Fertility Red Flags: Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
In this article, we highlight some of the common warning signs that may suggest a fertility concern – and explain why seeking assistance sooner rather than later can make all the difference.
If you have been trying to fall pregnant but have not yet succeeded, you might be wondering when should you start to worry, and when should you start looking for help?
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we encourage couples to take immediate and proactive steps if they are concerned about their fertility.
In terms of generally agreed timeframes, you should definitely get a fertility check-up if you are under 35 and have been trying to fall pregnant by having regular unprotected sex for a year. If you are over 35, and have been trying to fall pregnant by having regular unprotected sex for six months, you should not delay in contacting us.
Delays in seeking treatment can reduce your chances of success, especially in cases where known fertility challenges are present, or where the female partner is older than 35.
The good news is that most fertility challenges can be treated very successfully. Highly advanced treatments like IVF and ICSI are available when necessary. However, for the majority of fertility patients, their treatment plan consists of accessible and affordable treatments such as hormone therapy, in uterine insemination (IUI) and minimal invasive surgery.
When else to pay attention
Consider consulting a fertility expert without delay if you experience irregular or absent periods. Anovulation –– when an ovary fails to release an egg over a period of time (generally more than 3 months) accounts for nearly 30% of infertility cases.
Tubal disease is another common cause. This involves blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes and often requires specialised treatment.
Likewise, if you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or have a history of pelvic infection disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections, early evaluation by a fertility specialist is highly recommended.
What if I’m over 35?
Advanced maternal age remains one of the most common challenges to pregnancy among women.
It is well-documented that a woman’s fertility declines after the age of 30, with a more rapid decrease after 35. Many women delay starting a family due to career ambitions, personal goals, or other life commitments, only to face difficulties when they eventually try to conceive.
For women older than 35, the window to conceive narrows each year, and so does the quality and quantity of their eggs. If you are over 35 and have been trying for more than six months, it’s time to consult a fertility specialist. For couples under 35, we recommend seeking help after one year of trying to conceive without success.
We also highly recommend proactive evaluation and treatment for women who are 40 years of age and older, because this age group has increased potential for significant loss of ovarian reserve.
Red flags in men
Even though fertility is often assumed to be a woman’s issue, male fertility problems are involved in up to half of all infertility cases.
This is because men may not experience obvious fertility symptoms, and erections, intercourse and ejaculation may happen normally and the quantity and appearance of the ejaculated semen generally may seem normal to the naked eye.
However, if there is a history of testicular trauma, surgery, or mumps, or if there are issues such as erectile dysfunction, genital pain, or a history of sexually transmitted diseases STDs, it is best to have a full evaluation sooner rather than later.
Other risk factors include:
• use of anabolic steroids or gym supplements
• smoking, excessive alcohol, or drug use
• a BMI over 30
• thyroid or prolactin imbalances.
Getting the right help
Infertility is a medical issue that often involves complex and unique factors. For this reason, a consultation with a qualified fertility specialist is the best next step.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, your first consultation includes a comprehensive review of your medical history and in-depth diagnostic testing.
The results of the professional and reliable infertility tests are interpreted by a qualified and experienced fertility specialist. This is crucial for an accurate diagnosis of the exact cause of your infertility challenges as a couple, and to determine the precise treatment required.
Once the exact cause of your infertility challenges and the precise treatment required has been determined, your fertility specialist will explain to you the range of fertility treatment options available for your specific challenges as a couple.
Medfem Fertility Clinic offers a full range of fertility treatments – from basic interventions like IUI (intrauterine inseminations) to advanced therapies like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
Your fertility specialist will also provide in-depth explanations and answers to all your questions and develop with you a personalised fertility treatment plan that fits you best.
Why Medfem Fertility Clinic?
The earlier fertility challenges are identified and treated, the better the chances of falling pregnant.
Our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic believes in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone. It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey, so you will have a fond memory of feeling empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem Fertility Clinic family.
If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!