Infertility Update
Today, many women are pursuing careers and furthering
their education, often waiting until their mid-to-late
30s to start a family. However, infertility affects
one out of every seven couples, and as couples
reach their late 30s, this number jumps to one
in three.
"If you're trying to get pregnant, are
over age 35 and have been having unprotected
intercourse for nine months with regular menstrual
cycles, you should meet with an infertility specialist," advises Samantha
Pfeifer, MD, reproductive endocrinologist
and infertility specialist at Penn Health for
Women. If you don't have regular cycles, or if
you have had a prior gynecologic problem (such
as pelvic surgery or infections), you should
seek assistance sooner.
Many couples undergoing infertility treatment
are also concerned about the risk of higher order
multiple births (three or more fetuses). "There
is an element of unpredictability in fertility
treatments, but there are things you can do to
decrease your chances of becoming pregnant with
multiples," explains Dr. Pfeifer.
If you're concerned about multiple births
- Be an informed patient. Learn about your
chances of having multiples through your doctor
and other resources.
- Find your infertility problem. Some patients
and physicians often turn to using fertility
drugs without thoroughly searching to find
out why they aren't conceiving.
- Consider in vitro fertilization, IVF, which
is more con- trolled and less likely to result
in higher-order multiples.
- Cancel the cycle if you are at risk for higher-order
multiples and if selective reduction (reducing
the number of embryos to twins or triplets)
is a decision you don't want to be faced with.
- Ask your doctor about new medications that
may be available for some patients that reduce
the risk of multiples.
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