GETTING STARTED: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth. Infertility is a disease that results in the abnormal functioning of the male or female reproductive system. Both the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognize infertility as a disease.
How is infertility diagnosed?
A board-certified reproductive endocrinologist will conduct a physical examination and recommend possible tests for both partners to determine what may be causing infertility.
What causes infertility?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, no one can be blamed for infertility any more than anyone is to blame for diabetes or leukemia. In rough terms, about one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors, and about one-third to factors that affect women. For the remaining one-third of infertile couples, infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, in about 20 percent of cases, is unexplained.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, in other parts of the body. Endometriosis typically grows in the abdominal cavity and most often attaches to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, bowels, or other abdominal organs. Endometriosis growths, called implants or lesions, often bleed during menstruation, causing pain. They may also develop scar tissue (adhesions) that can interfere with an organ's normal function. Scar tissue can also cause pain and difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility). The diagnosis of endometriosis is usually made by ultrasound and is verified by surgery through a procedure called laparoscopy. Endometriosis can be treated with medicines or with surgery to remove implants and scar tissue.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease; some women have no symptoms or problems whereas some women may have severe pelvic pain or cramping. Some women may go on to develop infertility as a result of the endometriosis. There is no way to predict whether endometriosis will get worse, will improve, or will stay the same until menopause.
Does endometriosis cause infertility?
Some women who are infertile have endometriosis (some have more than one possible cause of infertility). Experts do not fully understand how endometriosis causes infertility. Explanations include the following. Scar tissue (adhesions) may form at the sites of implants and change the shape or function of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.
How is endometriosis treated?
Infertility caused by endometriosis can sometimes be successfully treated with surgery, fertility drug treatment and assisted reproduction. The common forms of assisted reproduction include intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.
What is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?
The American Pregnancy Association defines In-Vitro Fertilization as: the process of fertilization by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. When the IVF procedure is successful, the process is combined with a procedure known as embryo transfer, which is used to physically place the embryo in the uterus.
What is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
Resolve: The National Infertility Association states: ART involves several types of medical treatment designed to result in pregnancy. Types of ART include in-vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), embryo cryopreservation, egg or embryo donation, and gestational carriers.
I have been diagnosed with blocked tubes. Is there any way I can get pregnant?
Yes. In-vitro fertilization is effective in overcoming a variety of infertility problems relating to blocked or tied fallopian tubes. Surgery to open the tubes may be another alternative treatment.
I am 40 years old. Am I too old to get pregnant?
A simple blood test can be done to predict your ovarian reserve. If you cannot produce quality eggs, but you can carry the pregnancy to term, our egg donor program is an option for you.
My period is irregular and unpredictable. Can I have a baby?
Yes. Irregular periods may suggest a hormone imbalance. Our board-certified physicians are trained to treat these conditions.
I have no problem getting pregnant, but I have had many miscarriages, can a reproductive endocrinologist help me?
There are many causes of miscarriage; some may be treated by a reproductive endocrinologist. PGD may be recommended to test the embryos before transferring them into the uterus.
My husband had a vasectomy. Is there any way we can have a baby?
The sperm can be retrieved during a simple office procedure and injected into eggs to achieve fertilization. The resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus for implantation and pregnancy.
If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please complete the online form or contact us at 610-981-6000.