Infertility is common among women of childbearing age. This should not be a big reason to stress as the University Reproductive Associates fertility specialists offer several individualized approaches to improve your ability to get and remain pregnant. It all begins by identifying several reasons that could be causing your challenges to become pregnant, where your provider evaluates your medical history, lifestyle choices, and contraceptive options. It is crucial to consult your doctor about fertility testing before you try to become pregnant to know how easy or difficult it could be for you. But as you think about fertility testing, here is what you ought to know.
There are Several Testing Options
No matter what you might have heard from your friends who have taken fertility tests before, understand that several forms of tests are administered based on your unique needs. But generally, your provider will initially recommend blood tests to determine your anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. The test will help determine how many eggs you have left and compare it with other women at your age, noting that their egg count declines with age. Also, blood tests can measure your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels when your egg count goes down.
It is Not Always Cheap and Easy
Unfortunately, the entire fertility testing process may not always be easy, especially when your partner is also testing. You will require several visits to the clinic and be sent to other institutions for further testing. Additionally, getting all the tests might not be cheap, especially under 35. Many insurance companies will not cover fertility testing until you have tried conceiving unsuccessful for over a year. But you might gain more if you are over 35 since most companies could protect you if you have tried to get pregnant for about six months without success. It is vital to discuss with your doctor and your insurance provider to understand the cost of the testing and make proper financial management.
Lifestyle Factors Are Also Key
Even if you go for testing, do not forget to evaluate your lifestyle choices. Infertility is highly associated with specific life factors, and you have to ensure all is well. Even if your tests go on successfully, you might still encounter challenges conceiving due to those factors. Therefore, evaluate your weight and work to achieve a healthy weight, consider your stress levels, and assess your diet, smoking, and physical activity levels.
Positive Results May Not Mean You Can Conceive
Although your tests may come out positive, indicating you have normal AMH levels, you might still need additional fertility treatments to conceive. The tests can be average for your age, but you can still have a problem becoming pregnant. In such cases, you might require fertility treatment options like IUI to conceive and maintain the pregnancy successfully. Remember that other factors like age are vital in determining the effectiveness of your fertility treatment.
Bad Results Do Not Mean You Cannot Have Children
Fertility tests are only one piece of a puzzle. Having low AMH levels does not mean that you cannot conceive, and you should not go lax with your birth control if you are currently not trying to conceive. You need to consult your doctor and look into fertility treatment options you can gain from to ensure you achieve your future family goals.
If you are finding it hard to get pregnant, reach out to your fertility specialist to understand the cause of your infertility. You can also consider fertility tests to understand your fertility levels as per your age.