Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility generally means not becoming pregnant after regular intercourse without contraception.

An evaluation is typically recommended:

• After 12 months of trying if you are younger than 35
• After six months if you are age 35 or older
• Promptly if you are older than 40

Earlier evaluation may be appropriate if you have irregular periods, endometriosis, PCOS, prior pelvic surgery or infection, recurrent pregnancy loss, or a known sperm-related concern.

What causes infertility?

Infertility may involve one or more factors, including:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Age-related changes in egg quantity or quality
• Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• Uterine fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue
• Endometriosis
• Low sperm count or other sperm-related concerns

Sometimes testing does not identify a specific cause. This is known as unexplained infertility.

What happens during an infertility evaluation?

Your provider reviews your menstrual cycles, pregnancy history, medical conditions, medications, prior procedures, and how long you have been trying to conceive.

Testing may include:

• Bloodwork to evaluate ovulation or selected hormones
• Ovarian reserve testing
• Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound
• Evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes
• Semen analysis for your partner when applicable

Testing is personalized, and not every patient requires every test.

How is infertility treated?

Treatment depends on your age, test results, suspected cause, and pregnancy goals. Options may include:

• Identifying the fertile window
• Treating an underlying hormonal or medical condition
• Medication to support ovulation
• Surgery for selected fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, or endometriosis
• Referral to a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist for treatments such as IUI or IVF

Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology can begin your evaluation and coordinate specialist care when needed.

Schedule an infertility evaluation

A fertility evaluation can help identify factors that may be making pregnancy more difficult and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or request an appointment online to schedule an infertility consultation.