Is Sterilization Right for Me?
Having kids isn’t in your immediate or long-term future, and you’re exploring whether sterilization is right for you. Here, we present some information about tubal ligation to help with your decision-making.
Why Am I Struggling With Fertility in My 20s?
You’re in your 20s and the time is right for you to start a family, but you’ve been striking out, which is frustrating. That frustration only grows when you learn that peak fertility in women occurs in their late teens and 20s. So what gives?
Fertility can be frustrating at any age, and the team of women’s health experts here at Capital Women’s Care understands that very well. Over the years, we've helped many of our patients get to the bottom of their fertility issues, and the only constant is that the root causes can be complex.
Here, we take a look at a few of the culprits that can interfere with fertility in your 20s.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility
The most common cause of infertility in women is a condition called PCOS, which affects an estimated 5 to 6 million women in the United States. With PCOS, your levels of androgens, which are commonly considered male hormones, are too high.
This excess of androgen hormones can lead to side effects that range from infertility and irregular periods to acne and facial hair.
There are two halves of the fertility equation
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant in your 20s, the problem could stem from your male partner’s side of the equation.
Approximately 15% of couples in the US are unable to conceive after a year of trying, and the causes break down like this:
- One-third is due to female infertility
- One-third is due to male infertility
- One-third is due to fertility issues on both sides or for reasons unknown
So, it’s a good idea to have your partner go in for fertility evaluation.
Structural issues
Another possible culprit behind fertility issues in women are structural issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids. If you’re in your 20s and you’re encountering fertility issues, it’s a good idea to have us perform a pelvic exam to make sure everything is in order.
Ovulation issues
While PCOS creates issues with ovulation, there are other roads to poor ovulation, such as eating disorders, high levels of stress, thyroid conditions, and substance use disorders.
The bottom line is that there is a lot that needs to come together to conceive, so a problem anywhere along the line can prevent you from becoming pregnant. The best way to figure out why you’re facing fertility issues in your 20s is to come see us for a comprehensive evaluation. During this visit, we will discuss your current health and medical history,and then we’ll don our investigative hats to figure out what’s preventing you from getting pregnant.
We caution you that patience is required during this process, but rest assured, we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to help you with fertility issues so you can create the family of your dreams.
To get started, we invite you to contact one of our three conveniently located offices in Frederick and Mount Airy, Maryland, to schedule a consultation with one of our fertility experts.
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