Fertility & Infertility Specialist

How can I tell if I'm infertile?

Generally speaking, a couple is considered infertile if they've tried to become pregnant for 12 consecutive months without success (or for women 35 and over, six consecutive months). But even if it's been several months, seeing a doctor and being evaluated for fertility problems can provide you with the definitive answer you need so you can determine if you need to begin considering fertility treatments.

What causes infertility?

Infertility in women can be caused by several factors, including:

• hormone-related health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• abnormalities in the structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes

• adhesions (scarring) inside the uterus or fallopian tubes

• uterine fibroids

• endometriosis, a condition that occurs when uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus

• overproduction of thick mucus in the cervix

• abnormalities in the uterine lining

• problems with ovulation

• older age

In men, most fertility issues relate to the structure or function (motility) of sperm or sperm concentration in semen. Some medical treatments including cancer treatments can also impair fertility in both men and women.

How are the causes of infertility identified?

The doctors at Plaza Towers Ob-Gyn use the most advanced tests for infertility, including blood tests, ultrasounds, minimally-invasive diagnostic procedures like colposcopy and hysteroscopy, and other techniques to help identify infertility issues so they can be properly treated.

What kinds of treatment are offered for infertility?

The treatment will depend on the underlying cause of infertility. Some issues can be treated with hormone medications, medications aimed at stimulating or regulating ovulation, or minor surgery to remove fibroids or adhesions, for instance. Other issues may require more extensive treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI, also called artificial insemination). In most cases, fertility drugs will be used before moving to more costly options like IUF and IVF.