There are many reasons you should check up on your fertility every year. Don’t wait until you have signs and symptoms that something is wrong with your reproductive system before making an appointment. You should see your gynecologist regularly – at least once a year!

YEARLY FERTILITY CHECKUP

Don’t be timid about checking in on your fertility, even if you have no current plans to become pregnant.

Rest assured your gynecology team will never be judgmental. If you change sexual partners in the span of a year – more than one checkup is advisable to protect your fertility health.

So, what does a fertility check-up include?

  • STD Screening
  • Vital Signs Check
  • Birth Control Update
  • Period Regularity
  • Breast and Pelvic Organs Feel Check

Let’s break them down.

STD Screening

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) typically don’t have any outward symptoms. You should be tested for STDs even if the bacteria or virus in your body does not present certain unpleasant signs and symptoms. Use condoms to prevent the spread of STDs that are at an all-time high in the U.S. per the CDC.

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis

Vital Signs Check 

  • Blood Pressure
  • Temperature
  • Height
  • Weight
  • BMI

Birth Control Update 

It is important to have a conversation with your doctor if you are feeling uneasy about your birth control. You may be experiencing a hormonal change. Your current birth control may be disrupting your lifestyle. Check with your doctor about using another method.

Period Regularity

Both heavy and light menstrual cycles are of concern to your fertility.

  • Regular periods?
  • Irregular periods?
  • Cramping?
  • Heavy bleeding?
  • Light bleeding?

These are all concerns to be addressed with your doctor.

Breast Cancer and Pelvic organs Check 

Every year – you should undergo a Pap smear to screen out any potential risk of cervical cancer. Microscopic cells are collected from your cervix during the exam. Your gynecologist also feel-checks your breast and pelvic organs – cervix, uterus, ovaries.

Fertility Awareness 

Pregnancy success is reliant on many patient-focused variables. As you age it is important to check for signs and symptoms related to infertility, to better set you up for the future. Even if you do not plan to get pregnant immediately, being educated on PCOS/Endometriosis/Ovarian Reserve and more all will best prepare you for when you do decide to try.

MORE HELPFUL PREGNANCY RESOURCES

It is important to work with a fertility care team having the experience required to design a customized fertility treatment plan meeting your personal needs. To schedule your initial consultation with the fertility specialists at New Hope Fertility Center call 212-517-7676.