What is infertility?
Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive with regular sexual activity for at least a year. Infertility affects around 15% of couples who try to get pregnant.
One or both partners can contribute to a couple’s infertility. The reproductive health of around one-third of women and one-third of men are contributing factors to a couple’s infertility. In the other one-third of infertility cases, both partners have contributing factors, or the origin is undetermined.
While there may be other causes for your infertility, risk factors that hinder you or your partner’s ability to contribute to a viable pregnancy may be:
- Obesity
- Being underweight
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
Dr. Rodriguez works with you and your partner to decrease your risk factors for infertility and improve your chances for getting pregnant.
What causes infertility?
Dr. Rodriguez takes a detailed health history of both partners and performs a thorough physical exam to determine what may be the reason you are not able to conceive.
Some causes for infertility in women may be:
- Ovulation disorders
- Hormonal imbalance
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Uterine factors
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic scar tissue
- Cancers of the reproductive organs
Some causes for infertility for men may be:
- Low sperm count
- Structural damage to the penis or testicles
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Cancers of the reproductive organs
Other testing, such as blood work, sperm analysis, and ultrasound, may be needed to trace the cause of your infertility. Dr. Rodriguez and his staff understand that this can be difficult, and they strive to give compassionate care throughout this diagnostic process.
What treatments are available to help with infertility?
Texas IVF is proud to offer a number of services that give you and your partner the highest possible chance to conceive a child. Depending on the cause of your infertility, treatment options may include:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Gestational carrier
- Fertility medication therapy
- Egg or sperm donation
While there is no guarantee that any treatment will result in a viable pregnancy, Dr. Rodriguez and his staff pride themselves on providing the most individualized and personalized care possible so you and your partner have the best chance at conception.
If you would like to explore possible causes and treatments of your infertility, call or book an appointment online today.
