Discuss age and fertility, fertility tests, and egg freezing options with your doctor.
Common Reasons for Infertility
About 30 out of every 100 cases of female infertility are brought on by the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a prevalent cause of infertility in women. It is also among the disorders that are least frequently diagnosed in the US. Other disorders that affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant, such endometriosis, frequently go undiagnosed or don’t get treated right away.
This is why discussing your fertility and the dreaded biological clock with your OB/GYN is a wise move at any level of the game, even if you’re not ready to have a baby right now. The following are some queries you should have and reasons why you should take charge of your reproductive health:
Does the Relationship Between Age and Fertility Exist?
It’s crucial to understand how age can affect your egg quantity and quality in terms of conceiving in the future, even though this question may initially appear frightening, especially depending on your age. Your doctor can give you a general summary of your age and go over your alternatives, such as if you should wait till later or whether you should think about freezing your eggs.
What is the procedure, and what age range would be considered optimum for egg preservation?
Your doctor can give you a general notion of when is a good time to freeze eggs if you’re interested in doing so, ideally before your mid-thirties. You can talk with your doctor about the egg retrieval procedure, freezing, and projected success rate when thawing the eggs when you’re ready to start a family.
Can I Undergo a Preliminary Fertility Test?
Testing your fertility is a smart idea regardless of your age. If you’re considered young or you’re not yet ready to have children, some physicians may tell you it’s not required, but information truly is power, as they say. It’s preferable to know with certainty how your fertility health is doing, and getting the required testing, such as a straightforward blood test and an ultrasound, can offer incredibly useful information.
Can You Discuss My Ultrasound and Hormone Levels With Me?
How many follicles/eggs you have in your ovary reserve can be determined by looking at your levels of the hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). The number of follicles on your ovaries correlates with the amount of dormant eggs in your ovarian reserve. The ultrasound also examines your uterus to check for any significant structural issues like polyps, fibroids, or cysts. Your doctor can get a general picture of your fertility status from your blood tests, ultrasound, and evaluation of any health problems or family history.
What General Steps I Could Take Right Now to Maintain the Health of My Fertility?
Health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids may make it more difficult for a woman to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. Treatment of these conditions beforehand may be helpful if you or your doctor suspect or know you may have issues with any of these problems at this time. Additionally, there are elements that can be avoided to enhance fertility health, such as quitting smoking and, if necessary, weight loss. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, smoking can be the cause of up to 13% of cases of infertility.
What Signs and Symptoms Should I Mention to My OB/GYN?
This is a challenging topic because, in reality, you should feel at ease talking about or inquiring about anything that is making you uncomfortable. A few general warning signs are:
- Bleeding between cycles of menstruation
- Irregular or nonexistent menstruation
- Cramps during menstruation that are excruciatingly painful
- Sexual interaction hurts or is uncomfortable.
- Overly prolonged heavy periods
- Any persistent nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or exhaustion, particularly during menstruation
There are rules to follow when seeing a fertility clinic if you are actively trying to get pregnant. It is advised to schedule a fertility consultation if you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year without success OR if you are over 35 and have been trying for at least six months without becoming pregnant. They can talk about whether there are any issues they can resolve or whether using reproductive technologies could be necessary in order to grow your family.
Reviewing your general health and how it can affect your fertility or your ability to carry a pregnancy to term in the future can help you plan and, if necessary, take appropriate action. Contact Dr. Ahmadinia if you have any inquiries about fertility.
