Infertility Services

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.(1) Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide – and has an impact on their families and communities.

Infertility is a condition where you cannot get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. In women, cause of infertility can include endometriosis, uterine fibroids and thyroid disease. Men with fertility problems may have a low sperm count or low testosterone. The risk of infertility increases as you age.

What causes Infertility?

Causes of infertility vary:

• 1 in 3 infertile women have a problem with the female reproductive system.

• 1 in 3 infertile men have a problem with the male reproductive system.

• 1 in 3 couples have a problem that affects both of them or an undetermined issue.

How common is Infertility?

An estimated 1 in 10 women between the ages of 15 and 44 have trouble conceiving. Women who have pregnancy problems may lose the baby before the 20th week of pregnancy (miscarriage) or after the 20th week of pregnancy (stillbirth).

What are the types of infertility?

• Primary: A woman who was never pregnant and who can’t conceive after one year of not using birth control.

• Secondary: Secondary infertility occurs when a woman can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.

What are fertility treatment options for all genders?

Some couples need more help conceiving. To increase pregnancy odds, a woman may first take medications to stimulate ovulation before trying one of these options:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A healthcare provider uses a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into the uterus.

• In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It involves harvesting the eggs at the end of the stimulation and placing sperm and eggs together in a lab dish. The sperm fertilize the eggs. A provider transfers one of the fertilized eggs (embryo) into the uterus.

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure is similar to IVF. An embryologist (highly specialized lab technician) directly injects a single sperm into each of the harvested eggs and then a provider transfers an embryo into the uterus.

• Third-party ART: Couples may use donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos. Some couples need a gestational carrier or surrogate. This person agrees to carry and give birth to your baby.

How is male infertility diagnosed?

These tests can help diagnose or rule out a male fertility problem:

• Semen analysis: This test checks for problems with sperm, such as low sperm count and poor mobility. Some men need a needle biopsy to remove sperm from the testicles and test it. For most men, this is the only test that will be needed in the workup of infertility.

• Blood test: A blood test can check testosterone, thyroid and other hormone levels. Genetic blood tests look for chromosomal abnormalities.

• Scrotal ultrasound: An ultrasound of the scrotum identifies varicoceles or other testicular problems.

How is female infertility diagnosed?

These tests can also help diagnose or rule out a female fertility problem:

• Pelvic exam: We will perform a pelvic exam, including a Pap smear to check for structural problems or signs of disease.

• Blood test: A blood test can check hormone levels, including thyroid hormones.

• Transvaginal ultrasound: Your doctor inserts an ultrasound wand into the vagina to look for problems with the reproductive system.

• Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) used for examine the uterus.

• Laparoscopy: Your provider inserts a laparoscope (thin tube with a camera) into a small abdominal incision. Female pelvic laparoscopy helps identify problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids and scar tissue.

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-rays capture an injectable dye as it travels through the fallopian tubes. This test looks for blockages.