What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting

What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting: Infertility Workup and Pre-conception

It’s a brand new year and your social media is likely flooded with uplifting resolutions, reflections, marriage proposals, and new bundles of joy. If you have been attempting to conceive naturally without conception, feelings of jealousy or even anger may surface when you see your friends snuggle their new baby. While it may seem like everyone else can have a baby in accordance with their timeline, the truth is that more than five million people of childbearing age in the United States, or one in every 10 couples, have problems with infertility.

Am I infertile?

There is a difference between actively trying and infertility. If you have been trying to conceive longer than one calendar year, you are considered an infertile patient of unknown origin.

What causes infertility?

Unfortunately, there is not one singular cause or reason. Every patient is different, so what works for one patient may not work for you.

Can only females be infertile?

No, studies show that males can also have infertility issues.

What can I expect during a pre-conception visit or infertility?

You’ve been doing ovulation testing, taking a prenatal vitamin, and trying for 6 months. You go to your doctor’s office and he/she runs a few lab tests and wants you to follow up in three months. That’s three months of waiting and no guarantee of a baby. While this process is frustrating, your doctor is ruling out potential problems. For example, if you have heavy, irregular periods, your doctor may put you on birth control for three months to regulate you. While this may seem counter-intuitive, this is actually a way to regulate your cycles so that future pregnancy becomes easier. Your provider may even schedule a pelvic ultrasound

If pre-conception counseling is preventative to diagnosing infertility, does it count on my insurance as preventative care?

Infertility is often not covered by insurance and does not count as preventive care. It is important to go in for your yearly checkup even if you are concerned about infertility. If you have issues such as cervical polyps, they can be diagnosed at your routine visit.

Infertility is sometimes lengthy process to diagnose an treat. The most important step to take is the first one. Your OBGYN will be able to assist you with any questions, comments, or concerns about infertility. Schedule an appointment today to discuss further treatment.

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