The first point is please do not start having tests AFTER you have started having IVF treatment. Have them BEFOREHAND. The tests may show that IVF is not the right treatment for you.
Do not simply go for IVF without having a clear idea why you are having IVF treatment. Most people with infertility never need this complex treatment.
The normal human is pretty much the most naturally infertile mammal on the planet. The overall monthly chance of a normal woman getting pregnant is no more than about 18 to 25% per menstrual cycle. And, of course, humans are only really fertile for about one-third of their natural life and tend to be less fertile as they get older. We spend a long time growing to maturity and a somewhat longer time as menopausal adults.
On average, it takes most couples perhaps five months to conceive normally. So it really is not at all abnormal to take up to a year to conceive. Testing is generally indicated after one year of childlessness unless there are specific indications that there may be a problem, in which case earlier medical advice may be justified.
A typical indication of the need for earlier treatment might be very irregular periods or no periods at all, excessive hair growth, a history of abdominal surgery or a burst appendix, repeated miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, problems whilst wearing an intrauterine contraceptive coil and a family history of early menopause. Both men and women who have suffered genital tract infection may wish to seek earlier investigation, as should men with a swelling in the testis, a history of significant groin injury or testicular surgery as a child or adult. In particular, women much over 30 years old are likely to be less fertile and may take longer to get pregnant. Consequently, although there may be little wrong, they may wish to be investigated sooner.
Despite countless breakthroughs in medical science, we still do not understand why some pregnancies will end in tragedy. For most of us, having a child of our own is the most fulfilling experience of our lives. All of us can imagine the desperation and sadness of parents who lose a baby, and the life-shattering impact that a disabled or seriously ill child has on a family.
Professor Robert Winston’s Genesis Research Trust raises money for the largest UK-based collection of scientists and clinicians who are researching the causes and cures for conditions that affect the health of women and babies.
Essential Parent is proud to support their wonderful work. You can learn more about them here.
