What are the benefits of having a fertility check when you first have concerns?
Introduction: While most couples can start a family naturally within a year, approximately 20% face challenges in conceiving. Addressing fertility concerns early is crucial, and seeking a professional fertility check can provide clarity and direction. In this article, we will explore the benefits of having a fertility check when you first encounter concerns, from alleviating anxieties to ensuring timely treatment. Understanding the importance of an early diagnosis, potential underlying issues, and the planning required for advanced treatments like IVF can make a significant difference in your journey towards parenthood.
Table of Contents
Starting a Family Naturally
For over 80% of couples, where the female in the relationship is under 40 years of age, they enjoy the pleasure of starting a family naturally, generally within 12 months of having frequent unprotected sex. Frequent unprotected sex, from a medical point of view, is sexual intercourse every two to three days without the use of any form of contraception such as condoms or the Pill.
Challenges in Conception
Unfortunately, for the remaining 20% of couples, this means that starting a family is something with which they are experiencing difficulties. If you have been trying to conceive for over 12 months or you have concerns regarding your own or your partner’s fertility, it is vital that you get checked by a professional fertility clinic. Visiting a medical practitioner or the clinic is highly advisable for several reasons, and in this article, we will explain why.
Eliminating Your Concerns
If you have been unable to conceive for a substantial period of time it can often put a strain on a relationship. Couples often blame each other or themselves, which can be extremely damaging. Even where both partners are supportive, there will be inevitable worry that can impact on other aspects of not only your relationship but your life.
However, the good news is that just because you or your partner hasn’t become pregnant after 12 months, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem. If you have a fertility check, it will put both of your minds at ease, and you will be able to make firm decisions based on facts. Of course, it can’t be stressed enough how important it is for both partners to undergo checks unless one of you has specific concerns.
Time for Conclusive Results
Although fertility clinics will do all they can to process results quickly, unfortunately getting conclusive results can take time. It is relatively common during the male fertility check-up when often at least two semen samples are required. However, if they produce differing results, more tests may be needed before the doctor will make a diagnosis.
A couple consulting a doctor at a First Fertility Clinic.
It should be understood that this can be an agonizing wait, and we will do all we can to help you prepare mentally.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Like with any other medical condition, the earlier the diagnosis, the quicker that treatment can begin and in many cases increases the likelihood of success. For this reason alone, all medical professionals will recommend seeking professional help as soon as you have any concerns. The check-ups are painless and nothing to be concerned about. Most couples get a sense of relief after undergoing checks, even when the need for treatment is identified.
Uncovering Underlying Issues
There are many reasons why couples experience problems with fertility, and in some cases, more serious underlying issues are discovered. Needless to say, the underlying issues will need to be addressed before fertility treatment begins. In some cases, this may require lifestyle changes, while in others, it may be the sign of something more serious.
Although these findings can sometimes come as a shock, they once again allow early commencement of treatment. It can’t be stressed enough how important early diagnosis is with almost any condition regardless of how trivial it may seem.
You have more time to plan your next step. Working closely with our patients, we understand the importance of taking the necessary actions based on accurate and timely information. This approach helps in making well-informed decisions at every step of the journey toward starting a family.
Planning for Fertility Treatments
For some couples who need to undergo more expensive treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), a significant amount of planning may be required. Obviously, this is a concern for older couples with fertility tending to decline in our mid to late 30s naturally. Saving for this type of treatment may take months or even years, and time off work may also be required. The earlier that you start planning, the earlier you will be able to commence treatment. We do try to stress this to all couples and make them fully aware of all implications, both positive and negative.
What to Expect at Your Initial Appointment
The doctor will need to establish a significant amount of background information about you and your partner’s overall health as well as your sex life. While this can understandably be a sensitive subject with some couples, you must tell the doctor the truth. Giving inaccurate information may delay diagnosis and end up costing you more time and money. Remember, all information that you disclose during your appointment will remain confidential.
Common questions include:
- How long have you been trying to conceive? This is a vital question and once again will be based on how long you have been having “frequent sexual intercourse”.
- How often do you and your partner engage in sexual intercourse? Although setting “targets” for how frequently you should have sex can cause pressure in a relationship, the target for trying to conceive should be every two to three days, and your doctor will advise you about this.
- How long is it since you last used contraception? It is a question that is particularly relevant with regard to the Pill, which affects the female’s hormone levels. Expecting to get pregnant a short time after ceasing medication is unrealistic. Where couples have stopped using condoms, it will have no impact.
- How long have you been using contraception? Once again, this relates primarily to the use of the Pill. The longer the female has been using hormone affecting contraception, the longer it will take her body to recover. Please try to be as specific as possible, perhaps even consulting your regular doctor for dates.
Several lifestyle factors can also impact fertility, including whether you smoke, consume alcohol, your BMI and your levels of stress. These are all relevant, and you should once again give truthful answers.
Contact Us
At First Fertility, we have seen how comprehensive answers to lifestyle and health questions significantly aid in diagnosing and effectively managing fertility issues. If you would like more information about having a fertility check in Bangkok, we would invite you to contact us and a member of our friendly team will be able to assist you.
Conclusion: Taking the initiative to have a fertility check can provide significant benefits in understanding your reproductive health, alleviating unnecessary concerns, and planning your next steps effectively. Early diagnosis and intervention can often lead to more favorable outcomes, so don’t hesitate to consult a professional fertility clinic if you have any concerns. Your path to starting a family is important, and professional guidance can make this journey smoother and more informed.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the success rate of natural conception for couples under 40?
For over 80% of couples, where the female is under 40 years of age, natural conception typically occurs within 12 months of having frequent unprotected sex (every two to three days).
2. When should couples consider having a fertility check?
Couples should consider having a fertility check if they have been trying to conceive for over 12 months without success, or if they have any concerns regarding their fertility.
3. Why is it important for both partners to undergo a fertility check?
It’s important for both partners to undergo checks to ensure that any fertility issues are accurately diagnosed and to put both partners’ minds at ease. It enables informed decision-making based on facts.
4. How long does it take to get conclusive fertility results?
Getting conclusive fertility results can take time, especially if multiple tests are needed, such as in the case of male fertility checks that require at least two semen samples with consistent results.
5. Why is early diagnosis important in addressing fertility issues?
Early diagnosis is crucial because it allows for quicker treatment initiation, which often increases the chances of successful outcomes. Early intervention is essential for effectively managing any underlying conditions.
6. What underlying issues might be discovered during a fertility check?
Fertility checks can uncover various underlying issues that may affect fertility. These can range from lifestyle-related factors to more serious medical conditions, which need to be addressed before starting fertility treatment.
7. How does identifying fertility issues early help with planning?
Early identification of fertility issues allows couples to plan their next steps, including considering treatments like IVF, which may require significant financial planning and time off work. Planning ahead increases the likelihood of timely treatment.
8. What type of information is collected during the initial fertility appointment?
During the initial appointment, doctors collect information about the couple’s overall health, sex life, contraception use, and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress levels. It’s important to provide truthful information.
9. Why is it important to provide accurate information during a fertility check?
Providing accurate information is critical for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Inaccurate information can delay diagnosis and increase both time and cost.
10. How confidential is the information shared during a fertility check?
All information disclosed during a fertility check appointment is kept confidential. This ensures a comfortable environment for couples to share sensitive information necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
