Family planning can be a complicated issue in even the happiest and most stable of relationships. Failure to get pregnant after a year is considered a problem, with six months being the longest you should wait if the woman in question is 30 or older. If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant and haven’t had any success, it might be time to consider seeing an infertility expert. Knowing when you are ready to do so is an individual decision, but there are some general guidelines that can help give you an idea as to whether or not you’re ready to take that step.
Your Family Planning Timeline
If you and your partner would like to have a child within the next year or two and have had no luck with conceiving, it may be time to enlist the assistance of an infertility expert. This is especially important if you feel the need to have your child during this time for practical reasons, such as continuing education later in life or you are planning to buy a house once the baby is born. If you are planning a large family and are having problems getting started, an appointment with a specialist may be in order.
Your Current Ages
While men are usually fertile long into their elder years, the quality of sperm can degrade, causing issues with conception. Women have a more strict biological clock, with advanced maternal age beginning at only 35. While it’s true older mothers frequently conceive without issue and give birth to healthy children, it’s usually best not to delay if either of you are over 35. If either of you are creeping up on 40 or have already celebrated it, you should see an infertility expert after only six months of trying. Stalling much longer may rob you of the chance to ever have a child, should a problem be left untreated.
Your Current Health
If you or your partner are struggling with any type of chronic health issue, you may want to enlist the help of an infertility expert as soon as possible. Some issues, such as Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or chronic prostatitis, can be successfully managed and overcome with medication and lifestyle changes. However, many such issues often go overlooked by general practitioners.
Family planning doesn’t always go according to plan. If you or your partner are struggling to conceive, visit West Coast Women’s Reproductive Center in Sherman Oaks, CA. We would be delighted to help you get the family you’ve been planning. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!