If you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant, it can be a difficult time. Know that you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 6 Canadian couples experience infertility. How do you know when it’s time to seek medical help? While there is no “right” time, our IVF Specialist Dr. Ingrid Lai outlines some signs to be aware of when determining if you should seek a consultation.
When is it time to seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice as soon as possible if:
- You’re 35 years old or under and have been trying to conceive for 12 months
- You’re 35 to 39 years old and have been trying to conceive for 6 months
- You’re 40 years old or above and have been trying to conceive for 3 months
Reproductive age is the most important factor influencing the ability to conceive naturally.
The earlier you seek fertility help, the better. Egg count and quality decline as time goes on.
“I know it can be intimidating to begin exploring fertility options. I’m passionate about guiding patients along their journey and explaining each step. There are no ‘wrong’ questions! Open dialogue is key.”
Dr. Ingrid Lai, M.D., MSc., FRCSC, GREI
Are there factors other than age to consider?
Yes, there are many factors that can impact fertility beyond age. The 4 main causes of infertility are:
- Lack of ovulation
- Blockage of the fallopian tubes
- Abnormal sperm
- Advanced reproductive age
Dr. Lai recommends using this quick checklist to help you decide if it’s time to seek medical help.
For those with eggs:
- Do you miss periods or are they irregular?
- Are your periods extremely painful?
- Have you ever had any of the following?
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Infections of the genital tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Have you had more than two miscarriages?
- Have you had surgery on your appendix, uterus or ovaries?
- Have you had mumps?
For those with sperm:
- Have you had surgery on your testicles?
- Have you had a hernia?
- Do you experience difficulty with either of the following?
- Getting or maintaining an erection
- Ejaculation
If you or your partner answer yes to any of the above, it is recommended you seek help from a Fertility Specialist. Take comfort in knowing that advances in fertility treatment have made it possible for many people to achieve their dream of having a family.
If you decide to seek medical help, what are the next steps?
The first step is consulting with a Fertility Specialist who will conduct a fertility assessment, which can include a physical exam, diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, semen analysis, vaginal culture and pap test) and imaging (e.g., pelvic ultrasound). These assessments help determine the right treatment solutions to achieve your family goals.
Generation Fertility is dedicated to helping support your dreams of having a family. Our caring team of fertility experts will help you determine the best course of treatment for your fertility journey.
