Infertility

Infertility Q & A

What causes infertility?

Infertility describes the inability to become pregnant despite having unprotected sex for a year or longer. You may also be dealing with infertility if you can conceive a pregnancy but have miscarriages or stillbirths.

There are a number of underlying reasons why you may have issues with infertility. For many women, age is a contributing factor. If you’re over 40, your chance of conceiving is significantly lower than in your 20s and 30s.

Some other common reasons for infertility relating to women’s health include:

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

• Ovulations issues

• Blocked fallopian tubes

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

One-third of infertility cases are caused by women’s health issues while another one-third are due to male factors, such as low sperm count. In the remaining one-third of infertility cases, the underlying cause isn’t identifiable.

How is infertility diagnosed?

During your consultation, the Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates physicians take time to review your personal and family medical history, your lifestyle, and your plans for a family.

They may request diagnostic evaluations like ultrasound imaging, blood work, and other lab testing to identify ovulation disorders, endometriosis, and other conditions that can lead to infertility. You can also expect to undergo a pelvic exam, so your provider can assess the health of your reproductive organs.

How is infertility treated?

The providers discuss your options regarding the medical management and interventions for infertility based upon its underlying cause.

They customize a treatment plan to address conditions that affect your ability to conceive. Treatments may include medications to improve ovulation or surgery to remove blockages in your fallopian tubes or excess endometrial tissue.

The Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates physicians also provide fertility preservation counseling. If you’re not ready to become pregnant but plan to have children in the future, they provide resources that help you with egg preservation, a procedure to freeze your eggs for future use, either naturally or through in-vitro fertilization.

If you’re trying to conceive a child without success, get the support you need by calling Highland Park Ob-Gyn Associates today, or request a consultation through the online booking feature.