Infertility

What is infertility?

Roughly 1 in 10 women find it hard to become or remain pregnant. For pregnancy to occur, all of the following steps must happen:

• A woman ovulates, releasing an egg from one of her ovaries
• The egg travels through a fallopian tube to reach the uterus
• A man's sperm fertilizes the egg along the way
• The fertilized egg implants inside the uterus

Infertility can happen if there are problems with any of these steps. Men also have problems with fertility. Men are the reason for infertility 15-20% of the time when a couple can’t conceive.

What causes infertility?

Infertility may be brought on by a range of factors. Age is one of the most common reasons. As you enter your early 30s and into your 40s, your fertility declines. It’s rare to conceive with your own eggs past the age of 45.

Major causes of infertility also include:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Where you produce many small cysts that affect your fertility
• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI): Where your ovaries stop working as they should before age 40

Other less common reasons for infertility include blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids, which are growths on or in your uterus.

How is infertility diagnosed?

You and your partner will need a fertility workup. You’ll discuss your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and previous pregnancies or miscarriages.

Men and women undergo different tests. Women may be asked to begin tracking their ovulation cycle at home to make sure they’re ovulating every month. Men may need to provide a semen sample to test the quantity, shape, and movement of the sperm. This test determines whether there are enough healthy, active sperm to fertilize an egg.

How is infertility treated?

There are a variety of options to treat infertility. Once your OB/GYN uncovers the reason or reasons that you’re not getting pregnant, they’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist to give you and your partner the best chance to conceive.

If you and your partner have tried unsuccessfully to start a family, and would like a workup to understand your fertility options, call or schedule an online consultation today with OBGYN Associates.