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Infertility

Overview

It is the dream of many couples to bring a child of their own into the world. However, some couples have more difficulty doing so than others. Infertility is the term used for couples who are unable to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. A normal couple typically has a 20-25% chance for pregnancy each month, but several female and male factors can decrease the likelihood of conceiving a child.

Some female factors are:

• Blocked fallopian tubes or pelvic scar tissue
• Problems with ovulation (not making an egg), including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis (lining of the uterus implanted outside the uterus)
• Uterine fibroids or other abnormalities of the uterus

Some male factors are:

• Problems with sperm counts or motitlity (movement)
• Abnormal sperm shape or structure

Infertility Evaluation

If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year (6 months if you are over 35), then a complete infertility evaluation is indicated. The basic infertility evaluation consists of:

• Semen analysis
• Blood test (to test for ovulation)
• Dye test (to see if tubes are open)

If any problems are found, then they should be addressed.

Unexplained Infertility

If no problems are found after an infertility evaluation, a couple would then be diagnosed with unexplained infertility. In the case of unexplained infertility, fertility treatment may be useful. Treatment can consist of:

• Fertility pills plus insemination
• Fertility shots plus insemination
• Fertility shots plus In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Consult Your Doctor

If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving a child, please consult your doctor. There are many treatments available for both men and women that may help.

Resources: Infertility (National Women's Health Information Center) and the Center for Reproductive Health website (University of Cincinnati).

To Learn More

• Becoming Pregnant
• When Should a Couple be Evaluated for Infertility?
• Causes of Infertility
• Evaluation of Couples with Fertility Problems
• Treatment of Infertility
• Infertility - What You Need to Know

For more information:

Go to the Infertility health topic, where you can:

• Read articles on this topic
• Browse the previously asked questions
• Ask your own question.

This article is a NetWellness exclusive.

Last Reviewed: Aug 13, 2007

Daniel B Williams, MD Professor Director, Center for Reproductive Health Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati

 

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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) Copyright ® 2008 University of Cincinnati