If you and your partner have trouble conceiving even after trying for more than a year, you might have infertility. According to research studies, more than 48 million couples struggle to get pregnant. Different issues might contribute to infertility, and it’s essential to consult with a fertility expert for help. The infertility Upper West Side specialist and an experienced gynecologist Karen F. Brodman, MD, offers advanced and comprehensive techniques to address your infertility problems. Keep reading to learn more about infertility and the available treatments.
What is infertility?
Infertility is the inability to conceive. Your doctor rules out you have infertility when you go for a year without getting pregnant despite having unprotected sex.
The cause of infertility may lie with the man or the woman, where they each contribute to a third of the infertility cases. The other third accounts for the unknown causes of infertility.
Infertility in women may result from various issues, including the following:
- Endometriosis
- Hormone imbalances
- Fibroids
- Ovulation disorders
- Fallopian tube blockages
- Tumors
- Structural abnormalities with the reproductive organs
Infertility in women is also likely to occur due to cancer of the reproductive organs or cancer treatments. Having excessive weight in women may contribute to infertility. Other factors include smoking, age, extreme stress levels and excessive alcohol consumption.
Various factors may affect a man’s fertility, but the primary issue lies in the sperm quality, including motility rate and number. The following may cause infertility in men.
- Abnormal sperm production
- Testicles blockages
- Low sperm volume
- Cancer treatments
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or infections
- Issues with the male reproductive organs
Men are at a high risk of infertility due to the following factors.
- Smoking
- Obesity or excessive weight
- Age, 40 and above
- Excessive alcohol intake or drug use
- Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead
- Certain medications, such as ketoconazole
Diagnosis of infertility?
When you go in for a consultation about infertility, your provider performs a thorough evaluation, including reviewing your past health records and family medical history and a pelvic exam. In addition, they take blood tests to determine your hormone levels and evaluate your ovulation.
Your provider also performs an ultrasound and other imaging tests to check for abnormalities along your reproductive tract. They may also perform a hysteroscopy to evaluate your uterus and cervix for any issues.
Treatments for infertility
Your treatment option depends on the cause of your infertility. Dr. Brodman provides personalized treatment plans for gynecological conditions, including endometriosis, to promote your chances of conceiving.
Your provider also offers medications to enhance ovulation where necessary. Lifestyle and diet modifications are also essential to promote your health and improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
Where necessary, Dr. Brodman offers other fertility options, including intrauterine insemination, to help you conceive. The procedure involves your provider bringing the egg and the sperm together for fertilization in a lab, then transferring the embryo to your uterus for implantation.
Most treatment options for infertility have high success rates allowing you to start a family. Do not shy away from seeking help for infertility. Call Karen F. Brodman, MD, to schedule your consultation.
