Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after having regular, unprotected sex for six months to one year, depending on your age. It affects an estimated 1 in 8 couples in the United States.
There are two main categories of infertility:
- Primary infertility refers to couples who have never been able to get pregnant.
- Secondary infertility refers to couples who have been pregnant at least once before but are unable to get pregnant again.
Some key facts about infertility:
- It is often caused by a problem with the man, the woman, or both partners. Common causes include:
- Low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or blockages in a man's reproductive system
- Ovulation disorders, uterine or fallopian tube damage, endometriosis in a woman
- In 1/3 of cases, the cause is not identified. This is called unexplained infertility.
- The risk of infertility increases with age, especially in women older than 35.
- Both medical and surgical options are available to treat infertility. Some common options include:
- Fertility drugs to regulate ovulation
- Artificial insemination procedures
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Lifestyle factors can also impact fertility, like being under- or overweight, smoking, or alcohol use. Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help.
If you suspect you may be dealing with infertility, it's important to speak to a reproductive endocrinologist. The expert physicians at
Optimized Hormones offer advanced, personalized care in a supportive environment. Their integrated approach looks at your unique hormone profile, health history, and lifestyle factors to develop a customized treatment plan. From ovulation induction and ART to third party reproduction with eggs or sperm donation, their goal is to help you build your family.