With June being World Infertility Awareness month, this week in health we talk to an expert about infertility - and when is a good time to ask for help.
Alka Prakash, lead consultant at Cambridge IVF based in Maris Lane, Trumpington, goes back to basics, explaining what infertility is and how to identify the right time to seek help.
Infertility is a term often heard but how many of us actually know what it is?
And if you are trying unsuccessfully for a baby how do you know when failing to conceive becomes an issue that you should seek help for?
"The NHS defines infertility as when a couple cannot get pregnant despite regular attempts," said Alka.
"The good news is that within one year 84 per cent will expect to be pregnant. However that still leaves 16 per cent in limbo, and it is at this point after several months of trying that people ask 'Am I infertile'?
"The answer is, yes you could be. Anyone can be and lots of people will experience problems. We know that infertility affects up to one in seven couples and problems conceiving are therefore quite common."
Alka said it was time to seek help when a couple has been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
"You can make an appointment to see your GP who will check for common causes of fertility problems," she said. "Alternatively you can self-refer to a specialist clinic such as Cambridge IVF to pay for a fertility health check which will analyse sperm health and functionality, look at ovarian health and give an indication of the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
"The results from these tests are analysed and discussed at a review consultation with a fertility consultant who helps to identify next steps.
"When we talk about infertility there is no catch-all definition to define it. Causes are varied and although it is most commonly caused by problems with ovulation it can also be down to damage to the womb and fallopian tubes, some medicines and drugs and, quite simply, age.
"And it's not just women, the issue can just as much be with the man. Problems with semen such as reduced count or decreased mobility can be at play. It's nothing to be embarrassed about though. At Cambridge IVF we examine over 200 sperm samples a month so men if you do have problems you are certainly not alone!"
Earlier this month, one of Britain's top NHS fertility specialists, consultant gynaecologist Professor Geeta Nargund, warned that women should start trying for a baby before they are 30 – or risk never having children.
She said the agony of a growing number of women left childless was a key reason why fertility lessons must be included in the national curriculum.
But Alka said while having children under 30 would maximise chances of success, it did not apply to everyone.
"Certainly this advice would maximise chances of success and should be kept in mind when planning your family," she said.
"However, it's not always possible when balanced with a career and settling into a home. My advice would be as soon as you feel ready to have children and have discussed it with your partner then don't delay it any further.
"But if you are going to wait do seriously consider a fertility health check to be sure you're not sitting on an issue that could worsen."
Factfile: Who should I turn to for help?
Speak to your GP if you've been trying to conceive for 12 months or more
Many clinics offer a fertility health check – useful for helping to establish if there is an underlying issue
Many people find Fertility Friends (online) a useful source of peer support and advice
Infertility Network UK offers advice and support for those struggling to conceive
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