If you’ve been trying to conceive a child for at least 6-12 months and have not yet had success, you may be experiencing fertility issues. The OB/GYN specialists at MemorialCare understand how frustrating infertility can be. They’ve worked with thousands of couples to help them get to the root of their problem and find the best solutions for them.
What causes infertility?
If you are struggling with infertility, you are not alone. In the United States, infertility affects approximately 11% of women and 7% of men of reproductive age.
There are many factors that could be complicating your ability to get pregnant. They include:
- Problems with the ovaries or eggs (e.g., PCOS, POI, failure to ovulate, egg-maturation problems)
- Menstrual problems
- Structural problems
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Autoimmune disorders and other medical conditions
- Exposure to toxins or radiation
- Age over 35 years
What are the lifestyle risk factors for female infertility?
You might be able to improve your chances of becoming pregnant by reducing the following lifestyle-related risk factors:
- Smoking: can damage your reproductive organs and deplete eggs prematurely
- Alcohol: should be limited to one drink per day
- Being over- or underweight: may interfere with normal ovulation
- Multiple sexual partners: puts you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases that can impair fertility
When should I see a doctor for infertility?
If you have been having unprotected sex regularly and have not yet become pregnant, you should consult a doctor for possible fertility issues:
- After one year, if you are younger than 35
- After six months, if you are between the ages of 35 and 40
- Immediately, if you are 40 or older
What are the treatments for infertility?
The good news is that 85-90% of all fertility problems can be treated with conventional medical therapy. Treatment will vary depending on what is impeding the pregnancy. Some options to increase your chances of becoming pregnant include:
- Hormone therapy for women
- Surgery to repair fallopian tubes or clear blockages
- Surgery to remove fibroids, polyps, scarring, or endometriosis
If these strategies don’t resolve the problem, you have the option of moving on to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). ART options include intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and third-party-assisted ART.
Where do I find a fertility expert?
The physicians at Doctors of Women specialize in treating infertility. Their team of OB/GYN experts has helped hundreds of couples who thought they were infertile conceive and deliver beautiful and healthy babies.
By working with MemorialCare OB/GYN specialists and our caring, supportive staff, you and your partner will find the expert medical care you need to start the family you want.