Your Infertility Questions Answered
- Posted on: Dec 22 2022
Answers to the most common infertility questions.
Discussing fertility struggles can make some people feel embarrassed or ashamed. Fortunately, experts have learned a lot about infertility in the past few decades, and medicine has advanced to help people who have trouble conceiving a child. There are more people who struggle with infertility than originally thought. Let’s dive into the topic of infertility and answer your questions.
What is Infertility?
Infertility is not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of unprotected sex.
What Causes Infertility?
There are several things that can affect fertility in men and women. In general, with females, any condition that affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus, or ovulation can cause infertility. Some of these conditions include polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, hormonal disorders, fibroids, and menopause. For a male, any condition that disrupts the testicular functions, ejaculatory function, or hormones may cause infertility. There are also genetic disorders that can cause infertility.
Is Infertility Common?
Infertility is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, about 19% of heterosexual women aged 15 to 49 years old with no prior births were unable to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. It seems that infertility is less common among women who have given birth previously.
Is infertility Just a Woman’s Problem?
No, infertility is not just a woman’s issue. Men can also suffer from infertility issues.
When Should I See a Doctor About Infertility?
Deciding when to see a doctor about infertility will depend on a few factors. First is how long you have been trying to get pregnant. Some infertility healthcare providers won’t see you until you have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year. The second factor to consider is age. Some providers will see you after only six months of unprotected sex if you are 35 years or older. If you suffer from any chronic medical conditions or are 40 years old or greater, you should consider speaking to a doctor before trying to become pregnant.
What Type of Doctor Do I See for Infertility?
A reproductive endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in managing infertility. Depending on your insurance you may need to speak with a gynecologist first to get a referral to a specialist. Check with your health insurance company.
What Are Infertility Treatment Options?
The infertility treatment options available to you will depend on several factors which you will have to discuss with your healthcare provider. Infertility can be treated with medicine, surgery, intrauterine insemination, or assisted reproductive technology. Choosing the best treatment option for you will depend on what is causing infertility, the duration of infertility, the age of the female, medical history, and personal preferences.
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Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 1). Infertility. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 16, 2022
Posted in: Women's Health