Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of costs, “we’ve gotten pregnant on our own before”...These are just a few of the reasons couples may use in the decision (or in some cases indecision) to delay fertility treatment. Patients delay treatment because they are unclear of what their options are, or holding out hope for getting pregnant on their own. Believe it or not, acknowledging and accepting infertility is a huge step towards becoming pregnant! Don’t let fear or indecision keep you from becoming pregnant and growing your family. The time is right, right now. Here’s why not to delay fertility treatment:
Age affects female fertility:
Infertility is considered when a couple has been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying. For women over 35 years, infertility is considered after six months of trying to conceive without success. The sooner you are able to pinpoint the cause of infertility and proceed with treatment, the higher your chances of successfully delivering a baby. You will never be more fertile than you are today.
Preserve fertility at your current age:
Females are born with their total amount of eggs and do not create more eggs throughout their lifetime, this is known as the ovarian reserve. If you proceed with certain infertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or elective egg freezing, the eggs and embryos that are created as a result of treatment will be preserved at the age of treatment even if you decide to delay pregnancy.
Timing is everything:
Most infertility treatments offered at RCC Fertility are timed with your menstrual cycle. They cannot be performed at any time. So, while you may be ready, you may have to wait to begin treatment. Also, treatment can sometimes take a bit longer than expected. This is the case with women who do not have a period or do not have a regular monthly cycle.
Fertility testing takes time:
A series of tests are administered as the first step to learning the cause of infertility and what treatment protocol will be best for you and your partner. Some of the tests are timed with your monthly cycle (such as the blood work that is drawn during the third day of your menstrual cycle that tests the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2)). Your partner will also undergo a semen analysis and you may be required to undergo additional tests depending upon your specific health history.
Infertility treatment may not be quick, but it is worth it:
Conceiving is not always a quick and easy process when you experience infertility. Couples who find may themselves experiencing secondary infertility, meaning they conceived on their own through intercourse with their first child, are sometimes surprised and maybe even angered at the length of time it takes to conceive their second child. Starting your fertility journey now, rather than later, means that you will be able to meet your bundle of joy that much sooner.
We’re passionately committed to helping you start or grow your family in a caring and kind environment. The RCC Fertility team is ready to guide you through the fertility journey one step at a time. Request an appointment for an initial consultation today at our top infertility centre in Mississauga to learn more.