That path to parenthood isn’t always easy. Roughly 1 in 8 couples struggle to conceive. That number rises to 1 in 5 couples when the woman is over 30. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success, it may be time to consider a fertility evaluation.
Board-certified OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, and the rest of the team at Patel & Patel MD are here for you. We have helped women and men overcome fertility challenges using the most advanced treatments.
Our team offers high-level care and personalization to help you realize your dream of starting or expanding your family. For many couples, the journey begins with a fertility evaluation. Patel & Patel MD provides expert guidance through this process.
A fertility evaluation involves a series of tests and procedures to determine the underlying causes of your infertility. Our team uses the results to develop a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect from a typical fertility evaluation.
Initial consultation
The first step in a fertility evaluation is an initial consultation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any previous fertility tests or treatments you may have had.
Dr. Patel may also ask about your menstrual cycle and any medications you’re currently taking. This information assists in getting a better understanding of your fertility issues.
Physical examination
Next, you can expect to have a physical exam to check for any physical abnormalities that may be affecting your fertility. This exam typically includes a pelvic exam for women, which involves an inspection of the reproductive organs to check for any abnormalities, and a testicular exam for men to check for any abnormalities.
Blood and urine hormone testing
Dr. Patel will also order blood and urine tests to check for hormonal imbalances or other conditions that may be affecting your fertility. For women, these tests may include a measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid and prolactin levels. Men may be tested for testosterone and other hormone levels and semen analysis.
Imaging testing
Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram (HSG), may also be ordered to evaluate the reproductive organs and check for any blockages or abnormalities. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and ovaries, while an HSG uses a dye to highlight any blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Genetic testing
In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to check for any inherited conditions affecting fertility. This may include testing for chromosomal abnormalities, genetic mutations, or other inherited conditions impacting fertility.
Next steps
Once all the tests are complete, Dr. Patel will review the results with you and discuss possible treatment options. Treatment may include medications, such as fertility drugs or hormone therapy, or assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that considers your specific fertility issues and goals.
When to seek a fertility evaluation
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 12 months or longer without success (or 6 months if you’re over age 35), it’s wise to consider a fertility evaluation.
If you or your partner have a known fertility issue, such as irregular periods, or previous cancer treatments, it may be a good idea to seek a fertility evaluation earlier.
Additionally, if you have experienced multiple miscarriages or have a family history of early menopause or other fertility issues, seeking an evaluation sooner is beneficial. A fertility evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean you must undergo fertility treatments.
Armed with the information from the fertility evaluation, our team can develop a personalized treatment plan.
Utilizing the latest technologies, Patel & Patel MD take on a range of cases from simple to complex, providing renewed hope for would-be parents. Whether you’re prepared to start a family right away or are making future plans, the fertility specialists of Patel & Patel MD will help you take the next steps.
To learn more and to get started, schedule a consultation with the Patel & Patel team today by calling or requesting an appointment online. Patel & Patel strives to give you the best chance at pregnancy.