Infertility Specialist

What is infertility?

Many couples don’t get pregnant within the first few months of trying, but if you’ve been trying to conceive for one year or more with no success, you may be experiencing infertility. It’s important to come in for a diagnostic work-up to determine the cause of infertility because a woman’s reproductive system is most effective before the age of 35. 

In order to become pregnant, a number of things must occur. Your ovaries must release an egg, which then needs to be fertilized by sperm. 

The fertilized egg, or embryo, must then make its way through a Fallopian tube into the uterus. The embryo needs to attach to the inside of the uterus, a process called implantation. 

A problem with any of these steps or conditions within the uterus that make pregnancy more difficult can lead to infertility in women. Men can also have their own fertility issues that can prevent pregnancy. 

How is infertility diagnosed?

Understanding the root cause of your infertility is the first step in finding treatments that can help. Your diagnostic evaluation will include hormone testing, semen analysis, and a thorough pelvic exam. 

Beyond Women’s Care offers multiple diagnostic tools. One example is hysterosalpingography, which creates X-ray imaging of the interior of your uterus and Fallopian tubes. It can determine if full or partial Fallopian tube blockage is preventing pregnancy. 

FemVue® is an alternative to hysterosalpingography and works by filling your uterus with a saline solution. Your practitioner observes this process, looking for fluid movement or bubbles indicating the Fallopian tubes are open. 

Additional diagnostic tools include:

• Ovarian reserve testing
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Sonohysterogram
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

Once your practitioner has a better understanding of how you and your partner’s reproductive systems are working, a customized treatment plan can be crafted. 

What can be done to treat infertility?

Medications often play a role in treating female infertility. There are many options from which to choose, including drugs like Clomid® and Femara®. It may take some time to find the medication that works best for you. 

If a condition like pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis is causing your infertility, treating those issues can improve your chances of becoming pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of each available option and help guide you to the best choice for your specific set of needs. 

In the event that advanced treatments or in vitro fertilization (IVF) are needed, your care team will help you find the right specialist and will coordinate care as you move through treatment.

Infertility can be stressful, and many couples go through a period of emotional distress as they try to find a path forward. Those in the care of Beyond Women’s Care in Rochester Hills, Michigan, can rest assured that they are not alone in their journey. If you’re struggling with infertility, book your personalized consultation online or by phone today.