When should I consider a fertility evaluation?
Most couples need a thorough fertility evaluation when they’re not pregnant after a year of trying, which is when they’re considered infertile. However, couples shouldn’t always wait a year. When the woman is 35-40 years old, you should have an evaluation if you’re not pregnant after six months of regular, unprotected sex.
After the age of 40, couples should consider a fertility evaluation as soon as they decide to get pregnant. At this age, fertility rapidly declines in women, while men also become less fertile but at a more gradual pace. You increase your chances of conceiving by getting an exam to identify and treat problems right away, without waiting another six months.
Women of any age should consider a fertility evaluation if they have irregular menstrual periods or a gynecological condition that affects fertility, such as endometriosis. The sooner you treat these problems, the better your chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
What causes female infertility?
Infertility is a complex problem in women because there are many possible causes and many women have multiple issues.
The top three causes of female infertility include:
- Ovulation problems
- Fallopian tube blockage
- Endometriosis
The following are a few examples of specific health conditions that often result in female infertility.
- Ovarian cysts
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Pelvic adhesions
- Cancer and its treatment
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
Genetic conditions, poor egg health, and lifestyle factors such as obesity or being severely underweight can also interfere with your ability to get pregnant.
What causes male infertility?
Male infertility develops from any problem that interferes with a man’s ability to produce high-quality sperm and release enough healthy sperm near the woman’s cervix to fertilize an egg. The most common problems leading to male infertility include:
- Low sperm count
- Abnormal sperm
- Blockages preventing sperm delivery
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Environmental factors
- Failure of vasectomy reversal
- Damage related to cancer and its treatment
Men can develop numerous health conditions that reduce the viability and volume of their sperm, including undescended testicles, uncontrolled diabetes, and infections such as gonorrhea, mumps, chlamydia, and HIV.
Men can also produce antibodies that seek out and destroy their own sperm. These antibodies often develop in response to an infected prostate or testicular injury.
The experts at New York Fertility Institute offer the full range of options for treating all the underlying causes of male and female infertility, including unexplained infertility. To schedule a fertility evaluation, call or use online booking today.
