Fertility can be complex, and every couple or individual may experience it differently. For some, getting pregnant is quick and easy, whereas for others, it’s challenging, with potential health conditions and reproductive issues involved. Here are five essential questions to ask your doctor about your fertility.
1. Should I Undergo Fertility Testing?
Your doctor may not recommend fertility testing if you’re under the age of 35, don’t have a history of reproductive conditions, and haven’t tried for at least a year to get pregnant. However, knowledge is power! If you want to gain valuable insight into your fertility, fertility testing is a great idea. Simple bloodwork and ultrasounds can provide you with valuable information about the state of your fertility health and help you better plan for your future family.
2. Is There a Correlation Between Age and Fertility?
No matter how old you are, it’s important to understand how age can impact egg and sperm quality. Your provider can provide an overview of your specific age and walk you through your options, including fertility preservation if that’s something that you’re interested in exploring.
3. Is There an Ideal Time to Freeze My Eggs? What Does That Process Entail?
It’s important to note that if you’re considering freezing your eggs, it’s best to do so before your mid-thirties, as the quantity and quality of eggs decline rapidly after that age. Your provider can offer guidance on the egg freezing process, including retrieval, storage, and success rates with thawing the eggs when you’re ready to start your family.
4. What Can I Do Now to Improve My Fertility?
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids can affect fertility and make it more difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. If you or your healthcare provider suspect or know that you may have any of these issues, seeking treatment early may be beneficial. There are also lifestyle factors that can be addressed to improve fertility, such as quitting smoking and achieving a healthy weight if necessary.
5. What Symptoms Should I Talk to My Doctor About?
If you’re experiencing anything that’s concerning you, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. General red flag symptoms that could indicate a fertility issue include:
- Bleeding in between menstrual cycles
- Irregular periods or none at all
- Painful menstrual cramps that over-the-counter medications can’t relieve
- Painful intercourse
- Extremely heavy periods
Your Fertility Questions, Answered
If you want to learn more about your fertility, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. They may recommend you connect with a fertility specialist for more in-depth fertility testing and care. At The Prelude Network®, each of the fertility clinics in our network offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatments, and patient care to anyone interested in growing their family. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist near you.