Infertility Checklist
Wanting to have a baby, but things just don’t seem to be moving along? Sometimes, things just don’t go as quickly as we want them to. A watched pot never boils, and all that. But if you’re worried, and think you might need help, here are a few things you might want to know before a visit to your doctor:
Personal Checklist
· How long have you been trying?
If you’re under 35, one year of trying is not outside the norm before seeking medical assistance. If you’re over 35, or if you have a medical precondition that may affect your fertility, including any pelvic surgery, doctors suggest about six months of trying without outside help.
· Have you tried charting your ovulation cycle?
There are many methods for charting when you will naturally be at your most fertile. Try one out. As well as letting you know the best times for conception, it can help you see your own body’s natural cycle, instead of measuring against a norm chart.
· How much do you know about your menstruation cycle?
Factors like irregular cycles, sudden changes in amount of flow, exceptionally long or short menstrual cycles, spotting or unexplained bleeding, severe pelvic pain during menses, or a late onset of cycles (after age 18), could indicate other medical problems that could affect fertility.
· Are there inhibiting factors in you sexual history?
The past use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), any past positive testing for sexually transmitted diseases, or spotting after sex can all indicate you may be suffering the after effects of a past or present pelvic inflammatory disease. That counts as a “medical precondition”, and could indicate the need for a doctor’s assistance.
· What about family history?
Talk to your mother and other relatives about any possible history of fertility problems. Also, ask if your mother took the drug DES between 1941 and 1971 to prevent miscarriages. The drug has since been found to cause reproductive organ abnormalities in some women.
· And the no brainer – are you living a healthy lifestyle?
The usual suspects: Caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and being under- or overweight; can all lower a woman’s chance to conceive. Moderation is the key!
As always, the only person who can really assess any fertility issues you may have is your doctor.
