How long should I try to get pregnant before seeking help? What if I can’t conceive? I already had a baby; how can this be possible?
If you’re trying to get pregnant and having trouble, these may be just a few of the questions that cross your mind. Infertility is far more common than most people realize, but there are things that may help.
Dr. Parisa Pourzand and her staff in Glendale and Los Angeles, California, are always glad to help women reach their family planning goals. If you’re trying to get pregnant and struggling, we may be able to help. Effective treatments for infertility do exist.
The definition of infertility depends in part on your age. If you’re younger than 35, and you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year, you’re considered infertile. If you’re 35 or older, you’re considered infertile after six months of unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant.
Having children before doesn’t mean you can’t become infertile later, either. And, though both men and women can have fertility issues, women do more often than men. Roughly 30% of infertility issues are due to problems with the male reproductive system.
If you fit the definition for infertility, we recommend coming in for an evaluation. Dr. Pourzand can discuss possible underlying issues with you based on your medical history and personal circumstances, along with an exam.
Infertility can be caused by numerous factors. Here we discuss some of the more common ones.
If no egg is being released, it can’t be fertilized. Some medical conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can interfere with ovulation. Ovulation can also be impacted by obesity, hormone imbalances, and other issues. If your fallopian tube is blocked, your egg may not reach a place where it can be fertilized.
Women who have disorders that cause heavy bleeding, such as endometriosis, may have more difficulty getting pregnant compared to women without such conditions. Another relatively common issue is a condition called von Willebrand’s disease, which prohibits your blood from clotting as it should.
Sometimes your genetic makeup impacts your ability to become pregnant. If you or your partner has a family history of infertility, you may find genetic counseling beneficial.
You're born with all the eggs your body will produce in your lifetime. The older those eggs are, the poorer their quality. So, although you may be more prepared to raise a child later in your life, your body is ready to conceive at a younger age.
It’s all good and well to understand a few of the common causes of infertility, but when it comes to your situation and what you need to do, you need a carefully tailored approach. Dr. Pourzand is thorough and personalizes her recommendations to your specific circumstances.
Sometimes lifestyle changes can make a difference in fertility, but sometimes medication or surgery or other forms of intervention are necessary. Before suggesting a path forward, Dr. Pourzand makes sure she understands your situation.
If you’re struggling to conceive, schedule an appointment with Dr. Pourzand at the location in Glendale or Los Angeles that’s most convenient for you.
