DEFINING INFERTILITY
Infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. To get a more accurate answer to the question “what is infertility”? this definition is reduced to six months for:
- Women over 35
- Women with a history of painful periods, irregular cycles, pelvic inflammatory disease and miscarriages
- Couples who know that the male partner has a low sperm count
The earlier you seek help, the greater your chances for success. If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, have been diagnosed with infertility, or have a non-traditional relationship inhibits you from getting pregnant, we urge you to see a specialist as soon as possible.
INFERTILITY IN MEN
A common misconception is that infertility is only a woman’s problem. In fact, for almost 50% of infertile couples, the cause is related to the male partner, either alone or in addition to a female factor.
When a couple has fertility concerns, Augustine Medical Centre & Assisted Reproduction Technology Unit recommends that both the male and female partner have full work-ups in order to determine the most effective treatment approach.
INFERTILITY IN WOMEN
Female infertility can result from a range of factors. Augustine Medical Centre & Assisted Reproduction Technology Unit can work with you to determine the cause of your infertility and the best treatment options. Common causes of female infertility include:
Tubal Conditions
Problems with fertility may arise if a woman’s fallopian tubes have been damaged by pelvic infection, previous tubal pregnancy, or ruptured appendix. Most women with tubal problems benefit from in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ovulation Disorders
Most women ovulate every 21 to 35 days. Women with cycles greater than 35 days are considered to have oligo-ovulation. Those who do not ovulate at all have anovulation. Medical therapy is often successful in these cases.
Age and Infertility
Advanced age is now the leading cause of infertility in the United States. For women, age-related infertility results from a decrease in the number and quality of her eggs over time.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where normal uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. Laparoscopy, a minor outpatient surgical procedure, is the most common treatment for endometriosis.
Cervical Abnormalities
Abnormalities of the cervix affect fertility. One of the most common causes is prior surgery on the cervix, such as a cone biopsy, or laser therapy to treat cervical cancer. Treatment includes intrauterine insemination and IVF.
Uterine Abnormalities
Abnormalities to the shape of the uterus can also impact fertility. Some of these include scar tissue, polyps, or fibroids. Hysteroscopy or a laparoscopy can be used to treat many uterine abnormalities.
COPING WITH INFERTILITY
Research has shown that the stress associated with fertility treatment can be at a level comparable to the stress associated with serious illness. Patients who seek emotional support early in treatment are often better prepared for their experiences and find it significantly less stressful than patients who do not. At Augustine Medical Centre & Assisted Reproduction Technology Unit we provide individual and couples counseling as well as group mind/body programs where you meet other people who are experiencing feelings similar to your own. These programs have been clinically proven to reduce the distress associated with infertility. We believe that stress reduction and counseling can help you to be comfortable and confident while undergoing treatment.
