages

15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Although losses are difficult to experience, miscarriages are not necessarily a sign of infertility. If you experience two or more miscarriages, you may want to seek medical assistance to determine whether there is an identifiable underlying cause. Miscarriages can sometimes be due to genetic issues, altered hormone levels, anatomic problems, cervical issues, infection or others underlying causes that may be able to be addressed with medical care.

3. You’ve Been Trying for More Than a Year

If you have been trying to conceive, and having regular unprotected sex, for more than a year (or six months if you are over 35 years old), it is recommended that you undergo fertility testing.

At Thérapie Fertility, we can help determine whether there is an identifiable cause of infertility and provide the appropriate treatment plan once an evaluation has been completed. Treatment choices depend on test results, the length of time a couple has been trying to conceive, the overall health of the couple and preferences of the partners.

Knowledge is power. Finding out the reason for infertility can oftentimes allow for a simple solution. No matter what we find out through the fertility tests, our team will do their best to assist you in your dream of becoming a parent. Book your free consultation to start your journey today.