Trying for a baby should be a joyful experience. So when you do not fall pregnant quite as quickly as you had hoped, the whole experience can become fraught with anxiety.
The first thing you should be aware of is that you are not alone. It takes some 10% of normal, healthy, fertile couples more than a year to achieve a pregnancy just by chance. So, if you and your partner have been trying for less than 12 months, it may simply be that you have not been trying long enough. As a result, you would not normally need a referral to see us for an infertility investigation, unless there is a special and obvious reason why you have not become pregnant.
To achieve a pregnancy, you must have the right number of sperm in the right place at the right time in a woman who is ovulating and who has patent (open) fallopian tubes.
If you are unlucky enough to experience a delay in falling pregnant, then we can explore each aspect of this problem, try to formulate a diagnosis and understand the underlying cause. It is often helpful to meet with both partners and a careful history will be taken, concerning a number of background factors. Of obvious importance are the nature and regularity of the female partner’s menstrual cycle, as this can give a clue as to whether ovulation is happening correctly. A number of other key questions are required to check for the possibility of underlying medical or surgical problems, which could be getting in the way of fertility.
It is usual, at an early stage, to send a sperm sample for analysis because, even in very healthy, normal men with normal sexual function, there can sometimes be a problem with the number or quality of the sperm produced. Sperm test results can vary from time to time, so occasionally these tests need to be repeated to get a clear picture of what is going on.
From the female point of view, a pelvic examination is required and usually an ultrasound scan will be offered. Some blood tests will be recommended to check your hormone status and also to check for evidence of ovulation.
Click here to read about the treatment(s) involved in treating Fertility Problems. If you would like more information or wish to make an appointment regarding fertility problems, please get in contact.
