Infertility is a complex and private subject that often goes undiscussed, yet it affects millions of people yearly. The first step when you’re struggling with conceiving is to consult your OB/GYN. Your gynecologist is equipped to perform a fertility evaluation and make further recommendations. Some common reasons for infertility include age, your partner’s fertility, sexually transmitted diseases, being underweight or overweight, and other lifestyle factors. 

When To Speak To Your OB/GYN About Infertility

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, irregular or abnormal ovulation accounts for approximately 25 percent of all female infertility problems. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we know infertility is a complicated topic and can be easily misconstrued — luckily, we are here to help you through this journey.

1. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which the presence of tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. Signs of endometriosis include painful periods, abnormal bleeding, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements, changes in urination, and infertility. An estimated 40% of women with infertility have endometriosis. Seeking treatment for infertility is often how many women are first diagnosed with endometriosis. If you have any of the symptoms above or are diagnosed with endometriosis and trying to conceive, it is recommended that you set up an appointment with your OB/GYN.

2. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular periods do not directly cause infertility, however, the lack of these cycles can make it difficult to fall pregnant. Irregular or abnormal ovulation accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. This condition is known as anovulation and includes irregular periods, abnormal bleeding, or no period at all. Any signs or symptoms of irregular menstrual cycles warrant a visit to your OB/GYN.

3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases have been associated with directly or indirectly causing infertility in both men and women. Specifically, chlamydia and gonorrhea can affect fertility as they can turn into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. STDs often present with no symptoms and, when left untreated, can result in more damage. Getting regular STD screening through your OB/GYN can help prevent complications, including infertility.

4. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterus made of uterine muscles. Fibroids can cause infertility due to a blockage of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include 

• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Constipation
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than seven days
• Frequent urination

Fibroids have been linked to infertility and pregnancy complications such as placental abruption, preterm delivery, and growth restriction. Luckily, a procedure known as a myomectomy can be performed to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. 

5. Failure To Achieve Pregnancy After 12 Months Of Unprotected Sex 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the medical definition of infertility is the inability to get pregnant after one year or longer of unprotected sex. If you are having trouble conceiving, the first step is to visit your OB/GYN. From there, your provider will go through your medical history, vaccinations, dietary guidance, lifestyle and behaviors, and exam health screenings. 

At Raleigh OB/GYN, we believe that patient education is an invaluable tool. For that reason, our doctors and staff provide patients with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their health and body, along with screenings and tests that can help detect underlying causes of infertility. We want to ensure you understand everything about your fertility journey and how having a healthy cycle impacts your overall well-being. If you have been struggling with infertility, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. You can schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.

The body works in magical yet mysterious ways. The phases of the fertility journey can often be confusing, from understanding the timing and length of your menstrual cycle to what changes can happen during the different stages of your cycle. Learning the ins and outs of the fertility journey is an important first step in your adventure to motherhood.  

The Fertility Journey

Falling pregnant is easy for some, but it can be a long and distressing process for many. It can be difficult to feel hopeful amid fertility challenges, but fortunately, there are many things that you can do on your side to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Here at Raleigh OB/GYN,  we can help aid you through your fertility journey. 

Infertility And Reproductive Health

According to the American Pregnancy Association, fertility is the natural capability to conceive. On the other hand, infertility prevents the conception of children due to a condition of the reproductive system. Infertility affects roughly 10-15% of couples throughout the United States. It is also essential to note that several factors contribute to conception and pregnancy success. Some of these factors include

• The production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the women
• Ovulation: The ovary releases an egg
• Fertilization: Sperm meets the egg
• Implantation: The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus

When implantation occurs, pregnancy officially begins. If one of these factors is impaired or compromised, infertility can result. 

Timing Is Key

Each month, your body prepares for pregnancy. Women are born with about 1 million eggs, yet only release 300 to 400 during ovulation throughout the span of their lifetime. When trying to get pregnant, timing intercourse is crucial for improving the likelihood of millions of sperm meeting one single egg. According to PubMed research, a study of 625 women found conception only occurred when intercourse took place during a six-day period that ended on the estimated day of ovulation. In other words, knowing when you are ovulating can help you plan to have intercourse when you are most likely to conceive.

Infertility Treatments

With ever-advancing technology, infertility continues to be successfully treated in a multitude of women. Two of the most common fertility treatments are Intrauterine Inseminations (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IUI is when healthy sperm is inserted directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation, while IVF is when eggs are taken from a woman’s ovaries, fertilized by sperm, and then transferred into a woman’s uterus. The national average for women younger than 35 able to become pregnant by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on the first try is 55%, yet drops as the women ages. The success rate of IUI is lower at around 10-20% each cycle, but your chances increase the more cycles you go through.   

Additional Options

Aside from IVF and IUI, there are other great options for women struggling with infertility. Common fertility medications include:

• Clomifene – Encourages ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly
• Tamoxifen – An alternative to Clomifene if you have irregular ovulation
• Metformin – For women who struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Gonadotropins – Can help stimulate ovulation in women and improve fertility in men

Additionally, there are several surgical procedures that women can undergo to help with infertility, such as fallopian tube surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and surgery to correct an epididymal blockage. 

Here at Raleigh OB/GYN, we’re all about helping you understand everything about your fertility journey and how having a healthy cycle impacts your overall well-being. If you have been struggling with your fertility journey, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. You can schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (919) 876-8225.