02 February,2018 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Fertility is a topic that most people shy away from talking about. But when it comes to burning questions that you are just too shy to ask someone face to face, we have the answers for you; answered by our expert Dr Anagha Karkhanis, Co-Founder, Cocoon Fertility
I am not able to conceive; which doctor should I visit first? Before I go to an IVF specialist?
General advice is that if you are young, have regular periods and able to have intercourse regularly during the fertile period then there is no need for a visit to a doctor for the first year of trying. This is so because in the first year of trying 85% couples fall pregnant. You and your husband should both follow a healthy diet and avoid smoking and alcohol. You should also take folic acid supplements when you start trying for a pregnancy.
When you have tried for over a year or have irregular periods, or have any medical condition e.g. diabetes, thyroid problems or are more than 30 years of age, it's best to see a doctor straight away to at least get basic fertility tests of Sr AMH levels (hormone test that tells us what the ovarian reserve is) and a semen analysis for your partner. Any doctor either your GP or your regular gynaecologist should be able to order these tests for you. If these results are abnormal, its best to see a fertility specialist at the earliest.
If you are more than 35 years old and trying for a baby, it is recommended that you start your journey to parenthood with a Infertility expert. Fertility rapidly declines with age and its crucial to have timely help and intervention before it is too late.
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