Fertility & Infertility Specialist

When is infertility diagnosed?

If you’ve been trying actively to get pregnant for an entire year, or for six months if you’re older than age 35, you can be diagnosed with infertility. If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages or other failed pregnancies, you may also be a candidate to have your fertility evaluated. About 15% of couples in the United States face infertility.

Who is responsible for fertility and infertility in a couple?

In a full one-third of cases, the reason for infertility is unspecified, meaning no clear cause for the condition is diagnosed. In another one-third of cases, infertility can be traced back to the man. The woman is also responsible in about one-third of cases.

What are common causes of infertility?

Women may have issues relating to their pelvic organs that interfere with their fertility. These include:

• Ovulation disorders
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Early menopause
• Damage to the fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Scar tissue or adhesions on the pelvic organs
  
  

Hormonal issues like polycystic ovary syndrome can also make getting pregnant difficult.

Men with abnormal sperm production often have trouble with fertility. This can be due to cancer, sexual dysfunction, or exposure to environmental toxins.

Chronic conditions in men and women, such as obesity or diabetes, can be a determining factor when it comes to fertility. So can issues like substance abuse, smoking, and stress.

How is fertility evaluated?

A New England Women’s Healthcare, the doctors run comprehensive diagnostic tests to determine the cause of infertility. Exactly which tests depend on symptoms you may present with, including abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain.

You may have your hormone levels checked to determine if you’re regularly ovulating. Imaging tests help the doctors see if you have any irregularities in the pelvic organs. The quality and quantity of your eggs and of your partner’s semen may also be evaluated.

What are the treatments for infertility?

The reason for your infertility dictates treatment. If you have an issue like endometriosis, you may need laparoscopic surgery to remove the offending uterine tissue. For some women, fertility drugs can stimulate ovulation so you successfully release an egg and get pregnant.

Some couples must explore intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization, in which the egg is fertilized with your partner’s sperm, then inserted into your uterus. A man who has issues with sperm production or quality may benefit from lifestyle changes, drug interventions, or surgery.

For more support in getting pregnant and having your fertility assessed, call the office or schedule a consultation using the online tool.