For many couples, there is nothing quite like the excitement and anticipation of starting a family. But if you are like more than 6 million American women who have been trying to conceive without success, the excitement can turn to stress, anxiety, and frustration.
If this feels familiar, you may be wondering if it’s time to seek medical help—not to mention wondering who to contact. Is it your primary care provider? Your OB/GYN? Should you contact a fertility specialist directly? Luckily, your doctors and providers will help you take the right steps to begin your fertility journey.
When Should I Seek Help to Become Pregnant?
The first step in seeking help to become pregnant is to ensure you’re up to date on your medical and gynecologic screenings. If you’re not current, talk with your women’s health provider or primary care physician first. Your provider will assess your overall health and make sure you don’t have any medical problems like diabetes, thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These conditions can impact your chances of becoming pregnant and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
When Is a Fertility Specialist the Right Choice?
If you are current with your medical care, it is reasonable to see a fertility specialist right away. Fertility specialists are physicians who are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. They are trained in treating both women and men who are unable to conceive.
While every situation is different, we recommend seeking help from a fertility specialist if:
- You are younger than 35 and have not been able to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse
- You are age 35 or older and have not been able to conceive after six months of unprotected intercourse
- You have irregular menstrual cycles
- You have a history or potential risk for damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- You have a family history of early menopause
- You or your partner has a problem with sexual function or libido
- You are an LGBTQ+ couple or individual
A fertility specialist will offer an expert evaluation to help determine the reason you are having difficulty conceiving. After your evaluation and recommended testing, they will work with you and your partner to help you decide the treatment path that is right for you.
How Can a Fertility Specialist Help Me Get Pregnant?
A fertility specialist will help you understand the reasons you and your partner are having trouble conceiving. Reasons for infertility range from egg or sperm production, to hormonal or genetic factors, to age. And in some cases, there is no clear-cut reason that a couple can’t get pregnant. This is known as unexplained infertility. Up to 30 percent of those experiencing trouble conceiving are diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
But the great news is that even if there is no clear reason that you can’t get pregnant, our fertility specialists can recommend viable treatment options that can help you begin or grow your family. We know that having trouble conceiving can be an emotional process and we’re here to help. To learn more about how we can work together to achieve your goals for your family, visit LGHealth.org/Fertility, or call 717-544-0107.
Written By:
Alisha Pinkerton, MPAS, PA-C
Alisha Pinkerton, MPAS, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Penn Fertility Care - Lancaster General Health, Lancaster General Health Physicians. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham College. Alisha has practiced in both infertility and OB/GYN, and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients.