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May2008

Why Aren't Women Seeking Treatment?

Assisted reproductive technology is more successful than ever at helping people with infertility get pregnant. But many are still not taking advantage of available treatments.

Why?

Information Gap
A recent survey of over 700 readers of Conceive Magazine found that in spite of the information that's out there, many women feel uninformed about basic fertility how-to's.

The result: women are still waiting too long before consulting a fertility specialist. By the time they finally reach the door of a reproductive endocrinologist's office, their chances of getting pregnant are already decreased by nothing more than passing time.

Check Your Calendar


For women, fertility is highly dependent on time and age. The recommendation -- and all women should know this, regardless of whether they're trying to get pregnant now or think they might in the future -- is to adjust the length of time you try to get pregnant according to your age.

Generally, if you're a woman under 30, give it a year of well-timed sexual intercourse.

If you're Trying to Conceive (TTC) in your 30's, don't wait much longer than six months before seeking assistance from a specialist.

If you're 38 years old or older, you may want to get a jump on things and see a fertility specialist at the beginning of your TTC journey.

Ramping Up the Education


We at Houston Infertility Clinic will be doing our part to bridge the information gap. In a few weeks, I'll be unveiling a new blog where you can read my ongoing comments about new finds in the world of infertility treatment and more tips on how to optimize your efforts at having a baby.

In the meantime, what are your questions about getting pregnant? I'm here to answer...

Sincerely,

Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD