Infertility is not solely a woman’s problem. In fact, infertility affects men and women equally. People are often surprised to learn that 35% of infertility cases are related to the male, and 35% to the female. Additionally, 20% of infertility cases are due to combined caused between the male and female , and 10% of infertility cases remain undiagnosed. Therefore, it is very important that both partners in a couple experiencing infertility receive a full evaluation. Unfortunately, many people think they should wait up to 30 months before seeking help. In reality, people should seek treatment for infertility after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. Women older than 35 should not wait longer than 6 months to see a specialists.
For women under 30, it’s estimated that the chance of becoming pregnant in any one cycle is about 20 to 35%. By age 40 that chance plummets to approximately 5%. Female fertility diminished with age, beginning in the late twenties. The first dip in a woman’s fertility usually comes at around 27. By age 37, approximately 50% of women will experience infertility. That’s why it’s so important to start almost right away with the most simple means of evaluation: the over the counter ovulation predictor kits and semen analysis kits. They will let you know if you need to get to the doctor even sooner, or if you can take the six months or the year of trying to conceive on your own.
Women who delay first time parenthood until after the age of 30 (about one in seven of those in their childbearing years) are stunned and furious when they discover that age compromises fertility, and nearly ninety percent of all women will experience infertility at age 42.
The average 30 year old couple will require approximately 6 months of active trying to achieve a pregnancy. Mother nature is not very efficient! And that’s one of the best kept secrets in the “Trying to Conceive” world. Now you know.
Pamela Madsen
Pamela Madsen was the first Executive Director of RESOLVE NYC and is the Founder of The American Fertility Association. Pamela is an internationally known fertility advocate who has appeared on Oprah and countless other major media outlets. Currently, Pamela is a fertility coach and publisher of The Fertility Advocate. She is also a blogger for Psychology Today and SpermCheck Fertility. |