Even though pregnancy is a common occurrence, becoming pregnant is actually a complex process. Many people struggle with becoming pregnant. If you have been trying to become pregnant for several months and have seen no success, you may begin to worry that you or your partner cannot have children. Many couples stress over the question, “How do I know if I am infertile?”
First, What Is Infertility?
Infertility is usually marked by the inability to become pregnant within one year of trying to have a child. Couples can be considered infertile for a number of reasons. Age plays a significant factor in the fertility journey. Women over the age of 35 might have an increasingly more difficult time becoming pregnant. Some of the other causes include damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and low sperm count. Sometimes there isn’t a known cause for a couple’s infertility.
What Does Fertility Look Like?
For a couple to be fertile, there are three basic requirements:
- Ovulation. Ovulation occurs when the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. The window of 24 to 48 hours in which ovulation happens is often referred to as the “fertile window.” You can determine if you are in the “fertile window” by charting your basal temperature, using an over-the-counter ovulation kit, or by seeing a fertility specialist who will perform a vaginal ultrasound to determine the time of ovulation.
- Normal or close to normal sperm count. This can be determined by doing a semen analysis.
- Normal uterus and fallopian tubes. The uterus and fallopian tubes can be evaluated by undergoing a special type of X-ray called a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This procedure lets the doctor see if the uterine cavity and tubes are normal.
Consulting With a Fertility Specialist
If you have been trying to become pregnant for over six months to one year with no success, it might be time to consult with a fertility specialist. By scheduling a consultation with a fertility specialist, you can gain a better understanding of the cause of your infertility. A specialist can recommend a variety of treatments that can help you and your partner become pregnant.