Important elements to consider
The percentage of couples who experience problems conceiving is somewhere between 8% and 15%. Although this percentage has not changed in industrialized countries over several decades, the number of couples seeking medical assistance for an assisted procreation has increased. Fertility disorders are now recognized and there are many treatment options for the fertility.
There are many things to consider as you determine the fertility treatment that’s right for you. Throughout the process you will face factors that affect you physically, emotionally and financially. It is a unique and complex experience, everyone’s timeline is different. At Procrea Fertility, when you are ready, our dedicated team of specialists in fertility will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your dream of family.
General Timelines
Female and male fertility are impacted by many factors. The general rule of thumb is that a woman under 35 years old who has been trying to get pregnant for a year, or a woman over 35 who has been trying for six months, should consult with a fertility specialist, for infertility concerns. Experts also recommend that women who have had more than three miscarriages meet with a specialist in fertility. Many women who have experienced pregnancy loss go on to have healthy pregnancies, but the losses may indicate a fertility problem.
When a couple who is having trouble conceiving experiences the problem for more than three years without a treatment in fertility, chances of spontaneous conception are 0% to 3% per month, depending on the cause(s) of infertility. About one third of infertility is related to the woman, another one third to the man, and remaining cases are related to both partners. Finally, in about 5% to 10% of the cases, infertility cannot be explained, but may include causal factors, which are yet unknown.
Female infertility
An endocrinologist specialized in reproductive medicine, or fertility specialist, is trained to diagnose and treat fertility problems. Your fertility specialist will be able to refer you to different fertility tests and treatments to address the range of conditions that may affect your fertility.
- Endometriosis
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Ovulation problems
- Repetitive miscarriages
- Abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes and / or ovaries
Male infertility
When a couple has difficulty conceiving, it is important that both partners consult a specialist. Male infertility problems affect about one third of infertile couples. Common causes of infertility in men include erectile dysfunction, inadequate sperm count, or low motility of spermatozoa.
Lifestyle factors
Your daily choices can affect your fertility. Diet and exercise are key factors in preparing your body for conception and a healthy pregnancy. It is advisable to eliminate unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol use and recreational drug use, not only for your overall well-being, but also for the detrimental effects they may have on your fertility.