I’m Still not Pregnant! When Should I Worry?

It happens all the time - you're scrolling through your social media and come across another post: beaming smiles, hands on a belly and eventually you see it - a picture of an ultrasound. It's another pregnancy announcement. Your overwhelming happiness for the newly minted parents-to-be is dampened by your own struggles to get pregnant. You've been trying to conceive for what seems like FOREVER, but how long is too long and when is it time to see your doctor?

Infertility

The American College of OB-GYNs defines infertility as failure to achieve pregnancy within 12 months of unprotected intercourse in women younger than 35 years old or within 6 months in women older than 35.

Infertility is more common than you think. About 1 in 7 couples struggle to get pregnant. This week April 18-24th is National Infertility Awareness Week.

What Causes Infertility?

The most common cause of female infertility is ovulation problems while the most common cause of male infertility is problems with the number or function of sperm.

There are many other factors that may affect your ability to get pregnant. They include age, lifestyle habits (weight, tobacco use, drug use, etc.) and other health conditions (endometriosis, PCOS, cancer treatments, thyroid problems). 

About 1/3 of the time, no cause is found to explain infertility.

What Can be Done?

If you are experiencing infertility issues, you should contact your OB-GYN. They will be able to do a History and Physical Exam to determine if there are any glaring issues. Your doctor may order some basic blood work and imaging studies to evaluate your reproductive organs.

Your doctor may refer you to a Reproductive Endocrinologist (an OB-GYN who specializes in infertility) for further evaluation.

The Bottom Line:

If you are younger than 35 years old and have been having unprotected intercourse for 12 months without achieving pregnancy, or if you are older than 35 years old and have been having unprotected intercourse for 6 months without pregnancy, it's time to get evaluated!

Take Charge of Your Health

Premier OB-Gyn is accepting new patients in both our Maitland, FL and Oviedo, FL locations. We would be happy to see you to help you start your family! Please call 321-397-1212 or visit www.premierob-gyn.com to book your appointment.

Author

Matthew Wollenschlaeger, MD, FACOG Matthew Wollenschlaeger, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN who joined the Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology team in 2020. He is proud to provide high-quality care to the women throughout Maitland and Oviedo, Florida. Originally from Ocala, Florida, Dr. Wollenschlaeger attended undergraduate school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry. He returned to Florida to earn a Master of Science degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Wollenschlaeger completed his medical degree at The University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He went on to complete his OB/GYN training at Orlando Health, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, where he was the Chief Quality Resident. At Premier Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Wollenschlaeger enjoys being able to offer the full spectrum of women’s healthcare and is dedicated to treating women at all stages of life.