New Year, New Goals: Is It Time to See a Fertility Specialist?

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Inception Fertility

Welcome to 2025! The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts, setting goals, and planning for the future. For many, these resolutions include focusing on family-building or taking charge of their fertility and reproductive health. Whether you’re ready to start or expand your family or simply want to understand your fertility options, the new year is the perfect time to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist.

Here’s a guide to help you decide if this is the year to take that important step.

For Couples Trying to Conceive

If you’ve been trying to conceive, the new year is an ideal time to reevaluate and seek expert guidance. Though every situation is unique, we generally recommend seeking fertility care under the following conditions.

  • Under 35 Years Old: If you’ve been trying for 12 months or more without success, it’s time to consult a specialist.

  • 35 and Older: If you’ve been trying for 6 months without success, we recommend you seek help. Age can impact fertility, and early intervention is key.

  • Irregular Periods or Known Medical Conditions: If you’ve noticed irregular or absent periods or have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, a fertility specialist can help you explore solutions.

  • Male Factor Fertility: The new year is a good time for both partners to prioritize their reproductive health. Semen analysis can identify any male fertility concerns.

For LGBTQ+ Couples

Starting or expanding your family often involves planning and specialized care, such as third party reproductive techniques. Our fertility specialists can help guide you through the options:

  • Same-Sex Female Couples: Explore paths like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor sperm.

  • Same-Sex Male Couples: Our team can provide resources for gestational surrogacy and using donor eggs.

  • Transgender Individuals or Couples: Whether you’re preserving your fertility before transitioning or pursuing parenthood post-transition, we can tailor a plan to meet your needs.

For Single Aspiring Parents

The new year can be a powerful motivator to focus on your family-building goals, especially if you’re embarking on the journey alone:

  • Parenthood Dreams: If you’re ready to become a parent, our team can guide you through options like donor sperm, donor eggs, egg freezing, or surrogacy.

  • Fertility Assessment: Start the year by understanding your fertility health with tests like ovarian reserve assessments or semen analysis.

  • Future Planning: Consider fertility preservation to keep your options open for later.

For Fertility Preservation

If your resolutions include planning for the future, preserving your fertility might be a great way to align with your long-term goals:

  • Delay Parenthood for Career or Personal Reasons: Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos allows you to focus on current priorities while preserving the possibility of building a family later.

  • Medical Concerns: If you’re undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, fertility preservation can help safeguard your options.

  • Proactive Planning: If you have a family history of early menopause or other fertility-related conditions, freezing eggs or sperm in the new year is a proactive step.

Signs You Shouldn’t Wait

No matter your situation, certain signs can indicate it’s time to consult a fertility specialist as soon as possible:

  • Two or More Miscarriages: Recurrent pregnancy loss could signal an underlying issue.

  • Painful Periods or Intercourse: These could be symptoms of conditions like endometriosis that impact fertility.

  • Irregular Cycles: If your periods are irregular, absent, or excessively heavy, it may affect your ability to conceive.

  • Family History of Genetic Conditions: Genetic counseling or testing may be helpful in planning your path to parenthood.

Start Your Year with Confidence

If your new year’s goals include growing your family or understanding your fertility, we’re here to help. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—take the first step and schedule a consultation with our compassionate team today. Together, we’ll turn your resolutions into a plan and help you build the future you’re dreaming of.

Let’s make this the year you take control of your fertility journey. Schedule your appointment today!

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      About the AFCC Blog

      Welcome to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago’s blog! Here, you will find information on the latest advancements in fertility care and treatments, including IVF, IUI, third-party reproduction, LGBTQ+ family building, preimplantation genetic testing, and more. Since 1997, we’ve used our experience and continuous investment in the latest fertility technology to help thousands of patients grow their families. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a new patient appointment.