What is infertility?
If you’ve been trying to have a baby for at least twelve months without success, you may be experiencing infertility.
The primary symptom of infertility is an inability to get pregnant, and related factors might include:
- Painful periods
- Heavy periods
- Multiple miscarriages
- Past cancer treatments
- Being 35 years of age or older
- Irregular or nonexistent periods
What causes infertility?
Infertility can be the result of problems with the women, man, or both partners. Several factors can lead to infertility in women, such as:
- Scar tissue due to pelvic surgery
- Abnormalities of the cervix or uterus
- Blockages or damage to the fallopian tube
- Ovulation disorders affecting the egg’s release
- Cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy
- Certain medical conditions or genetic abnormalities
- Primary ovarian insufficiency due to early menopause
Both men and women are at higher risk of infertility as they age. Additional risk factors include smoking tobacco or marijuana, being underweight or overweight, and having a sedentary lifestyle.
How is infertility diagnosed?
During your appointment, Dr. Kuperman reviews your personal and medical histories. She also discusses your sexual history to make additional recommendations. Based on your experiences, she might recommend further fertility testing.
Fertility testing for women might include:
- Blood tests to measure ovulation
- Hormone tests to look at issues associated with reproductive processes
- Ovarian reserve testing to identify the quantity and quality of eggs available
- Ultrasounds or hysterosalpingography to evaluate your uterus and fallopian tubes
Based on the cause of your infertility, Dr. Kuperman makes recommendations on how to proceed.
How is infertility treated?
Dr. Kuperman might recommend various therapies to restore your fertility, such as drugs that stimulate ovulation, intrauterine insemination to place healthy sperm in your uterus, or surgery to correct structural problems or remove scar tissue.
Depending on the factors contributing to your infertility, Dr. Kuperman might recommend assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.
Call Laura Kuperman, MD, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about infertility treatments.
