Trying to conceive a baby can be difficult for some people. Also, many wonder why they face challenges with infertility. It is important to understand the reasons behind it and know what to ask when seeking help. Visiting a fertility specialist is a big step, but being prepared with the right questions can make the process easier. Through this blog post, we will guide you through the questions you might need to ask a fertility specialist. Why delay anymore? Begin reading this blog post now.
What questions should we ask a fertility specialist?
When seeking guidance from a fertility specialist like Dr I-Ferne Tan, fertility specialist in Sydney, asking the right question will provide clarity. Furthermore, these questions will help you understand your options and make the best choices for your health and future.
1. Why do I become infertile?
Your fertility specialist will explain the reason after studying your medical history and performing some medical tests. But there are certain infections (Like Mumps Or STIs) that can harm men’s and women’s reproductive organs. Apart from this, Tubal disorders (Such as blocked fallopian tubes) often result from untreated STIs (Or Sexually Transmitted Infections), unsafe abortions, postpartum sepsis, or abdominal surgery. Moreover, uterine disorders (Like inflammatory conditions and congenital issues) can contribute to infertility or reproductive complications.
2. How do you diagnose and treat both the partners for infertility?
Here are some common ways through which a specialist may check your partner’s as well as your fertility:
- Blood Tests — Blood tests check hormone levels at different points in your cycle. For instance, progesterone is tested to see if ovulation is happening, along with other hormone checks.
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) — This test involves injecting dye into the uterus and taking an X-ray. It will help to check if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and identify any fertility issues.
- Semen Analysis — It helps to check sperm count, shape, and motility. Hence, this will allow your specialist to assess male fertility and whether sperm can fertilize an egg.
- Chlamydia Test — A swab from the cervix tests for chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection. Furthermore, it can damage the patient’s genitalia.
3. Which services do you offer?
A fertility specialist offers several services. They include IVF, AMH & Ovarian Reserves, Egg Freezing, General Gynaecology, Reproductive Surgeries, and Fertility Management.
4. Can certain types of substances and alcohol affect your fertility?
Taking drugs at all can impact a person’s ability to conceive. All types of substances pass into the bloodstream. Moreover, some of them also affect eggs or sperm and reduce the person’s fertility.
5. Is there anything I can do to improve my fertility?
You might need to consider food items that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. You should also increase the intake of fiber, protein, prenatal vitamins, and iron. You might further need to cut down on carbs, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Moreover, you need to perform regular exercise and maintain a proper body weight.
6. What Is The Best Treatment For My Fertility?
The treatment depends on the reasons why the patient is suffering from infertility. So, here are some common treatments a specialist may suggest:
- Medicines — There are certain medications such as Clomiphene Citrate and Estrogen pills. They may help the patients improve their hormone levels. As a result, it may further increase the chances of conceiving a baby.
- Surgical Intervention — Depending on the patient’s condition and severity, a fertility specialist may suggest surgeries. These surgeries include laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, laparotomy, tubectomy, ovarian cystectomy, and microsurgical tubal reanastomosis. They further address fertility issues and improve the chances of conception.
- Other Fertility Treatments — You may also opt for fertility treatments & management and egg freezing. Apart from this, you can look out for AMH & ovarian reserve and reproductive carrier screening. Depending on your fertility condition and needs, the specialist will recommend the right option for you.
7. How much does a complete fertility cycle cost?
Fertility treatment costs can vary based on the type of treatment. It also depends on the doctor’s approach and medications. But on average, an entire Fertility Cycle may cost somewhere around a couple of thousand bucks. Yet, you should ask your specialist to get an accurate estimation.
8. What Is Your Success Rate In Treating Infertility?
The success rate depends on various factors, such as Age Group, Number Of Embryos, and Endometrial Receptivity. But if we calculate the average success rate for all these factors, it will come to around 30 percent.
9. Will Lifestyle Changes Help Me Conceive?
Losing weight with the help of a regular exercise routine and maintaining a balanced diet can help you conceive. These changes can also improve the chances of success with fertility treatments. Thus, this makes it easier to get pregnant in a natural way and supports reproductive health.
By asking these questions, you can make better decisions and feel more at ease with your treatment plan. Clear communication with your fertility specialist is key to a better treatment.
All Things Considered
When visiting a fertility specialist, it is important to ask the right questions. These may include asking about the causes of infertility and how they diagnose the issue. You may further ask about the available treatments and lifestyle changes. You should also ask about the cost of treatments and the specialist’s success rate. Clear communication will help you to make better choices and feel more comfortable with the treatment you are receiving. Furthermore, it will help you to improve your chances of conceiving.
