The working woman today faces many decisions, one of which is whether to start a family. And if so, when? These decisions are usually made with little problems. Yet for one in six couples in the United States, conception does not occur without medical assistance. Many question when it is appropriate to seek medical consultation for infertility.

Initial infertility visit

Women, under age 35 that have been trying to conceive with unprotected relations for one year, or are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer may wish to seek medical advice.

The initial infertility investigation may be conducted by a gynecologist. Often times more complex findings are referred to a reproductive endocrinologist, a physician who has completed specialized training for evaluating and treating reproductive disorders and infertility.

Tips on what you and your partner will need to bring to your first visit:

• Insurance documents, appropriate referrals
• Medical records–Gynecology (female), Urology (male)
• Operative reports–videotapes, pictures of any pertinent surgeries
• X-ray films and reports (Hysterosalpingogram)
• Current pap smear, mammogram
• Laboratory testing–blodd testing, routine yearly physical results, hormone test
  rubella titer, semen analysis
• Menstrual history–start dates of last three to six menstrual periods

What to expect at the initial appointment:

Female

• Review of medical and reproductive history
• Age of first menses
• Frequency of menses
• Menstrual difficulties
• Surgeries–abdominal, pelvic
• Infections
• Physical exam
• Blood hormone testing
• Ultrasound

Male

• Review of medical and reproductive history
• Semen analysis
• Blood hormone testing (if semen parameters are abnormal)

Infertility can take various forms and the reasons for it can be complex. It is important to realize that the initial consultation will reveal only a small portion of the information needed to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. A couple should expect a minimum of one month to several months for the initial investigation to be completed and treatment to begin. The overall success rate for fertility therapy is 60 percent.

Resolution of infertility must be addressed by the couple as treatment begins. Areas to address are: what types of treatment will be acceptable, what alternatives are available. There is no easy answer for the 40 percent that continue to experience infertility. Care must be taken to view the experience as a growth process, as well as an opportunity to seek God’s will for you as a couple.

The above article originally appeared in The Godly Business Woman Magazine, January/February, 1999 issue.

Christian Infertility Resources
Stepping Stones
Hannah’s Prayer Ministries

Other Resources
Resolve
The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc.
Child of My Dreams