Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after trying (having frequent unprotected sex) for at least a year or six months, depending on your age. Millions of people worldwide struggle with fertility problems. Fortunately, treatment helps overcome this common challenge, boosting your chance of becoming pregnant. 

What are the risk factors for infertility?

While the exact cause of infertility may not be entirely clear, the following factors appear to increase its risk:

• Being 35 or older
• Painful or irregular periods
• Personal or family history of infertility problems
• History of miscarriages 
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• History of cancer and radiation therapy or chemotherapy 
• Tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Overweight and obesity
• Being underweight
• Lack of exercise

Sometimes infertility is caused by a male partner with a low sperm count, other problems with sperm, a history of chemotherapy, a personal or family history of fertility problems, or a history of testicular, prostate, sexual, or similar concerns. Men over 40 may be less fertile than their younger peers. 

How is infertility diagnosed?

The Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team discusses your lifestyle, history of fertility, medical history, medications, and pregnancy goals to help pinpoint the cause of infertility and how to best treat it. They evaluate your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam.

Your specialist might recommend fertility testing for a male partner, such as a semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic testing, a testicular biopsy, or imaging procedures.

Examples of fertility tests for women include hormone function testing, ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, ultrasound, other imaging procedures, and ovarian reserve testing. You might also be a candidate for a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

How is infertility treated?

Depending on the potential causes of infertility, the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology experts might suggest one or more of the following treatments:

• Weight management
• Changes in diet or exercise regimens
• Stress management
• Getting more sleep
• Not smoking, drinking, or using drugs
• Fertility medications
• Intrauterine insemination
• Surgery to treat polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Acupuncture

The risk of having multiple pregnancies goes up with some of these treatments. Chat with your provider to determine which is best suited for you. 

If infertility is caused by a problem with your partner, numerous treatments for male infertility are also available. 

Schedule an infertility evaluation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.