When To Be Concerned About Infertility

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Infertility is a common concern of many couples. Many couples who have problems trying to conceive often notify their doctors of their pregnancy difficulties stating that they have been trying to get pregnant for some time. At what point should you be concerned if you are still unsuccessful? In general, most doctors recommend that women who are less than 35 years old try to get pregnant for a full year before becoming concerned and seeking treatment for infertility.

The reason for one year is that by the time that year passes, approximately 90% of healthy couples succeed in getting pregnant. About 10% of couples find themselves seeking medical attention because of their problems conceiving. It is a good thing to know that of the 10% who have infertility problems, 80% – 90% will get pregnant with the proper treatment.

Infertility can be caused by a number of different reasons. Firstly, the male must have healthy sperm. The sperm must be proper in number, the proper shape (morphology), and be able to move (motile). Secondly, the woman needs to release an egg every month which is known as the process of ovulation. The egg must travel from the ovary through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. In order to traverse the fallopian tube, the tube must be open and free of blockages. A blockage or scarring in the tube can cause infertility. Once the newly fertilized embryo arrives in the uterus, it must be nurtured in the proper environment. Hormonal problems and scarring, fibroids and other masses can also cause infertility. While these are the main causes of infertility, they are by no means the only ones. It is important that you consult with your doctor to determine your particular situation.