If you want to have a baby but you’re dealing with fertility issues, it can be heartbreaking. According to Medical News Today, if you and your partner are younger than 35 and have been having unprotected sex for over a year without conceiving, it may be time to go to a fertility doctor. These medical professionals will perform a fertility test for couples, such as a sperm count and a test for egg quality and number.

While you are at the doctor’s office, they are also likely to test your blood levels of reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. They’ll ask questions about your sexual history and habits and may be able to make suggestions that lead to a fertility solution. Some of the tests may be invasive, such as a testicular biopsy or an endoscopic exam of the female reproductive system.

If the fertility team concludes that you are unable or unlikely to conceive a child on your own, they will discuss alternative ways to have a baby. For example, if viable sperm or ova are the problem, you can find them at fertility banks. Some couples may conclude that their best alternative is adoption.

Ivf treatment process

Studies show that 12 percent of married women, or one in eight couples, have problems becoming pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Struggling to become pregnant can be a heart wrenching experience for most couples. For those unable to become pregnant on their own an IVF cycle can help. Seeking the help of a fertility expert can greatly improve the chances of becoming pregnant. When searching for fertility clinics there are a few things that can make the process less stressful.

Talk With Your OB/GYN
Women are the most fertile when they are between the ages of 20 and 24. When attempts to conceive have continued to fail, chances are your OB/GYN will be the first person you discuss your concerns with. They might order some tests and perform a few routine procedures. If these have not proven successful you may be referred to a fertility center. These centers specialize in infertility procedures and infertility treatments. Talk with your care provider and see if they have a list of professionals they use, or a list of referrals.

Research Facilities
Infertility treatments are constantly changing and improving. Make sure the doctor you choose has treated cases that are similar to yours. Ask about the doctor’s success rate and research online to see what others have to say about the facility and the doctor. Compare costs from facility to facility. The cost of IVF cycle treatments can get expensive, therefore make sure to compare prices and weight the cost with the success rate.

Visit the Facility
Take time to visit the facility before making your decision. During the research process keep a journal to write down questions you would like to ask the doctor. Don’t forget questions about the doctor himself. Ask about support groups and success rates compared with your age group. Use this journal when you meet with the doctor to write down answers and other information. This is a stressful time and you may not remember everything discusses the next day, keep the journal to reference back to when needed.

When deciding where to go to get the best IVF cycle treatment use these tips. You are not alone. Approximately 7.4 billion women have received fertility treatments at some point in their life. While this is new to you, there are others who have already undergone similar procedures. Find support groups online to help ease the stress and help with common questions or concerns you might have.