Surprising to many is the fact that secondary infertility is actually much more common than primary infertility, accounting for as much as 60% of all infertility cases. However, because many assume that their fertility is assured once they have had one child, couples experiencing secondary infertility are not as likely to seek out treatment.
It is important to remember that fertility difficulties can strike a couple at any point in their life, regardless of how many children they may already have. It is also important to remember that age can greatly influence your ability to get pregnant and is one reason why more couples experience secondary infertility.
After how many months of trying to conceive should I begin to wonder about my fertility?
Many couples have a hard time admitting that they may be facing fertility issues. Often, after each menstrual period, couples hope that next cycle will be the one that works. When these hopes fail each month, a woman will often turn to her regular ob/gyn or clinic.
After six months of trying, you might consider making an appointment to have a general workup. Most physicians advise you not to be concerned unless you have been trying to conceive for at least one year. However,if you are over 30 years old, have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular cycles, or if your partner has a known low sperm count, you may want to seek help sooner.
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Should I see my gynecologist?
For your basic work up, that would be fine. However, a Reproductive Endocrinologist is a great person to seek help from. Infertility issues are their specialty.
Can men suffer from infertility?
Most definitely YES! While infertility was once thought of as strictly a woman's problem, over the years it has been recognized that male infertility contributes to conception difficulties just as often as female infertility factors. In fact, recent research into male fertility has shown that the number of men being diagnosed with infertility, particularly low sperm count and poor sperm quality, is on the rise. It is believed that male factor infertility could soon surpass female factors as the main cause of infertility in a couple.
What should I expect from my first appointment?
Your doctor will first take a medical history from you, including how long you have been trying to conceive. Your doctor will also want to know if you have been keeping track of your morning temperatures or using any ovulation predictor kits.
Your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam and may also do a basic hormone blood workup, depending on which day of your cycle you are on.
| Table of Contents |
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| 1. Questions About Fertility |
| 2. When should I get fertility help? |
| 3. Best Questions to Ask |
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