When it comes to conceiving, no two couples are the same. On average, most couples that don’t use birth control become pregnant within four to six months and about 90 percent of couples become pregnant within a year. If you’ve been trying for a while or have questions about infertility, read on.
Infertility is not the same thing as sterility. Infertility means that it may be challenging to become pregnant, while sterility means that you are unable to conceive. Most define infertility as not conceiving after trying to get pregnant for one year. But even so, many couples — about half — that don’t get pregnant within the first year will naturally become pregnant during the following year.
Infertility affects men and women equally. In 40 percent of the cases, the man has a condition that is making it hard to impregnate his partner and in 40 percent, the woman has a condition that is keeping her from becoming pregnant. In the rest, infertility is caused by a combination of factors in both partners. That’s why it’s important for both men and women to be tested when a couple is having difficulty getting pregnant.
Couples who are trying to get pregnant should see a doctor if they are not pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. You may want to see a doctor earlier if you’ve been told that you have a low sperm count or if you have had testicular or prostate health issues. If the female is older than 30 and has a history of irregular or painful periods or endometriosis, she may want to talk to her doctor earlier, or before you begin trying to conceive.
If any of these situations sound like you or your partner, or if you’re concerned you may have other medical conditions that may prevent you from becoming pregnant, you may want to speak to your physician at Riverview Health. There are more treatments than ever for overcoming the obstacles of infertility and bringing a baby into your life.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: ASRM.org
