5 Things a Fertility Doctor Wants You to Know

When you’re beginning your fertility journey, meeting with a fertility specialist can feel overwhelming. Dr. Kristen Wright, reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF in Bedford, New Hampshire, shares five key things she wants prospective patients to know before their first appointment. These tips can help prepare you for your visit and make the process feel less daunting.

1. Understand Your Menstrual Cycle
One of the first things your fertility specialist will ask about is your menstrual cycle. This helps determine whether or not you’re ovulating, which is essential for conception. Track your cycle length from the first day of your period to the start of your next one. If your cycle consistently falls between 24 and 35 days, it’s a good sign that you’re ovulating regularly. You can also use ovulation predictor kits or monitor symptoms like changes in cervical mucus to better understand when you are most fertile​.

2. Timing is Everything: Know Your Fertile Window
Your fertile window is the time when your body is most receptive to pregnancy. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before your next period, so timing intercourse a few days before ovulation can improve your chances of conception. For example, if you have a 28-day cycle, you’ll likely ovulate around Day 14, so the best time to try would be starting around Day 12. Tracking your cycle or using ovulation tests can help you identify the best days for conception​.

3. Lifestyle Matters
Your lifestyle can impact your fertility. Dr. Wright emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. She recommends a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Regular physical activity, such as daily walks, is also beneficial. Additionally, be sure to take a prenatal vitamin with at least 800 micrograms of folic acid, as this helps prevent certain birth defects​.

It’s also essential to avoid smoking, drug use, and limit alcohol and caffeine intake when trying to conceive. Keep caffeine to less than 200 mg per day, or about one caffeinated drink​.

4. Infertility is More Common Than You Think
Many people are surprised to learn that infertility affects about 15% of couples. If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or are over 35 and have been trying for six months, it’s time to seek advice from a fertility specialist. Various factors can contribute to infertility, including male factor issues (like sperm quality), female factors (like ovulation problems or blocked fallopian tubes), and sometimes, infertility remains unexplained. Fortunately, even in cases where the cause is unknown, treatments are available​.

5. Don’t Wait if Your Menstrual Cycle is Irregular
If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it may indicate that you’re not ovulating regularly, which makes it difficult to conceive on your own. In this case, you should see a fertility specialist sooner rather than later. A normal cycle typically falls between 24 and 35 days. If your cycles are consistently shorter or longer than this, it’s a sign that ovulation might not be happening, and seeking help early can improve your chances of success​.

Conclusion
Understanding your body and fertility is key to a successful journey. By tracking your cycle, timing your fertile window, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking help when needed, you’re taking important steps toward building your family.