Signs You Should Consider IVF and Other Fertility Treatments
Trying to have a baby can be more stressful than fun for some patients. People often expect to get pregnant immediately once they start trying. However, it does not always happen right away for some couples, and some will need medical intervention to conceive, such as IVF and other fertility treatments.
At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we provide advanced and personalized care to patients in Tarzana, Encino, Bakersfield, Thousand Oaks, and Torrance, CA, to give them the best chance at achieving a healthy pregnancy. So what are the signs that you should consider IVF or other fertility treatments and when is it right to seek help?
When to Start Looking for Help from a Fertility Specialist
Each month, a healthy couple has a 15 to 20% chance of conceiving. While this may not seem like great odds, healthy couples typically achieve pregnancy within the first year of trying.
If you and your partner have no known health concerns and you are both under 35, it is suggested that you seek help from a fertility specialist if you have not gotten pregnant within a year of being off birth control and trying.
For people over 35, our fertility specialists suggested seeking help after six months of trying.
What Are Some Medical Signs I May Need Fertility Treatments?
There are many other reasons why patients seek fertility treatments other than simply not getting pregnant. Here are some signs that there may be an underlying medical condition that may be the cause of your fertility struggles:
- A menstrual cycle that is less than 21 days
- A menstrual cycle that is longer than 35 days
- Non-existent period
- Problems with sexual function
- Pain during intercourse
- Genital pain or any unusual symptoms in that area
- Repeated miscarriages
Infertility from Medications and Medical Procedures
Certain medications and treatments may also make conception more difficult.
For example, if you have been through chemo or radiation, this can impact your fertility. If you experience any of these issues, Dr. Tannaz Toloubeydokhti and Dr. Michael Vermesh can help.
Are there Nonmedical Reasons to Choose Fertility Treatments?
Yes.
There are many non-medical reasons why patients choose fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI, including:
- Same-sex couples
- Single patients
What Tests Are Performed to Determine If I Need Fertility Treatments?
Each patient is unique, and our doctors take a personalized approach to fertility treatments. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss your history and any symptoms you may have. Your doctor may order tests such as:
- Blood Work - Hormones play a vital role in reproduction and these levels can be examined with simple blood work. Blood work can also indicate if you have underlying health issues that are preventing conception.
- Ultrasound - Ultrasounds can look at various things such as the condition of the uterus and ovaries.
- Sperm Sample - Male factor infertility accounts for about 50% of fertility struggles. By examining a sperm sample, your doctor can determine the quality and if this may be preventing conception. Your doctor will look at sperm count, motility, and shape.
- Hysterosalpingogram - This X-ray with dye allows your doctor to get a better image of the uterus and fallopian tube. This can diagnose a range of issues such as tube blockages or structural irregularities.
Contact Us to Get Started Today
We know that fertility struggles can be overwhelming. We are here every step of the way. Get started by requesting a consultation with Dr. Toloubeydokhti or Dr. Vermesh. We have locations in Tarzana, Encino, Bakersfield, Thousand Oaks, and Torrance, CA. We look forward to helping you on your journey to parenthood.