Where to start Your fertility journey
Updated: Sep 17, 2021
Knowing where to start can be half the problem.
Here are some shortcuts (that took me 9 years) - your'e welcome!
1 Choose a good OBGYN / Fertility specialist
The best way to do this is by recommendation.
If you don't really want to advertise your sex life, luckily we have an extensive list
and resources for you! see here!
2 Ovulation
First test will usually be to make sure you are ovulating regularly, and the eggs are viable.
This may start with a vaginal exam - checking the cervix, and a transvaginal ultrasound.
To check ovulation, you will have a blood test (which will test the hormone levels) or if you are mid-cycle, a scan to check the size and shape of your folicles.
3 Sperm
Then you will need to test that the boys are swimming properly.
This will require a fresh sample, and they will test sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (quality) pH, volume, fructose levels etc.
I my opinion, the sperm reflects the man - for eg. lazy man = lazy sperm.
If you want to improve the quality of your sperm, eat healthily, excersice, cut out drinking and take your phone out of your pocket!
The first consultation is more like an interview for both of you.
It will include medical and sexual history, previous pregnancies, medication,
use of caffeen / drugs etc. birth control.
The doctor is trying to find any obvious reasons for not conceiving.
4 Tubes
Called a HSG or "tubogram" is an xray of the fallopian tubes.
Liquid dye (usually iodine) is inserted through the cervix [ Tip: RELAX it will hurt if you tense up ] to determine if there is a blockage.
There is another method of saline & air. Some people have reported conceiving immediately after having this test - the theory is that the test itself may dislodge any blockages.
5 Next steps
So you've been trying for a while, and nothings happening.
You have added your ovulation app to your phone & read about the best time to have sex.
So what are the next steps to make sure everything is in working order?
Additional tests may include:
Hysteroscopy - tube with a camera on it
Laparoscopy - camera is inserted into the belly to check for problems endometriosis
Thyroid testing - this is extremely hard to do + expensive as it changes every day. There is an epidemic of people on thyroid medication, so you may want to try Lugols iodine solution first.
Genetic testing - blood test that looks at a person’s DNA, or genetic information.$$$
*Please bear in mind these tests can be invasive & unneccesary.
There are many alternative & unintrusive ways to check for problems (see Kinesiology, TCM, bodytalk for eg.)
*Of course I am not a medical expert and this is just my experience and opinion, so please feel free to ignore me ;-)
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