What is Infertility?

We encourage couples facing possible infertility and related health concerns to educate themselves thoroughly before making their decisions. Your physicians at Your Practice Name can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation to help determine what steps may need to be taken regarding your fertility concerns. If you choose to utilize the assisted reproductive procedures, we will take you through the entire process and personalize treatment based on your needs and desires.

What is Infertility?

Experts define infertility as the inability to become pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are able to get pregnant, but experience repeated miscarriages are also said to be infertile.

Pregnancy occurs as a result of a complex chain of events. In order to get pregnant:

  • A woman must release an egg from one of her ovaries, called ovulation.
  • The egg must travel through a fallopian tube toward the uterus.
  • A man’s sperm must join with the egg along the way, called fertilization.
  • The fertilized egg must then attach to the inside of the uterus, referred to as implantation.

Infertility can result from problems that interfere with any of these steps.

You are not alone! It is believed that infertility affects at least 20-25% of couples who are of reproductive age.

Infertility can be treated with drugs, surgery, medicine artificial insemination, or assisted reproductive technology (ART). Many times these options are combined for effective treatment. About two out of three couples who are treated for infertility are able to have a baby.

Our physicians will tailor specific treatments for infertility based on multiple variables:

  • the couple’s test results
  • how long they have been trying to get pregnant
  • their age
  • their overall health
  • preference of the couple