I’ve Been Trying to Get Pregnant: When Is It Time to Consider Fertility Treatment?

For many couples, getting pregnant doesn't happen immediately. While it's normal for conception to take time, there comes a point when it may be beneficial to speak with an experienced OB-GYN about fertility concerns.

At the office of Alan B. Patterson, MD, in Coral Springs, Florida, Dr. Patterson provides personalized, one-on-one care to help women start or expand their families. This includes fertility testing as well as fertility treatment to increase the chances of conceiving.

How long should you try before seeking a fertility evaluation?

In general, women under age 35 should consider a fertility evaluation if they’ve been trying to conceive for one year or longer without success. Because fertility naturally declines with age, women aged 35 and older are encouraged to seek evaluation after six months of trying to get pregnant. However, the following circumstances call for earlier evaluation:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• A history of endometriosis
• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
• Previous pelvic infections
• A history of multiple miscarriages
• A known reproductive health condition

If you have concerns about your fertility, there's no reason to wait. Early evaluation can often identify issues that may be affecting your ability to conceive.

What causes fertility problems?

Fertility challenges can affect both women and men. Common causes of female infertility include:

• Ovulation disorders
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Uterine abnormalities
• Age-related changes in egg quality

Male fertility factors can also contribute to difficulty conceiving. Because successful pregnancy depends on multiple factors working together, a thorough evaluation is often the best way to determine what may be preventing conception. Fertility problems are often treatable once the underlying cause is identified.

What happens during a fertility evaluation?

A fertility evaluation starts with a detailed discussion of your medical history, menstrual cycles, and lifestyle, along with questions on how long you’ve been trying to conceive.

Dr. Patterson may recommend diagnostic testing to gain insight into your reproductive health. Depending on your situation, this may include bloodwork to evaluate hormone levels, ultrasound imaging to assess the uterus and ovaries, or other tests designed to identify potential barriers to pregnancy.

The goal is to gather the information needed to create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

What fertility treatments are available?

Treatment recommendations depend on the cause of infertility. Some patients may benefit from lifestyle changes or medications that stimulate ovulation. Others may need treatment for underlying conditions such as PMOS, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.

Because every patient’s situation is unique, fertility treatment is highly individualized. You can expect Dr. Patterson to have an in-depth discussion about your options and work with you to plan the next steps in your fertility journey.

Personalized fertility care when you need answers

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. Seeking a fertility evaluation can provide invaluable insight to help guide your next steps.

At the practice of Alan B. Patterson, MD, you’ll receive compassionate, individualized care focused on helping you achieve your family-building goals. If you have questions about your fertility or would like to schedule an evaluation, contact our Coral Springs, Florida, office today.