When to See a Fertility Specialist
When starting a family, most people hope to conceive naturally and within the desired timeframe. However, when conception doesn’t happen according to plan, the question of when to see a fertility specialist becomes a topic of conversation for many couples.
In general, if you’ve been trying to conceive for more than one year or have certain medical conditions, it’s probably a good idea to seek out a physician specially trained in treating fertility issues. Don’t be too alarmed, though. Not only is infertility a common issue experienced by nearly 15% of couples, but there are many non-medical, natural ways to increase the chance of getting pregnant.Below we’ll take a closer look at the signs you might need to contact a fertility specialist, go over what to expect from your appointment, and offer some natural remedies that just might help you conceive without needing assisted reproduction treatments.
What Is a Fertility Specialist
In short, a fertility specialist is an OB/GYN, urologist, or reproductive endocrinologist specializing in reproductive organs and fertility issues. The specialist will perform a variety of tests, beginning with bloodwork and a physical exam, a semen analysis for men, and a pelvic exam and/or imaging for women.
Once a diagnosis has been made, the fertility specialist will then work with you to figure out a treatment plan, which might include everything from altering lifestyle factors to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Why Visit a Fertility Specialist
Most doctors recommend seeing a fertility specialist if you’ve been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for at least one year or if you are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for at least six months. And if you’re over 40, it’s recommended to request the help of a specialist from the very beginning.
Other reasons to see a fertility specialist include:
- Previous Pelvic Surgery or Infection
- Irregular or Painful Menstrual Cycles
- Trouble Maintaining an Erection
- Endometriosis
- Three or More Miscarriages
- History of Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Discussing Whether IVF Is Right for You
Natural Fertility Aides
Ovulation Cycle Tracking & Intercourse Planning – Most women have a 28-day ovulation cycle, with a six-or-seven-day window mid-cycle in which an egg has been released and can be fertilized. Utilizing an ovulation predictor kit, which measures a women’s hormonal spike associated with the release of the egg, couples can time their intercourse for this fertility window.
Diet and Exercise – Two factors that can make it more difficult to get pregnant are an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. In terms of the former, eating foods that are rich in antioxidants has proven beneficial in improving fertility rates, for men in particular. Cutting out carbs, sugars, and trans fats contributes to healthy weight loss and a better chance of conceiving.
Staying active also helps. Moderate exercise in particular is beneficial—high-intensity workouts can actually hinder a woman’s fertility. And exercise isn’t just great for weight loss—it’s an excellent source of stress relief as well.
Natural Supplements – For some people, it’s hard to get all the minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants the body needs for a healthy reproductive system in their daily diet. In those instances, natural supplements can be an easy and effective way to supplement your diet and fill in any nutritional deficiencies.
The Benefits of Natural Supplements for Fertility
There have been promising studies around the role that vitamins play in getting pregnant. Adequate vitamin and mineral intake—when paired with a well-rounded diet and active lifestyle—has been associated with improving many essential functions in the women’s reproductive system, helping to create a better environment for a healthy pregnancy. Some studies have even shown that certain nutrients may reduce symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility.
A vitamin supplement like FERTIL PRO Women is a great example of a complete multivitamin that may enhance reproductive wellness during the preconception period.
Ingredients and potential benefits include:
- Vitamin A–promotes implantation, placenta formation, and egg development
- Vitamins B6, B9 & B12–decrease the risk of anemia and preeclampsia
- Vitamin D3–sufficient D3 levels help protect against complications, including low birth weight
- Reishi–medical fungus full of antioxidants that may be helpful for women with immune disorders
- Magnesium–critical for proper nerve and muscle function
- Iron–assists in the production of essential red blood cells, particularly during 3rd trimester
- Zinc and Copper–antioxidant properties can stimulate the immune system
It’s important to remember that fertility issues are a common problem many couples face, and various treatment options are available. If you’d like to see more natural supplements that may be helpful when you’re having trouble getting pregnant, check out Yad-Tech’s science-based, fertility specialist-recommended line of nutritional supplements.