Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


This week on Health Watch, we're talking about early intervention, where getting treatment in the early stages of a disease or other health problem can make a big difference. One area where early intervention may be important is infertility, especially for older couples or those with other health problems.

Dr. Lisa Halvorson, an obstetrician and gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says most couples should seek treatment if they aren't able to conceive after a year. But some cases may need earlier intervention. Women over 35 should talk to a doctor if they don't conceive after six months, because fertility does decrease with age. Other conditions that may require early fertility intervention include irregular cycles, a previous pelvic infection, pelvic surgery, previous tubal pregnancy, radiation to the pelvis or chemotherapy.

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^April 2006

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