Maybe you are starting to think about having a family, or maybe you have been trying to get pregnant for quite some time now. Whatever your case may be, there is a chance you are thinking, “Will I have problems getting pregnant?” Fertility issues plague many women, and recent estimates say that nearly 10% of women in the United States have trouble getting pregnant or staying pregnant. The truth is, if you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, then it is time to talk to your doctor about fertility.

While some women experience irregular periods, most women never experience any distinct symptoms that would indicate any sort of fertility issues. In women, fertility issues can arise during three general stages: ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. Most often, infertility occurs due to a problem with ovulation (the time of the month when a woman’s body releases an egg from one of her ovaries). Issues with ovulation are most often connected to polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. If you were previously diagnosed with PCOS, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting pregnant. In addition to PCOS, other chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid conditions, endometriosis, and hormonal insufficiencies can also affect your chances of getting pregnant. If you have a chronic condition, it never hurts to get an early consultation with your doctor about fertility.

Aside from chronic conditions, other factors can lead to a heightened chance of having fertility issues. Women who smoke and drink excessively increase their risk for fertility issues. Other risk factors include poor diet, being overweight or underweight, stress, and excessive athletic training. Age can also play a factor in a woman’s chance of conceiving, and if you are over the age of 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for over six months, then you should also talk to your doctor about fertility. Age can affect fertility due to the body having less healthy eggs than when you were younger. In addition, after the age of 35, the ovaries may not be working as well. There are a number of treatments available to help women with fertility issues that range from simple medicines to surgery and other high-tech options. Sometimes multiple treatment options can be used together to improve your chances of conceiving.

Many women often focus on their own health issues when it comes to fertility, but it is also important to get a consultation on your partner’s health. Fertility issues can stem from problems with sperm, such as low motility, poor sperm quality, and low sperm count, and sometimes fertility issues can be a result of problems from both partners. Sometimes the process of figuring out the stem of your fertility issues may be long because it can take time to diagnose the issue and find a treatment option that works for you. Do not lose hope and be sure to explore all your options for growing your family. While the road to pregnancy may be long, nearly 65% of couples who begin fertility treatments eventually see through a healthy pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with one of our Fertility Specialist in Brentwood, TN to discuss your concerns.