What is infertility?

If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you’re not alone. Millions of couples experience infertility, which means you haven’t been able to get pregnant after one year of having frequent, unprotected sex.

Since fertility declines with age, women over age 35 may be diagnosed with infertility after only six months of trying. In addition to having trouble getting pregnant, infertility affects women who are able to conceive but can’t carry the pregnancy to term.

What causes infertility?

Infertility is not just a woman’s problem. In fact, only about one-third of infertility cases involve an issue with the woman. Another third of cases are due to the man. The remaining third is either a mixture of both male and female conditions or have unknown causes.

Common causes of male infertility include:

• Abnormal sperm production or function
• Excessive alcohol or cannabis use
• Overexposure to environmental factors, such as radiation

Most cases of infertility in women are due to problems with ovulation. In order to conceive, your ovaries must release an egg to be fertilized. Certain health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may interfere with ovulation and cause infertility.

Less common causes of infertility in women include:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Increasing age affects fertility in both men and women. About one-third of couples with a woman over age 35 experience fertility problems. This is because older women don’t have as many eggs left, or the eggs they have aren’t as healthy.

How do you diagnose and treat fertility problems?

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you’re 35 or older), you should schedule an appointment with your partner at Greensboro OB-GYN Associates.

To determine the cause of your fertility problems, your provider takes a detailed sexual and medical history and performs a physical exam. The next step typically involves testing the man’s semen to evaluate his sperm.

Your provider may explain how you can track your cycle at home to find out if you’re ovulating every month. They may also check for ovulation with a blood test or perform an ultrasound to examine your ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Fertility treatment varies depending on the exact cause of your infertility issues. The compassionate team at Greensboro OB-GYN Associates explains your treatment options so you and your partner can make the best decision.

To learn more about fertility, call Greensboro OB-GYN Associates or book an appointment online today.