Friday Q&A: Help with Infertility; When to Freeze Eggs; Anxiety about So Many Pills; & Finding a Therapist

You ask the best questions!

It’s Friday Q&A time! Click here to submit your questions for future posts!

The first question (about infertility) is free for everyone. The remaining questions (about egg freezing; anxiety about medications; and finding a therapist) are for paid subscribers.

Don’t forget to check out my recent Q&As on:

• Diet Coke; Stomach Woes; Strength Training for Beginners; & Finding the Right Doctor for Menopause

• Treating Heartburn; Selecting the Best Doctor; Insomnia; & How to Triage Your Medical “To-Dos”

• Choosing a Doctor; Ozempic Downsides; Long COVID & Caregiver Burnout

Photo by Deon Black on Unsplash

Let’s dive in!

QUESTION #1

My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months. I’ve always had pretty normal menstrual cycles but now I’m worried. How do I know when we should seek medical help for fertility?

-Trying

Dear Trying,

Thank you for asking this question. You are not alone. (My newsletter this week is about the physical, emotional and social effects of infertility.)

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year for couples who are under the age of 35, and after six months for couples who are over the age of 35.

It’s never too early to talk with your OB about fertility. And if you are under 35, you might want to wait until it’s been a full year. However, there are other factors that may indicate the need for earlier intervention, including:

• Irregular or painful periods: If you have irregular or painful periods, it could indicate an underlying condition (such an endometriosis or PCOS) that is affecting your fertility.

• Previous reproductive health issues: If you have a history of pelvic infections, sexually transmitted infections, or other reproductive health issues, you may be at a higher risk of infertility and should seek medical help sooner.

• Male infertility: If your partner has a history of reproductive health issues or has experienced difficulty conceiving in the past, it may be beneficial to seek medical help together. In men, infertility may be caused by low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

• Lifestyle factors: If you have a history of heavy alcohol or drug use, smoking, or a poor diet and exercise regimen, it could negatively impact your fertility and it may be beneficial to seek medical help sooner.

The upshot? It's always better to seek medical help early on if you're concerned about your fertility. While it’s more likely than not that you will be able to conceive on your own, infertility can affect every aspect of our health. I hope that’s helpful.

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QUESTION #2

I am a 33-year-old single woman. I want to have kids but haven’t found the right partner. When is a good time to freeze my eggs?

- Molly