When to stop trying to conceive

Many patients struggling to become pregnant wonder when it is time to quit. Just when is “enough enough”? It is important to realize that if Texas Fertility Center can utilize all of the options, 85-88% of patients will be able to have a baby. But that does not mean that there aren’t times during the treatment process when “enough is enough”.  We’ll explain when to stop trying.

When to see a fertility doctor

The definition of infertility is one year of unprotected intercourse. However, a couple where the woman is over 35 should see a doctor after six months of trying. When the woman is in her mid-30s, the chance of conceiving declines rapidly. Time is very important.

When to stop trying treatments

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to hear of patients who have been on Clomid for years without success. After 4-6 cycles of this treatment, the couple should be progressing to another treatment. This guideline also applies to intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Also, it is important for patients who undergo IUIs to know how many moving sperm are available for their IUI. If the sperm prep repeatedly produces less than 10 million moving sperm, the IUI is unlikely to work. At that point, the man should revisit his urologist or the couple should pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Sometimes couples are hesitant to move to the next level of treatment. Their concerns may include the cost, the stress, and/or the time requirement. These concerns may delay a couple from moving along. Despite the frustration of undergoing some of the treatments and not becoming pregnant, remember that most couples will be successful if they continue their evaluation and treatment. However, it is important for couples to move along when “enough has become enough” for any particular procedure.

Contact us for information about when to stop trying a treatment.