Basic Infertility Specialist

What causes infertility?

The doctors diagnose infertility when you’ve actively tried to conceive for an entire year without getting pregnant. 
Women 35 or older are diagnosed after six months of active trying. Infertility may also be diagnosed if you’re able to get pregnant but have repeated miscarriages or stillbirths.
Age, substance use, being overweight or underweight, and either exercising too much or too little can put you at risk for infertility. Most of these risk factors can be addressed with lifestyle changes.

In one-third of cases, infertility is due to issues with the woman. This may be due to:

• Ovulation disorders, which affect the ability of your ovaries to develop or release an egg
• Early menopause
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities

Endometriosis, in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus and interferes with the optimal functioning of reproductive organs
Fallopian tube damage
One-third of cases of infertility are due to male issues such as abnormal sperm production, overexposure to certain environmental factors, cancer, or sexual dysfunction.

In another third of cases, no clear reason for infertility is found. Infertility is relatively common, with about 15% of couples having trouble getting pregnant.

How is infertility diagnosed?

At Elite Women’s Care, you undergo tests depending on the suspected cause of your infertility and any other symptoms you’re having, such as pelvic pain or irregular bleeding.

Part of your evaluation is looking at your hormone levels to determine if you’re ovulating. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, look for irregularities in your reproductive organs. The doctors also test the quality and quantity of your eggs as well as your partner’s semen. 

Depending on your physical evaluation and medical history, the doctors may recommend a hysterosalpingography, which looks at your uterus and fallopian tubes for blockages or other issues. 

In rarer cases, you may need minor surgery to get a better look at your reproductive organs and check for other problems, like cysts on the ovaries or endometriosis.

How is infertility treated?

The providers at Elite Women’s Care personalize your fertility treatment depending on the suspected cause and your personal wishes. 

Even when no specific cause is found, your doctor may stimulate ovulation with specific drugs, recommend intrauterine insemination, or perform surgery to restore your fertility. 

If the issue is due to your partner, he may also need medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on what’s causing the problem.

To learn more about infertility and treatment, call Elite Women’s Care or book an appointment online