General Guidelines
A variety of factors can impact fertility in women and men. Generally speaking, it is recommended that a woman under 35 who has been trying to get pregnant for a year, or a woman over 35 who has been trying for six months, consult with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of action. Women who have had more than three miscarriages should also seek the care of a specialist. Many women who have had miscarriages go on to have healthy pregnancies, but it could signal a fertility problem. Keep in mind that infertility issues are common—one in eight couples has trouble conceiving.
Female Infertility
A fertility specialist—also known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)—focuses primarily on infertility treatment. In fact, unlike OB/GYNS, they complete additional years of training in diagnosing and treating fertility issues. As a result, your physician can treat various conditions, including:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Ovulation problems
- Repeated miscarriages
- Abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries
Male Infertility
If a couple is having difficulty conceiving, both partners should be evaluated. Statistics show that up to 40% of infertility can be traced to male medical conditions, such as issues with sperm production or the obstruction of sperm delivery. Other causes of fertility issues in men may include:
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Problems with ejaculating
- Undescended testicles
- Groin surgery or injury to the testicles
- Testicular tumors, cysts, or cancer
- Post-puberty mumps
- Illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid disease or heart disease
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
Our team of world-class specialists can identify the cause of male infertility and offer an individualized treatment plan that is best for the couple.
Lifestyle Factors
Your general wellness and the choices you make regarding diet and exercise may also affect your fertility. Women who are overweight [body mass index (BMI) of more than 29] or underweight (BMI of less than 19) may have issues conceiving. Smoking and alcohol can pose problems for both men and women, as can recreational drug use. For men, spending too much time in a hot environment or too much time sitting down may cause the testes to overheat. Working with chemicals or radiation may also have an affect on fertility.
As you can see, there are a number of reasons why you may be having trouble conceiving. We can help you determine the cause, and put together a treatment plan to help make your dream of growing your family a reality.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Our skilled fertility specialists are here to help. Contact us today and let’s discuss the next phase of your fertility journey.