The journey to becoming pregnant is unique for every couple. If you and your partner are ready to have a baby, knowing what to expect helps you both feel confident.
A preconception visit with your primary care provider or OB/GYN is a good way to understand your current health, and if medication or lifestyle changes can help.
Both healthy women and men in their reproductive years can experience trouble conceiving or staying pregnant.
Miracles Take Time
Infertility is more common than what you might think. To conceive, a lot of things have to go just right. And even after a successful ovulation, fertilization and implantation, there’s the pregnancy journey all the way up to delivery day.
Open communication with each other, and your doctor, eases stress before, during and after pregnancy. Couples having a difficult time getting pregnant can find support from reproductive experts at Avera, whether it’s the first or second pregnancy.
“We can support patients by recommending and providing the fertility care options most couples need to address infertility,” said Molly Uhing, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN at Avera. “This may include physical examination, laboratory evaluation or imaging studies to further evaluate potential causes of infertility.”
Fertility Guidance and Treatments
Seeking help early on is a good idea so you and your partner can evaluate options. With an expert guiding you through the steps, you have all the information and resources you need for the best possible outcome.
“Ovulation disorders or conditions of the female reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, make it difficult to become pregnant,” said Uhing. “Avera specialists offer a range of treatments that can assist the majority of couples experiencing infertility due to blockages and ovulation issues.
An infertility and gynecologic physical exam helps you both understand unique fertility patterns. That way, you can address hormone disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular cycles or other relevant conditions.
“An Avera OB/GYN can help couples monitor ovulation and cycle tracking. Medications to help with ovulation induction can also be considered.”
Male and female assessments inform what will be best for possible options. A variety of infertility treatments are available at Avera such as:
- Cycle monitoring to track ovulation
- Medications to support ovulation
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical interventions to treat blockages in the uterus or other issues
If a couple prefers to conceive with no medications or treatments, Avera also offers a natural FertilityCare educational program to increase chances of conceiving.
Most couples can find the care and guidance they need to become pregnant.
Ask Your Doctor for Fertility Guidance
Your family doctor can connect you with an OB/GYN or another specialist, like an endocrinologist, to guide you through the fertility process. Or you can also begin it yourself by making an appointment with an OB/GYN without a referral from your doctor.
