Fertility Education

Fertility Answers

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. If you are a woman over 35, or have a history of painful periods, irregular cycles, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriages, or the male partner has a low sperm count then the time frame is reduced to 6 months.

When to see a FSMG Fertility Specialist:

  • If you are under 35 years of age and have been trying to conceive for over 1 year.
  • If you are between the ages of 35 - 39, seek treatment after 6 months.
  • Over 40 years of age, after 3 months of trying to conceive.
  • If you have more than 2 pregnancy losses (Recurring Pregnancy Loss)

The first step in overcoming infertility is accurate diagnosis of the causes of your infertility. Current data show that among couples seeking treatment for infertility, there is a female problem 35% of the time, a male problem 35% of the time, and a combined problem 20% of the time. In 10% of cases, the cause is termed "unexplained" because all tests results have been normal.

Common answers to fertility questions

In order to obtain a precise diagnosis, an in-depth study of each partner's medical history and a thorough infertility work-up will be completed. Particular care will be taken so only the appropriate tests are conducted, saving both time and expense.

Diagnostic testing can examine such things as your hormonal patterns, your ovulation cycle, the anatomy of your uterus and fallopian tubes, and sperm shape and motility. If we suspect a fertility problem, additional testing may be required for the female partner and perhaps a urological consultation may be recommended for the male partner.

Stress & Infertility
Infertility is often experienced as an intense struggle for both individuals and couples. It is an unexpected threat to one's life goals, personal relationships, work, religious beliefs, and family life. Personal confidence, sense of control, and emotional stability can begin to unravel as sex-scheduling, leaving work, explaining sexual lives to health care providers, and explaining treatments to family and friends can take an enormous toll upon both individuals and couples.

Although we recognize that the infertility treatments that we provide to our patients can provide a sense of hope and anticipation for a desired child, we also realize that the very same treatments can contribute to stress. Exams, procedures, ultrasounds, waiting for blood results, return phone calls from the nurse and doctor may further compound the pressure and can feed into feelings of loss of control.

While we wish that we could relieve all of the stress associated with infertility that might not be possible. We can help to relieve some of your distress by offering stress reduction treatments and therapy. Research is being done to look at how stress related changes in the immune system and endocrine system impact women's ability to become pregnant. While the answers to these questions will come in time, what is clear now is that stress reduction and support (through groups, friends, and therapy) may positively impact treatment outcomes.

Please be assured that although the emotional and practical challenges are great, individuals and couples can find a way to retain a sense of control, closeness in their relationships, and a sense of hope for their future as parents. We work with clinical psychologist(s) with expertise in helping infertile couples and it is strongly recommended that you use their services.

Just as there are many factors that can cause infertility, there are also many factors that can affect your chances for successful infertility treatment.

At FSMG/SDCRS, the couple is an important part of the treatment team. We rely on you to provide us with complete and accurate information about your medical history and to communicate openly with us while you are in our care. That is why we strongly encourage both partners to attend the initial consultation which lasts approximately two hours. It is also helpful to receive medical records of any previous diagnostic testing or treatment you may have had.

To make your first visit with us as successful as possible, we ask that you complete all paperwork ahead of time and bring with you:

  • Completed Pre-consult Questionnaire
  • All previous medical records, unless you have mailed them ahead of time.

Learn more about FSMG's Treatment Options.

Last updated: July 22, 2008
Author: Dr. Arlene J. Morales

 

 

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