What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of actively trying to become pregnant. According to the Physician’s Desk Reference Guide to Women’s Health and Prescription Drugs 1994, about 10% of the population who is of reproductive-age is affected by infertility. That adds up to about 6 million American couples. Yes, that’s right, couples! Infertility is a problem of couples. Reproductive problems occur almost equally in both men and women.

What can cause infertility?

• Age - As we age, it becomes more and more difficult to conceive. A woman’s fertility begins to decline in her late 20’s, while a man’s fertility does not start to drop until about age 35.
• STD’s - Sexually transmitted diseases cause scarring and other damage that can lead to infertility problems in both men and women.
• Reproductive Surgeries - Previous surgery of the reproductive organs can make it more difficult to become pregnant. Discuss any previous surgeries with your doctor.
• Medications - Some prescription medication can cause infertility. For example, in men, some drugs used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure can have detrimental effects on the sperm. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter drugs with your doctor.
• Cancer Treatments - Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause damage to the ovaries and testes. Discuss options such as sperm banking with your doctor.
• Environmental Factors - Environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals can effect sperm production. Prolonged or repeated exposure to heat, such as frequent use of hot tubs or saunas or wearing tight fitting clothing, can raise the temperature in the testes and effect sperm production.
• Other Causes - A number of other factors can cause infertility. Some of these are endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, and smoking. In other cases, the cause may not be evident.

What do we do now?

First, realize that infertility, in many cases, is treatable. While your Ob/Gyn can help you with an initial diagnosis of infertility, it is best to seek the advice of a fertility specialist called a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). An RE can provide you with testing and diagnosis, a comprehensive range of options, and appropriate “cutting edge” infertility treatments.

What type of tests can we expect?

Once you have decided to seek help from an infertility specialist you can expect a number of things. First, you will make an appointment with your infertility doctor for a consultation to discuss your condition. If you choose to proceed, you will complete a medical history and have a physical exam. Your doctor will then begin with a series of basic tests. Because infertility is a problem of couples, both the man and the woman will undergo testing.

The man will undergo a semen analysis. The women will undergo a blood test and ultrasound to help determine the condition of the uterus and ovaries, and if hormones are at the correct levels. A test of the cervical mucous may be performed after intercourse to determine if the sperm can penetrate the mucous. After reviewing the results of these tests, your doctor may determine that further tests are needed. These tests will be discussed with you at that time.