Infertility

According to statistics from the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 10-15% of couples are infertile, which is defined as being unable to become pregnant after at least one year of trying to conceive through unprotected sex. The term infertile can also be applied to women who have successfully conceived, but suffered from stillbirths or miscarriages. If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving and have concerns about infertility, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OBGYN) to assess your fertility and diagnose any complications.

At Women’s Medical Center, P.C., we understand the emotional intensity that often surrounds delicate issues such as infertility, and we maintain a respectful, compassionate, and soothing treatment environment where you and your partner can feel safe discussing your concerns and asking questions.

Our skillful, board certified OBGYN specialists keep abreast of the latest advances and developments in the ever-evolving field of infertility treatments, in order to provide you with the most up-to-date information and a variety of cutting-edge infertility treatment options to choose from.  We also work closely with a respected network of infertility specialists, and will effectively coordinate your care with collaborative efforts to achieve optimal treatment outcomes; provide you with the necessary support and services; and increase the potential for successful conception and a full-term pregnancy.

Potential Causes Of Infertility

During your initial consultation, your Women’s Medical Center, P.C. treatment provider can perform a baseline infertility workup. Infertility may stem from a single cause in one or both partners, or a combination of factors that are preventing pregnancy from occurring/continuing:

Potential Causes of Female Infertility:

• Uterine or cervical abnormalities (i.e. uterine fibroids)
• Ovulation disorders (i.e. polycystic ovary syndrome—PCOS)
• Underlying health issues such as eating disorders, injury, excessive exercise, or tumors
• Pelvic adhesions
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Endometriosis
• Onset of early menopause prior to age 40 (a.k.a. primary ovarian insufficiency)
• Thyroid problems—hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone)
• Certain medications
• Cancer and/or cancer treatment
• Genetic abnormalities
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or other medical conditions associated with the delayed onset of puberty (i.e. celiac disease, kidney disease, diabetes)

Potential Causes of Male Infertility:

• Overexposure to particular toxins or chemicals
• Abnormal sperm functioning or sperm production
• Damage to the male reproductive organs linked to cancer and/or cancer treatment
• Complications with the delivery of sperm

Infertility Treatments

If you and/or your partner have been diagnosed as infertile, there is still hope for conception with infertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Infertility treatment options include measures such as:

• Stimulating ovulation with fertility drugs
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Surgery to promote or restore fertility (i.e. hysteroscopic surgery)

Treatments in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) category may involve:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Donor eggs or sperm
• Using a gestational carrier
• Assisted hatching

Every couple’s infertility needs are unique, and the appropriate treatment selection will depend upon a number of factors: how long you have been infertile; the age of you and your partner; the underlying cause of the infertility; and your lifestyle choices and personal treatment preferences. If necessary, your Women’s Medical Center, P.C. treatment provider can refer you to an infertility specialist for further diagnostics and testing.

Contact Women’s Medical Center, P.C.

When choosing a women’s healthcare provider, it is important to select a practice that is equipped to deliver a broad range of long-term gynecological and reproductive services, rather than simply providing cursory solutions to your immediate concerns. At the Women’s Medical Center, PC, we are committed to forging lasting relationships with our patients, and to providing superior patient care that evolves and adapts to meet your changing healthcare needs. As your gynecological and reproductive requirements shift and change over time, the Women’s Medical Center staff will be there for you at every turn—offering support, education, and guidance to help you make the best possible decisions pertaining to your gynecological and reproductive health.

If you would like additional information about infertility, and/or the infertility treatment options offered at the Women’s Medical Center, PC, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial appointment with one of our board certified physicians.