Fertility Issues

If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for one year, or over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months, see a fertility specialist. A fertility workup can help determine why you are having trouble conceiving, or the cause of multiple miscarriages. Once you are diagnosed, you and your physician will determine the best course of treatment. Keep in mind that age is a big factor in fertility, so the older you are, the sooner you’ll want to diagnose and treat your infertility.

Getting Started

An infertility diagnosis may be determined in a number of ways. Laparoscopy can reveal endometriosis; and blood tests can help determine other causes of infertility including high FSH, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and blood-clotting disorders. Often a pelvic exam, ultrasound or MRI will be utilized to determine if fibroids and polyps are an issue. Surgical tests, such as a hysterosalpingogram allow the physician to view the fallopian tubes to determine if they are blocked or scarred.

Unexplained Infertility

Often testing doesn’t uncover a reason for infertility, and a patient’s condition may be labeled “unexplained infertility.” This is frustrating, both for the patient and the physician, but it can certainly be overcome.

IVF Failure

Many women who have had a failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle will have a subsequent successful cycle, pregnancy, and live birth. Factors involved in IVF failure include:

• Female age
• Embryo quality
• Ovarian response
• Implantation issues

Missed Diagnoses

Infertility or pregnancy loss may be caused by several factors that are not commonly considered including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Smoking
• Environmental toxins/chemicals

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a persistent lack or absence of sexual desire, fantasies, or thoughts, is the most common form of female sexual dysfunction. HSDD may be either a cause or an outcome of infertility.