When to Seek Help for Infertility
If you and your partner have been planning to have a child, are not using contraception, and have been having regular sexual intercourse (at least twice a week or timed with ovulation) for over one year without becoming pregnant, it suggests you may be experiencing infertility.
Additionally, if the female partner is over 35 years old and you’ve been trying to conceive for more than six months without success, this also indicates a potential infertility issue.
In either of these situations, we strongly recommend you seek prompt consultation at Smile IVF Clinic. Our dedicated team of specialized obstetrician-gynecologists, nurses, and scientists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating infertility, and they are ready to provide you with the comprehensive care and support you need.
Infertility is a common challenge, affecting at least one in every seven couples trying to conceive. Importantly, the causes are found almost equally between male and female partners, and sometimes a combination of factors. This is why both partners should undergo a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to identify the root cause.
At Smile IVF Clinic, when you come in for a consultation, our team will start by gathering a detailed history from both of you. This includes:
Age
Duration of trying to conceive
Frequency of sexual intercourse
Previous pregnancies or miscarriages
Medical history
General health habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption
For Male Partners: You will receive a physical examination to check for any abnormalities of the testicles and reproductive organs. A semen analysis will be performed to evaluate the count, morphology (shape), and quality of sperm, assessing their overall effectiveness.
For Female Partners: You will undergo a pelvic exam and ultrasound to assess the pelvic area, uterus, and ovaries. Blood tests will be conducted to measure hormone levels and evaluate ovarian function. Special diagnostic procedures might include:
Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy (camera into the uterus) or Laparoscopy (camera into the abdomen): These may be used for more detailed internal examination if needed.
Once our expert doctors and team have gathered all the necessary information, they will thoroughly analyze the findings to pinpoint the cause(s) of infertility. From there, we will develop a personalized and appropriate treatment plan for each couple, aiming to help you achieve your goal of parenthood.
Getting Ready for Fertility Treatment: Essential Preparations
To optimize your chances of success at Smile IVF Clinic, both partners should follow these health preparation guidelines before starting treatment:
Ensure Adequate Rest: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night, going to bed before midnight. Reducing stress and anxiety can help balance pregnancy-related hormones, making conception easier.
Exercise Regularly & Maintain a Healthy Weight: Consistent exercise and keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30 kg/m² can significantly improve ovarian response to hormones and treatment. This also increases success rates and reduces pregnancy complications.
Adopt a Balanced Diet & Take Supplements: Consume a healthy, balanced diet from all five food groups. Supplement with essential vitamins and minerals for at least one month prior to treatment to boost overall health and enhance the quality of sperm and egg cells. Recommended supplements include:
Folic Acid: 5 mg daily (for both men and women)
Co-enzyme Q10: 60-100 mg daily (for both men and women)
Zinc: 50 mg daily (for men)
Vitamin C: 1,000 mg daily (for men)
L-Arginine: 1,000 mg daily (for women)
DHEA: 100 mg daily (for women)
Calcium: 1,000 mg daily & Vitamin D: 400 IU (for women)
Vitamin E: 800-1,000 IU daily (for women)
Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking significantly increases the likelihood of pregnancy. For women, it improves both the quantity and quality of ovarian function, reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy, and increases live birth rates. For men, it demonstrably improves sperm quality.
Avoid Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Limit Caffeine: Refrain from alcohol and illicit drugs to reduce the risk of birth defects. Limiting coffee, tea, and caffeine intake can also enhance your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Pre-Pregnancy Health Evaluation for Existing Conditions: If you have specific chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or thyroid disorders, it’s crucial to have them evaluated and managed by a specialist before attempting to conceive.
By following these recommendations, you’ll be better prepared for fertility treatment and increase your potential for a successful pregnancy.
Initial Screening Before Starting Treatment at Smile IVF Clinic
Before you begin your fertility journey at Smile IVF Clinic, your doctor will conduct a series of essential preliminary screenings to ensure your health and the well-being of your future child. These include:
Infectious Disease Screening: Blood tests will be performed to check for viral infections that could be transmitted to the baby, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis.
Rubella (German Measles) Screening: You’ll be screened for Rubella, and if needed, receive a vaccine to protect against it before pregnancy begins.
Thalassemia Screening: Both partners will be screened for thalassemia, a blood disorder, to reduce the risk in your child.
Cervical Cancer Screening: A screening for cervical cancer will be conducted, with further tests if any abnormalities are found.
Genetic Testing (if applicable): If there’s a family history of birth abnormalities such as muscular dystrophy, intellectual disabilities, or color blindness, additional genetic testing may be recommended before starting treatment.
Psychological Evaluation: Your doctor will also assess your mental and emotional readiness to evaluate any risk of depression, stress, or other mental health issues that could impact the treatment process.
Initial Assessments for Fertility Treatment
To give you the best possible care, our specialists at Smile IVF Clinic will conduct thorough initial assessments for both partners.
Your doctor will start by discussing your medical history to pinpoint potential causes of infertility. This is followed by an internal ultrasound exam to check the condition of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which helps us understand your ability to conceive.
We’ll also assess your remaining egg supply by counting antral follicles during the ultrasound or by measuring specific hormone levels from your pituitary gland and ovaries. These include:
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
These tests indicate your ovarian reserve (the quantitative ability of your ovaries to function), which helps us choose the most suitable treatment method and estimate your chances of a successful pregnancy.
You’ll undergo a sperm analysis to evaluate the count and quality of your sperm. Before this test, we recommend refraining from ejaculation for 3 to 7 days, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcoholic beverages.
We may also perform a specialized DNA fragmentation test to assess the integrity and quality of your sperm’s DNA.
