Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility refers to the biological inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term after having regular, unprotected intercourse for at least one year. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the United States.

There are two main categories of infertility:

• Primary infertility refers to couples who have never had a successful pregnancy.


• Secondary infertility refers to couples who have had at least one prior successful pregnancy, but are unable to conceive again.

Common Causes

Some common causes of infertility include:

• Ovulation disorders - issues with ovulation account for about 25% of infertility cases. These can involve irregular or absent periods.


• Tubal occlusion - blockages or scarring of the fallopian tubes prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.


• Uterine or cervical issues - fibroids, endometriosis, or anatomical abnormalities affect implantation.


• Sperm issues - low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology affect up to 30% of cases.


• Unexplained infertility - no identifiable cause is found in about 25% of cases after testing.

Evaluating Infertility

An infertility workup starts with an evaluation of both partners through procedures like:

• Medical and sexual history


• Hormone testing - FSH, LH, estrogen, testosterone, prolactin


• Ovulation testing - BBT charts, ovulation predictor kits, ultrasounds


• Hysterosalpingogram - X-ray with dye to check uterine cavity and fallopian tubes


• Sperm analysis - count, morphology, and motility assessment


• Laparoscopy - surgery to inspect pelvic organs

Treating Infertility

Treatment options depend on the cause and may include:

• Timed intercourse around ovulation


• Ovulation induction medications - Clomiphene, gonadotropins


• Surgery - to open blocked tubes, remove fibroids/endometriosis


• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) - placing washed sperm directly in the uterus


• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF - manually combining eggs and sperm in a lab setting

The team of fertility specialists at Renewal Hormone Center understands how frustrating coping with infertility can be. We provide compassionate, individualized care using state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and innovative treatment protocols to help our patients successfully conceive. Schedule a consultation today to start your family-building journey!