Fertility Assessment
84% of women who have regular unprotected sex will fall pregnant within a year. If you have been trying for longer than a year, you may be suffering from infertility.
Dr Tshimanga recommends that women over 35 should attend a fertility assessment after 6 months of trying to conceive. The assessment will pinpoint if there is a problem so that the correct course of treatment can be advised to increase your chances of falling pregnant.
When to consider a fertility assessment
There are several causes of infertility, including age, lifestyle, health conditions and hormonal conditions that prevent ovulation. If you struggle with any of the following, consider having a fertility assessment with Dr Tshimanga.
- Difficulty conceiving, despite regularly trying for over a year
- Difficulty conceiving over the age of 35, despite trying for over 6 months
- Irregular or missed periods
- Being diagnosed with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Previous history of miscarriages
What to expect during your fertility assessment
During your first consultation, Dr Tshimanga will ask you questions to get to know you better. This will include details about your medical history and a physical exam.
You will be asked questions about the following:
- Any current medications you’re on
- Your medical health, including your history of sexually transmitted diseases
- Past pregnancies and their outcomes
- Your current lifestyle, including your weight, stress levels, tobacco and alcohol use
- Your previous methods of birth control, when you stopped using them and how long you used them for
- How often do you and your partner have sex and whether you are experiencing any issues surrounding sex
After Dr Tshimanga has gained a better understanding of your health and lifestyle, he may run one or more tests, such as:
- Blood and urine tests to assess your hormone levels, as well as thyroid levels
- A pelvic exam to screen for abnormalities with your reproductive organs
- A pap smear to detect any abnormalities in the cervix
- An ultrasound to check the health of your ovaries and uterus
You may not need to take all the tests; Dr Tshimanga will determine the right course of action according to your situation.
What to expect after the assessment
Dr Tshimanga will go through your test results and suggest a treatment plan. This may include fertility drugs to restore the hormonal balance causing infertility, surgery to remove the tissue causing endometriosis and counselling on lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight or reducing stress which may be contributing to infertility.