Fertility issues are more than a couple’s problem than most realize, and knowing when to initiate the quest for medical assistance can be invaluable. Some couples conceive within a few months, whereas others may have undiagnosed fertility challenges. In such circumstances, consulting with a committed, trusted gynecologist clinic in Hyderabad may provide a clear understanding of the problem, along with the next steps you need to take.
Listen to your body and the signs
Every person’s fertility journey is different, but there are some signs and symptoms that should definitely be investigated. Symptoms could include irregular menstrual cycles, disruptive cramps, weight gain or loss with no explanation, or trouble tracking when ovulation is happening. Some signs can be a little more subtle and recognized only when you have been trying for a year without pregnancy, or experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. For women over 35, you have a window of 6 months to have a child before seeking medical assistance if you are trying to conceive.
From a male perspective, going for evaluation in the beginning is also where the investigation of fertility issues should start. Factors impacting sperm count, motility, and morphology can impact normal, expected conception. Majority of fertility challenges are a result of diagnosing male factor infertility, by the time they couple seeks medical intervention.
When should you contact a fertility specialist?
If you’re unsure, consider these questions:
- Have you been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or longer?
- Do you have known medical conditions, such as PCOS or a thyroid disorder?
- Are you not having a cycle or having irregular cycles?
- Have you had two or more miscarriages?
- Are you over 35 years old?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you might want to consider a consultation. The sooner you seek help, the better passing time is related to prognosis, and the timing with the promptness of a quality and compassionate health team will also have an impact.
Another critical factor to consider is your medical history and any previous surgery or treatment. Pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment may have ramifications for reproductive health. Similarly, chronic diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, may affect your fertility, so it is very important to tell your specialist everything about your health history.
What happens at an initial fertility visit?
A visit for a fertility consultation usually begins with a comprehensive discussion of medical history, lifestyle habits, and any symptoms you may be presenting. Blood work is typically done to explore hormone levels, and ultrasounds can evaluate the health of your ovaries and uterus. Your partner may have a semen analysis to explore sperm health.
Once we have results to build off of, your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual diagnosis. Treatment options may include timed intercourse and ovulation induction, to advanced procedures as needed. At Dr. Neeraja Fertility, we believe it is our job to provide patients with clear, comprehensive options without additional pressure, simply honest information based on good science and practical empathy.
Lifestyle changes prior to treatment
Often small lifestyle changes can slightly improve fertility. Your physician could suggest:
- Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Staying within a healthy weight range
- Being active
- Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine
- Getting rid of cigarettes and other tobacco products
- Managing stress
Improving these factors may help with natural conception or prepare your body for treatment if necessary.
Understanding IVF and when it is appropriate
If first-line treatment options aren’t successful, or if your fertility issues are more complicated, your physician may advise you to try In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF involves stimulating your ovaries and retrieving eggs, then fertilizing those eggs in a laboratory and placing the embryos into your uterus. This is a reasonably simple procedure and has high success rates for many conditions of infertility.
The decision to proceed with IVF is personal and may be indicated in situations where your tubes are blocked, you are working with diminished ovarian reserve, there is a male factor with severe issues, or unexplained infertility. If you are looking for the best IVF treatment in Hyderabad, it is important to consider a facility that has the latest technologies and also has a person-based approach.
The value of getting in early
As women age, fertility declines. While many of the newest ways to treat infertility offer hope regardless of age, an early diagnosis may increase your options and decrease the timeline to a successful pregnancy. A gynecologist clinic in Hyderabad with a history of excellence in fertility care may give you the support you seek and provide the answers to your concerns.
Final thoughts
Fertility treatment is not always about jumping straight into procedures. Fertility treatment is about knowing your body, looking for red flags, and consulting with a specialist who listens. Whether you are just beginning to ask questions or trying for a while, a simple outreach for support is a great and proactive step toward parenting.