Fertility Awareness Check-up

If you know you want to have a family some day, and even if you’re not sure, you may want to have a fertility awareness check-up the next time you visit your doctor. Infertility can be an invisible challenge that many people do not see coming down the road, and it’s important to be aware of it, especially if you know you want children someday. If one’s family has a history of reproductive or fertility issues, or other serious health issues, then it is highly recommended to do some preventative screening so that patients can get a sense of where their body is at when it comes to the possibility of having a family some day.

While about 20% of infertility cases may be from unknown factors or unexplained, about 40% of fertility issues are female related, and the other 40% are of male origin. Because of this, the screening includes a semen analysis (SA), as well as a blood test (for Follicle Stimulating Hormone, or FSH, and Anti-Malarian Hormone, or AMH) and an ultrasound to look at antral follicle count (AFC).

The testing can help put you at ease if all checks out normal, and if there is an issue, there are ways of improving your fertility, and tools available to help provide a higher chance of someday having children. Some couples chose to make embryos and freeze them while they are younger, so that they may be able to use them later when they are ready, and when they may not be able to make healthy embryos later on in life. Many women are also choosing to freeze their eggs to use in the future. Besides clearing up any underlying health concerns, and taking advantage of modern technologies to safeguard oneself against infertility in the future, the best thing one can do is to begin taking care of one’s health right now. Taking care of yourself and doing things that promote health overall, such as eating right, exercising and managing stress, can all have a positive impact on one’s health and fertility, and chances of conception someday. Certain supplements can also help a variety of conditions, and practices and treatments such as yoga and acupuncture can also promote health, reduce stress and balance hormones – all things that will support fertility and encourage one’s fertile window to be open as long as possible.

If you have questions about your fertility health, feel free to contact our office anytime – we are always happy to answer any of your questions about fertility and your future.