Infertility
Recent data suggests that approximately 15% of U.S. couples suffer from infertility. The potential causes for infertility are numerous and best approached by Obstetrician/Gynecologists, physicians who specialize in issues of fertility and infertility. A female is considered medically to have issues with infertility once she has been unable to become pregnant despite 12 or more months of regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraception. Causes of infertility include male factors (i.e. low sperm count or poor sperm quality), female reproductive tract structural abnormalities, female hormonal abnormalities, chronic disease and idiopathic (unknown) causes.

When a couple presents to the Obstetrician/Gynecologist with complaints of infertility the doctor will take a detailed history from both partners. After a detailed history is taken the physician and couple will begin to formulate a plan of care in an attempt to uncover the cause of the infertility. Once the cause or causes have been identified (if they are identified) the Obstetrician/ Gynecologist will present the available treatment options to the involved couple. Rarely are couples unable to have children once an appropriate workup has been carried out and therapeutic options/alternatives are reviewed and pursued. Any woman suffering from infertility should not delay in visiting her Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Oftentimes answers and options are available, and your Obstetrician/Gynecologist is the specialist best able to help you find and understand them.