Have you been trying to get pregnant with no success? Fertility testing is likely your next step. You can do some ovulation tracking and fertility testing at home, but obstetricians perform the most effective testing and diagnosis. West Des Moines OBGYN Associates recommends preconception care for anyone trying to start a family. However, if you have been trying to get pregnant for 6-12 months (if >30 years old or <30 years old respectively) with no luck, you will want to see an obstetrician to determine the cause.
Irregular or Absent Periods
If you are not getting your period once a month, then there is no need to wait for an evaluation. Women who are not getting a period, or who are getting infrequent periods, should be seen sooner for testing.
Home Fertility Tests
Over-the-counter fertility tests are available for women and men. For men, sperm tests can provide insight into your partner’s sperm count. For women, ovulation and hormone tests are available, starting at about $90. Some fertility tests use an app as well as collected material to provide results, but without an experienced obstetrician’s diagnosis, the information could be misinterpreted by home users.
Cycle Tracking
When you begin thinking about getting pregnant, consider tracking your menstrual cycle. Tracking your cycle can help you better understand your period and share information with your doctors. This article covers some apps you can use for cycle tracking.
OBGYN Fertility Evaluation
An OBGYN has the experience and knowledge to ask you questions about your menstrual cycle and medical history to determine which lab tests will diagnose what is making it difficult for you to become pregnant. The cause may be something physical or hormonal—or it may be that your partner’s sperm count is low.
Whatever is causing your fertility issues, our OBGYNs can help. If you have been unable to get pregnant for a year, it is time to see an OBGYN for a medical workup and lab tests. A pelvic exam and ultrasound can help determine the condition of your uterus and ovaries. Other special tests can help the doctor see the fallopian tubes.
A few problems are associated with female infertility, including:
Learn more about infertility.
When you want to start a family, we recommend that your first visit be with an OBGYN. By connecting with a baby doctor early on, you can begin establishing a relationship. She can also guide you in treating infertility issues and enhancing your ability to become pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Make your appointment in Ankeny, Indianola or West Des Moines today with one of our OBGYNs.
