When Should I Consider Fertility Testing?

At the beginning of your quest, parenthood often seems like the ultimate prize just out of reach. As the months go by, and pregnancy tests continue to come up negative, it becomes clear that something is not working as it should. The good news is that advances in medical research give you more options today than ever before. Dr. Chamoun and his team at Viera Fertility Center are here to help you reach your family goals.

HOW LONG SHOULD WE TRY TO CONCEIVE BEFORE TURNING TO A SPECIALIST?

That depends. Couples under the age of 35 should consider formal testing if they fail to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, the amount of wait time drops to six months. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), approximately one-third of infertility is either unexplained, or it is a combination of problems for both partners. An additional one-third of fertility issues may be attributed to the female partner and one-third to the male partner. We believe both partners should be evaluated at the same time for maximum effectiveness.

STATISTICS – HERE’S WHAT THE NUMBERS SAY ABOUT INFERTILITY

When you experience fertility issues, it can feel like you are alone in the struggle. According to a survey done by the CDC, 1 in 8 couples have problems conceiving or carrying to term. From 2006-2010, 7.4 million women underwent fertility treatments. People aged 29-33 with no fertility issues have about a 20 percent chance of getting pregnant during each monthly cycle. William M. Mercer noted that 60 percent of couples with no discernable fertility issues will conceive on their own within six months.

You are not alone. Infertility affects many otherwise healthy people. Of the approximate 44 percent of women who seek medical assistance, about 65 percent of those go on to give birth. While IVF is often the topic of conversation when people discuss infertility, it is performed in fewer than 3 percent of the cases. Drug therapy or surgical procedures are used to treat 85-90 percent of infertility cases, according to the ASRM.

For women under 35, live birth rates for fresh, non-donor embryo transfer is 47.7 percent. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology notes that the live birth rate drops to 39.2 percent for women between 35-37.

ARE CERTAIN RISK FACTORS IMPACTING MY PREGNANCY GOALS?

Knowing which risk factors impact both male and female partners may improve your chances of conceiving. At Viera Fertility Center, one of our jobs is to determine if internal factors, external factors, or both are affecting your fertility. The sooner we figure out which risk factors are playing a role in your conception story, the sooner they can be addressed.

This is not an exhaustive list. Dr. Chamoun and his team work closely with you to determine which risk factors, if any, are part of your fertility troubles.

Risks Applicable to Men and Women

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Workplace hazards
  • Too much or too little body fat
  • DES exposure in utero
  • History of STDs

Risks Applicable to Women

  • Abnormal pap smears and the resulting cryosurgery or cone biopsy
  • Two or more miscarriages during early pregnancy
  • Hormonal imbalance – very heavy periods that last more than a week, unpredictable cycles, excessive body hair, and acne

Risks Applicable to Men

  • Prescription medications for ulcers or psoriasis
  • Genitals exposed to high temperature
  • Hernia repair
  • Undescended testicles

 

If you have reached the six or twelve-month mark (depending on age and other risk factors) and have not experienced a successful pregnancy, a fertility specialist may be exactly who you need to visit. For more than two decades, Dr. Chamoun has used cutting-edge technologies and medicines to help patients through fertility treatments and IVF. At Viera Fertility Center, we will leave no stone unturned as we explore your treatment options. Give us a call at 321.751.HOPE to take the next step towards growing your family.