Not being able to fall pregnant is called involuntary childlessness When it doesn't "take" Deciding to seek help is a big step Letting go of the hope that if only we try one more month it'll work out, can be difficult Turning to one's gynacologist also means that what, in theory, is so simple, and yet so private, is moved to waiting rooms, doctors and clinical environments It goes from being something between two people who love each other, to something you put in the hands of strangers It is not an easy decision But in the end the only right thing to do when you're overcome by longing
 
When to seek help?
How long time should you spend trying to get pregnant before seeking help? Provided you are not aware of any problem that is stopping you from getting pregnant, the following recommendations are usually given:
Under 35 years old, give it a year Research shows that one has a chance of approximately  30 % of falling pregnant every cycle So it can take a couple of attempts Over 35, about 6 months  Over 38, about three months  You mustn't put off getting in touch with your gynecologist if you're over 40, or if you know that there might be something in your medical history that could obstruct a pregnancy
 
Fertility Investigation
At the gynecologist a fertility investigation will be initiated It can be divided into three areas:
 
1  Ovulation
Ovulation is a necessary prerequisite for babies, therefore one must find out what the cycle is like There are several methods; blood tests that measure hormone levels; ultra sound examinations to follow the maturation of the eggs, ovulation strips and, the classical clinical thermometer
The first thing a gynecologist usually tries when a couple seek help for involuntary childlessness is hormones, in the form of pills, that guarantee ovulation For many, this will be enough to get pregnant
 
2  Anatomy
This part is an examination to make sure that there are no actual physical problems, such as there being a blockage somewhere In the first step this is done by means of a vaginal ultra sound examination Later on in the investigation contrast medium is added, and if anthing suspicious is found, keyhole surgery is carried out
Many couples actually get pregnant after the Fallopian tubes have been examined with contrast medium One reckons that this is due to the contrast medium flushing the tubes clean, and thus clearing the way
 
3  Sperm
A simple sperm test has a lot to say; are there too few of them? Do they move like they should? Should it become apparent that the sperm are a bit on the slow side, an insemination might be all that is needed to become pregnant; that the sperm are given a bit of a shove and a push, at the right moment
 
In as many as between 10 and 20 % of the cases, no real reason is found for there not being any children conceived In these cases IVF is a solution The method is used in all kinds of involuntary childlessnes
Read more about IVF here