I’m having difficulty getting pregnant – what do I do?
First, don’t panic and don’t lose hope.
80% of couples will get pregnant within one year of having regular intercourse, with another 10% achieving pregnancy within two years.
Generally, if you have not got pregnant after a year of trying then it’s advisable to seek help.
There are 3 main reasons why you are having difficulty getting pregnant.
1.You are not ovulating (producing and releasing an egg)
This can be determined by simple blood tests in the first instance, by checking Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) in the first 7 days after the period starts and a Progesterone hormone level one week before your periods is due.
2.You have a problem with your fallopian tubes.
This can be determined by either an ultrasound or x-ray test which involves injecting a saline solution or dye into the cervix and watching it pass through the tubes with either an ultrasound scan or x-ray. This is performed when you are awake but gives limited information concerning the internal organs.
The alternative is to perform a laparoscopy and dye test. This is done as a day case and involves a general anaesthetic. You will, therefore, be asleep for this procedure and in addition to getting information about the tubes additional information regarding the pelvis like endometriosis, adhesions, evidence of old infections or polycystic ovaries and their treatment can be found.
3.You have an issue with the sperm
This is determined by a semen analysis which looks at the volume, number, shape and motility of the sperm.
In general, following theses test we diagnose subfertility and would generally consider a tablet called Clomid to ensure ovulation and so help with getting pregnant.
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