An educated patient is an empowered patient
Taking the journey from infertility to pregnancy can be a daunting task. Ramping up on terminology and treatment options alone is overwhelming. At ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine we believe knowledge is power. Our clinic provides patients with information and resources so couples they are equipped and educated before they hit the road to parenthood.
The ABCs of Infertility
Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year — or for at least six months if the woman is age 35 or older. This affects roughly 10-15 percent of couples trying to conceive. The causes of infertility are split about 50/50 between males and females.
ArkLaTex Fertility provides terms and definitions you may encounter during evaluation and treatment for infertility.
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Causes of female infertility
- Age
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Endometriosis
- Ovulatory disorders
- Hormonal causes
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic adhesions
- Decreased ovarian reserve or early menopause
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Causes of male infertility
- Abnormal sperm production or function
- Problems with the delivery of sperm
- Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis
- General health and lifestyle issues
- Environmental factors
- Cancer and cancer treatment
- Age
Fertility treatments
- Ovulation Induction use of the drug clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole (Femara) to cause ovulation, the release of the egg from the ovary.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination cutting the distance sperm must travel to reach and fertilize an egg
- In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) uses sperm and eggs to create embryos in a laboratory setting, then places them directly in the womb
- Hysteroscopic fertility surgery minimally invasive; vaginal entry to see inside uterus and remove obstacles
- Laparoscopic surgery minimally invasive; 2-3 tiny incisions under general anesthesia; uses a lighted telescopic and related instruments to visualize and correct problems
Fertility testing
- Genetic Testing (PGT) allows for preventive action to take place in selecting embryos prior to transferring embryos in an IVF cycle
- Hormone studies blood tests to measure hormone levels
- Semen analysis and andrology used to diagnose male reproductive disorders
- Sonogram or ultrasound examine the ovaries and uterus using sound waves
- Hysterosalpingogram an X-ray that looks for structural abnormalities of the uterus and fallopian tubes
Click here to see the Glossary of Fertility Terms
ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Vandermolen also offer diagnoses and treatment of many gynecological disorders either related or unrelated to fertility
- Menopause management
- Hormone replacement
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Abnormal menstruation
- Excessive hair growth
- Ovarian reserve testing
Other credible resources for infertility education
- RESOLVE– The National Infertility Association
- SART– primary organization of professionals dedicated to the practice of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the United States
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) – national organization that provides credible patient information covering many aspects of fertility
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – ART Section – includes IVF clinic success rates reported to the CDC
- Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility – official organization for reproductive endocrinologists
- The International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination – infertility information and support