TTC FAQ'S # 2

[Guest guest]

WHAT EXACTLY IS INFERTILITY?

Answer: There is no definite answer to this. The most common answer is:

" infertility is a condition of the reproductive system often diagnosed after

a couple has had one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or if the

woman has been unable to carry a pregnancy that results in a live birth. "

HOW CAN WE DETERMINE IF WE HAVE A FERTILITY PROBLEM?

Answer: If you've been trying to conceive for over 6 months, you may have a

fertility problem.

WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY?

Answer: There can be any number of causes for not conceiving a child. They

can range from simply diet and nutrition, to male sperm counts, and even a

blocked fallopian tube. Hormonal abnormalities can lead to infertility in

women and men and should be ruled out with blood tests. Uterine fibroids

(benign tumors of fibrous tissue), endometriosis (abnormal location of

uterine tissue in the pelvic cavity), ovarian cysts and infections of

reproductive organs can all impair fertility and are easily detected by a

physician. Lack of ovulation can also be a cause of infertility.

There are so many tests available today that it is fairly easy and painless

to start checking into causes of infertility. The first thing to do is go

see your OB/GYN for a full exam, mention to them that you want to start

trying to have a baby and get some answers to your questions. Most doctors

will bend over backwards to help you conceive. Some common and fairly

simple tests to start you on the road to discovering if there is a problem

include: OB/GYN exam to check for abnormalities, Sperm Analysis, blood tests

to check for hormone levels, and HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) (performed to

determine if any blockages are present in a woman's fallopian tubes).

HOW LONG SHOULD WE TTC BEFORE SEEING A DOCTOR?

Answer: In most cases you should see a doctor if you have been trying to

conceive (having unprotected sex) for at least one year. If you have been

trying using methods such as charting BBT, OPK (ovulation predictor kits),

and other methods, you should see a doctor if you have not conceived in 3-6

months. If you are over 30, we recommend that you see a doctor as soon as

you decide to start trying to conceive.

WHERE DO I START?

Answer: A lot of couples start trying thinking that the very first month or

two they will conceive. When this doesn't happen they may go through a

cycle where after AF arrives they hope that " maybe it will work this cycle " ,

and delay seeing a doctor. Your best bet is to try on your own for a while

using the methods we describe on this site. If you are not getting results

within 6 months, you should consult your own OB/GYN or an RE who specializes

in reproduction. Do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you want.

Arm yourself with information from books and publications. Your doctor is

there to help you, if he/she won't answer your questions (or worse tells you

to " relax and it will happen " ), we recommend consulting another doctor.

Hart

Wife to Jon, Love of My Life

Mom to 4 -Ari (16)

a (7)

(4)

and (My TR Baby) born 6/20/02

Glory to God and Many Thanks to Dr. Levin!

http://www.geocities.com/thehartclantx/Thehartclantx.html