ADDRESSING INFERTILITY: IS IT TIME FOR PROFESSIONAL CARE?

It seems that getting pregnant is something that happens naturally; so naturally for most women that, when month after month passes without conception, a couple may be taken completely by surprise. We have been led to believe that a couple can conceive pretty much at will. Not so. The fact is 1 in 6 women will have a fertility problem. Before a whirlwind of confusion sets in, advice from well-meaning family members and friends, the first question that needs to be asked: when should consult with an infertility specialist?

Rocky Mountain Fertility Center has an office a short drive from Denver, as well as two satellite offices in Castle Rock, Colorado and Rapid City South Dakota. What patients notice when they visit our team is that we are here to support, and we do so first by listening. In addition to excellent medical care, our patients are also able to arrange therapeutic support in a comfortable environment.

THE QUESTION OF TIME

There are general guidelines related to the issue of conception and infertility care, but these are all trumped by one thing: every person is unique. At the heart of the matter of fertility is time. First, a time comes into play about a woman’s age. Yes, that biological clock! The highest degree of fertility occurs during a woman’s twenties. By age 35, reproductive aging may begin to affect success in conception. Remember, though; not all women will face difficulties due to natural aging, there are certainly women in their late 30’s who have the fertility of a 20-year-old.

Another aspect of timing related to conception is the number of months that have passed without getting pregnant. Generally, infertility is more closely examined after 6 to 12 months of unprotected sex that has not resulted in pregnancy. The problem is, many gynecologists do not take a woman’s age into account when recommending a “trial and error” period. If you are over the age of 35 and have had difficulty conceiving, talk with your doctor about making a referral to an infertility specialist after 6 months of trying. If you are aged 40 or older, speak with your healthcare provider about an infertility evaluation to assess your unique needs after 3 months of trying.

Remember, you are your own best advocate. A baseline fertility workup may be beneficial prior to 6 months trying if you have:

• A history of missed periods or irregular menstrual cycles.
• Been diagnosed with the pelvic inflammatory disease or a sexually transmitted disease, or have had gynecologic or abdominal surgery.
• Been diagnosed with thyroid disease or another hormonal disorder.
• You or your partner have been treated for cancer. 
• The female partner has a family history of premature menopause. 

We understand a woman’s or a couple’s need for ongoing support during the evaluation and treatment of infertility. Our team is here for you. To learn more about our serv