Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant even after multiple sexual intercourses for one year or more, without using any contraceptive measures. Infertility can be due to an issue with either one of the partners, or a combination of factors that may interfere with conception. Fortunately now, there are many safe and effective treatment options that significantly improve the chances of conceiving or getting pregnant.

An infertility specialist (or fertility specialist) is basically a reproductive endocrinologist — a physician who specializes in the subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology called as reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). REI is an area of medical science that addresses hormonal functioning related to reproduction and infertility in both women and men.

There are several factors that can surge the risk of infertility in both males and females, like:

Age: fertility of women starts to decline after 30 and it drops rapidly after 37. Men over the age of 40 have reduced fertility as compared to younger men.

Tobacco: Smoking tobacco by either partner can reduce the likelihood of conception. Smoking also reduces the possible success of fertility treatment.

Alcohol: There’s no safe level of alcohol that can be taken during conception or pregnancy. Alcohol should be completely avoided if you’re planning to get pregnant. Alcohol increases the risk of birth defect and may cause infertility. In men, high alcohol use can decrease sperm count and motility.

There are many probable reasons for infertility among females, like:

Ovulation Disorders: These disorders affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. It can include conditions like Polycystic ovary syndrome, Hyperprolactinemia, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, eating disorders, obesity or tumors.

Fallopian tube blockage or damage: This can happen due to inflammation of fallopian tubes as a result of sexually transmitted diseases, adhesions or endometriosis.

Uterine abnormalities: This includes uterine fibroids or polyps that may interfere with implantation of fertilized egg.

Early menopause: Menstruation ends and ovaries stop working before the age of 40 years.

Pelvic adhesions: After pelvic infection or surgery the resulting scar tissue may cause adhesions between the organs disrupting their normal functions.

Abnormal sperm production: The 75% cases of male’s infertility are due to abnormal sperms. It can include lower sperm count, lesser sperm mobility and absence of sperms in semen or abnormal sperms.

Abnormal semen production: This can happen due to sexual problems like premature ejaculation, cystic fibrosis, blockage in the testicles or injury to the reproductive organs.

Exposure to environmental factors: Exposure to pesticides, radiations, smoke and pollutants can affect fertility. Cigarette smoking, alcohol or certain medications like antihypertensives, steroids can also affect fertility. Heating of the body due to saunas, hot tubs, also can affect sperm production.

Cancer: Treatment of cancer, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery can affect fertility.

The specialist will take the detailed medical history of both the partners including the details about your attempts to get pregnant, as well as information about any previous infertility evaluations or treatments.

You will also be asked about the medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take along with the doses and duration.

After collecting all the information, the doctor will recommend certain blood tests for both of you to determine the hormonal levels in your body. Depending on the reports the doctor will start the treatment.

At RxDx we have a team of specialists that work in coordination to treat infertility and put an end to your agony. You may visit a gynecologist for any condition related to conception or infertility. They have expertise in recognizing and identifying the severity of the condition and you may get referred to an experienced infertility specialist for further examination and evaluation.

If you and your spouse are trying to extend the family; however pregnancy is not happening, consult an experienced gynecologist or an infertility specialist at RxDx Multispecialty Healthcare Center.