basic Infertility Evaluation & Treatment

Infertility refers to the biological inability of a man or a woman to contribute to conception. Infertility occurs when a couple has actively tried to conceive for 12 months without success.  Those who are unable to conceive or who have endured repeated miscarriages may be infertile.  There are many biological causes of infertility, some which may be circumvented via medical intervention.  In women, the problem is commonly a result of ovulation disorders, but can also be caused by issues such as uterine fibroids or blocked fallopian tubes.  Fertility can also be affected by various factors such as alcohol consumption, drug use, stress, and advanced maternal age.

A health care provider can assist an infertile patient by doing an initial infertility work up and implementing a treatment plan.  This may include an evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a physical exam, a pelvic exam, hormone assessment, possible blood work, and/or imaging studies such as a hysterosalpingogram (an x-ray exam of a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes).  Depending on the medical reason associated with infertility, there are several treatment options available to help the condition.  Some patients may be candidates for conservative reproductive management via the fertility medication Clomid (Clomiphene citrate).  Clomid may be a recommended first step before pursuing assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).  Clomid is a fertility drug that helps normalize or induce ovulation, while ART involves mixing the sperm and eggs and then placing them into the woman’s body.  The health care provider can recommend which treatment option best suits the patient’s particular needs and may also coordinate referrals to a reproductive endocrine infertility specialist for additional counselling and treatment.  A comprehensive assessment of infertility can be discussed in-depth with the patient’s health care provider.

Contact our office to schedule a basic infertility evaluation with one of our experienced providers.