What Is Infertility?

Infertility is the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying. For women over the age of 35, infertility means not being able to get pregnant after 6 months. It can also mean getting pregnant but experiencing repeated miscarriages.

Many females become pregnant overtime even without treatment for infertility.

Types of Infertility

There are two types of infertility: primary infertility and secondary infertility. Both men and women can experience infertility. When men experience infertility, the condition is called male infertility.

Types of female infertility:

• Primary infertility — When a female is unable to get pregnant.
• Secondary infertility — When a female has been pregnant at least once in the past yet is either unable to get pregnant again or unable to carry a baby to full term.

Symptoms of Infertility in Women

The most common symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. Other possible infertility symptoms might be irregular menstruation or completely absent menstruation.

Causes of Infertility in Women

There are a variety of risk factors and potential infertility causes.

Infertility risk factors:

• Obesity
• Mental Stress
• Age 35+
• Insufficient diet
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Excessive exercise
• No exercise
• Chemical exposure

Infertility causes:

• Medical conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as ovulation problems, chronic diseases, and surgery can cause infertility.
• Medical treatments — Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and certain other therapies  can sometimes cause infertility.
• Medications — Some legal and illegal drugs can cause infertility.
• Cholesterol levels — High cholesterol is associated with infertility.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

The ability to conceive or how quickly someone gets pregnant looks different for everyone. Taking longer than expected to get pregnant does not necessarily indicate infertility issues. However, there are specific issues or triggers for when it might be time to see a fertility specialist. Issues can include:

• 35 years or younger: It is usually recommended that you try to get pregnant for at least a year before any testing or treatment.
• 35 to 40 years old: It is recommended that you consult with a fertility specialist if you have tried, unsuccessfully, for 6 months.
• Older than 40: Your doctor may recommend testing and treatment immediately.

Additionally, if you have experienced any of the following, your doctor may also recommend seeing a fertility specialist:

• History of endometriosis
• History of painful periods
• History of irregular periods
• Partner fertility problems
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Two consecutive miscarriages
• Prior cancer treatments

How Does a Woman’s Fertility Get Checked?

Assessing fertility generally consists of an initial consultation, pelvic exam, hormone tests, and various other tests. Typically, you will have an initial consultation with your doctor, who will take a thorough medical history and conduct a pelvic exam. Usually, blood tests will be ordered to check hormone levels and your ovarian reserve. Other tests may include ovulation testing, other hormone testing, hysterosalpingography, and additional imaging tests. If you have questions regarding how to check your fertility, contact your Baptist Health provider.

Diagnosing Infertility in Women

Your doctor will review your symptoms and may conduct a pelvic exam to identify any abnormalities. An infertility diagnosis often follows an infertility test.

Common tests to check for infertility:

• Ultrasound — This imaging test helps your doctor inspect your ovaries and uterus.
• Ovarian reserve testing — Several combined tests that measure your hormones.
• Hysterosalpingography — A special X-ray to help your doctor see abnormalities in your uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopy — Your doctor uses a small incision and a special tool outfitted with a tiny camera to examine your internal organs.

Treatment Options for Infertility

Doctors treat infertility based on age, symptoms, general health, and your preference for different treatment options. These treatments offer infertility help for men and women.

Common infertility treatments:

• Medication — Certain medications can help regulate healthy hormone balance, help manage menstrual cycles, or stop unwanted hair loss and acne.
• Increased Intercourse — Your doctor may recommend increasing your frequency of intercourse to improve the odds of conception.
• Surgery — Your doctor may repair scarred or obstructed fallopian tubes.
• Lifestyle changes — Engaging in moderate exercise, practicing healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, and reducing caffeine can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
• Assisted conception — Options for assisted conception include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

In vitro fertilization means that unfertilized eggs and semen will be combined in a laboratory vessel known as a petri dish before inserting the embryo into your uterus. During intrauterine insemination, a doctor will use a special catheter to deposit semen directly into your uterus.

If you or someone you love experiences infertility, please contact an Obstetrician at Baptist Health today.

Baptist Health’s Approach to Infertility Treatment

Here at Baptist, we know the journey of infertility can be a challenging road. Patients often have concerns and questions about infertility and want to figure out their next steps. Our job at Baptist is to make sure your questions and concerns are listened to, and next steps are clarified. We have a team of specialists that will be with you every step of the way, helping to inform, assess, and treat any issues with infertility.

Typically, the process begins with a consultation with one of our fertility experts. Your doctor will then conduct an examination, take a thorough medical history, and order any necessary labs or tests.

Once our team has a better understanding of what your needs are, we can begin to put together a treatment plan and address any issues with infertility. Treatment for infertility is not a one-size-fits-all approach and we want to make sure that your specific needs are being addressed.