Pre Pregnancy Evaluation
Before attempting to conceive, it is beneficial to get an assessment of your overall general and fertility health, identify potential risk factors and address any concerns that may impact your chance to conceive.
Contraceptive Advice
If you are considering postponing pregnancy, get a basic fertility evaluation to understand how long you can wait before planning pregnancy. This also helps to get an advice on right choice of contraception.
Trying for Over a Year
If you have been actively trying to conceive for over a year without success (or six months if you are over 35 years or three months if you are over 37 years), it is time to consult a Fertility specialist.
Age Factor
The peak reproductive years for a woman is when she is in her 20's. After the age 30, fertility starts to decline. If you are in early 30's and planning pregnancy seek a fertility consultation sooner rather than later.
Fertility Potential
When planning for pregnancy, it is crucial to understand fertility potential (ovarian reserve). Ovarian reserve tests, such as AMH and Antral Follicle Count (AFC), can provide valuable information about your fertility potential. A low AMH (less than 1.8 ng/ml) and low AFC is usually indicative of declining fertility potential and mandates a fertility consultation.
Irregular Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles could indicate underlying issues affecting ovulation, such as hormonal imbalance or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or reduced ovarian reserve. If you have irregular periods, it is advisable to seek guidance from a fertility specialist.
Recurrent Miscarriages
Recurrent miscarriages can be due to many causes - Genetic, Auto immune, Anatomic or Idiopathic. Specialist consultation helps to identify the cause and take appropriate treatments.
Previous Gynaecological Issues
If you underwent any gynaecological surgeries (for ovarian cysts, endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy), it is advisable to consult a Fertility specialist before planning pregnancy. Conditions such as Endometriosis, PID or history of Tuberculosis can impact fertility and will need fertility treatments.
Known Male Factor
Male factor contributes to 30% of Infertility. Consulting Fertility specialist when Semen analysis is abnormal helps to understand treatment options.
Failed Treatments
If you have undergone unsuccessful fertility treatments, it is important to get a fertility review to seek guidance about alternative treatment options to help you achieve pregnancy.
Sexual Dysfunction
If you or your partner are experiencing any difficulty in intercourse (Vaginismus, Erectile/Ejaculatory problems), consult a fertility specialist/Andrologist to help overcome these issues.
To book a consultation with Dr. Sudharani Bairraju at BirthRight Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Written by Dr. Sudharani Bairraju, MBBS, DNB (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), FMIS (Fellowship in Minimal Invasive Surgery), Senior Fertility Consultant, BirthRight Fertility by Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. 28+ years in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 22 years in infertility, endoscopy, and high-risk obstetrics. 500+ IVF procedures. Former Head of OBG and IVF, Bahrain Specialist Hospital (JCI Accredited).
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