You have just learned about the many factors and hormone levels that have to come together at just the right time and just the right way for both the mother and the father in order for pregnancy to happen. It is not uncommon for married couples to live together as husband and wife and do nothing to prevent children from coming to their home and still not become pregnant after months or years of trying. Because of the risks of hormonal therapy to aid with infertility or with birth control, a married couple may choose first to use their knowledge of the female ovulation and the menstrual cycle to either assist them with becoming pregnant or to attempt to time the coming of their children. If that is not working, then there are hormonal therapies and medical treatments available for both women and men to assist families in becoming pregnant.

Typically, a young couple should seek medical assistance if they have actively tried to conceive for a year without results. Older couples (over the age of 30) are recommended to visit a professional after 6 months of actively attempting to achieve a pregnancy. The rationale for this timeframe lies with the age and declination of egg quality in women and the time it may take to achieve success, even with using advanced reproductive techniques. These are guidelines only and every situation is unique, and the couple should carefully consider options as they plan to expand their family.

There are many reasons a woman may experience fertility difficulties. Endometriosis, hormone imbalances and ovulation issues can contribute to female infertility. As couples desiring to have children meet with infertility specialists, some of the options used to treat infertility include improving overall health by managing weight, sleep, stress coping, balancing thyroid, and reproductive hormones in conjunction with advanced reproductive techniques. Often lifestyle changes can contribute to successful outcomes in artificial insemination (AI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).