Helping Couples Conceive
A fertility specialist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems. They may counsel subfertile patients, prescribe medication, and even refer patients for surgery. A fertility specialist may also be known as a 'reproductive endocrinologist', which is a fertility specialist with particular training in the study of hormones and infertility.
Ordinarily, the path of fertility treatment begins with comparison to 'normal' reproductive cycles, followed by hormonal and fertility medications. Some fertility specialists also recommend fertility awareness training and other supportive services. Investigative minor surgeries may be necessary to locate and define internal reproductive problems. When all other methods have failed, in vitro fertilisation or intra-uterine insemination may be used.
Becoming Aware of Your Fertility
Fertility specialists work closely with couples to help them achieve the family they desire. It's important for the couple to be involved in every aspect of their fertility treatment, which means full disclosure and discussion of all possible options.
Couples whose chances of conceiving are limited by nature usually choose a combination of fertility-enhancing treatments and education about fertility awareness. Becoming conscious of their own reproductive cycles helps many men and women know when the time is ripe for intercourse. Good timing can drastically improve the chances of conception.
To this purpose, fertility specialists may recommend the use of an ovulation test. An ovulation test works by measuring the hormonal levels in a woman's system. There are two common types of ovulation test: a daily ovulation test strip, which can help chart the entire menstrual cycle as the ovulation test is used once daily for twenty days; or a seven-day 'prediction' ovulation test, which (with careful timing) can determine your two most fertile days of the month.
How an Ovulation Test Works
Taking an ovulation test is virtually identical to taking a pregnancy test. While a pregnancy test detects the levels of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, an ovulation test measures luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone is the hormone that triggers release and maintenance of the egg; it spikes immediately before the egg is released, and an ovulation test measures the amount in your urine to determine whether or not ovulation has occurred.
Similar to a pregnancy test, a negative ovulation test simply means you need to keep trying. If you're already practicing fertility awareness, trying the seven-day ovulation test will probably be most useful and economical, as you already know the length of your cycle. If you're starting 'from scratch', however, a twenty-day daily ovulation test will accurately map out your menstrual cycle and pinpoint your most fertile days.
Fertility Guidance and Assistance
Sometimes subfertile couples just need a little guidance to find the right time to have intercourse. A fertility specialist can help educate subfertile and infertile couples on the many ways to improve their chances of conception. There are numerous methods outside of medication and surgery that have proven successful for families all over the world.
If you've been having trouble conceiving, or if you're currently receiving inadequate help with your fertility concerns, consider speaking with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist instead. They can help you find the best methods of conception for you as an individual and as part of a couple.
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