Review these key points to learn when to see a fertility doctor

In many cases, we create visions for how our lives will proceed: career, sometimes marriage and then children. Often, these plans take a different turn when it comes to family building. Estimates suggest that 1 in 4 U.S. couples struggles with infertility. David T. Vandermolen MD and the entire team at our Northern Louisiana fertility center provide comprehensive infertility diagnosis and fertility treatment options. The first step is often deciding when to see a fertility doctor.

Tips to help couples and individuals determine when to see a fertility doctor

Experts loosely define infertility as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of having unprotected sex. At that point, most infertility specialists recommend scheduling an appointment at a fertility clinic. Although not all situations are the same, Dr. Vandermolen offers these guidelines on when to see a fertility doctor.

Known fertility issues. Women with conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles or uterine fibroids may have trouble getting pregnant naturally. As a result, consulting a fertility specialist before trying to conceive may make sense.

Multiple miscarriages. Approximately 15-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Women who have experienced two or more miscarriages should consider meeting with a fertility doctor to look for underlying causes.

Unable to conceive after a certain amount of time. Women under 35 who haven’t conceived after a year of trying should think about visiting our Northern Louisiana fertility center. Women over age 35 should schedule an appointment after six months of unsuccessful pregnancy attempts.

Hereditary conditions. Couples and individuals with certain medical conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and Tay Sachs may want to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist before trying to conceive to explore preimplantation genetic testing. This testing can help parents avoid passing a genetic illness to their future children.

Receive top-notch fertility care from Dr. Vandermolen and our team

As you work to create or expand your family, the team at our Northern Louisiana fertility center will provide support throughout the process, including addressing questions about when to see a fertility doctor. Dr. Vandermolen can offer detailed explanations about the infertility testing process and fertility treatment options. Contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.