Struggling With Infertility? Here's What You Should Know

Trying to conceive a child can be problematic for many couples. It can be a frustrating process, because it can inevitably involve different tests and perhaps advanced reproductive technology to get pregnant. The good news is that there is help, and treatments are available to help you conceive a healthy child.

You are not alone

When you are struggling with infertility, it is easy to think you are the only ones going through this trying experience. That simply isn’t true. Approximately 10-15% of all couples are infertile.  That’s between 32 million and 48 million in the United States alone.

Understanding infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a couple has unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant after having had frequent unprotected sex for at least a year.  

One-third of the time, conception issues are related to the woman. Another third of the time, they can be attributed to the man.  Frustratingly, the final third is related to an unknown cause.

It is important to note that male infertility is just as common as female infertility. 

Proactivity helps

If you have been trying to get pregnant, but have certain risk factors, you should see a physician before you continue trying to get pregnant.  A few of these symptoms include:

• You’re over 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than six months.
• You have irregular periods.
• You have painful periods.
• You have been diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease.
• You have been diagnosed with endometriosis.
• You have had multiple miscarriages.
• You have had treatment for reproductive cancer.
• You have a low sperm count.
• You have a history of testicular, prostate. or sexual problems.
• You have small testicles.
• You or your partner have a family history of infertility.

Understanding the causes of infertility

All too often, infertility is thought of as a “female problem.” That is not the case. Infertility causes can arise from either party or even both. 

Male infertility

A few causes of male infertility include:

• Abnormal sperm production
• Problems with delivery of sperm
• Overexposure to environmental toxins, including cigarette smoking or marijuana consumption

Female infertility

• Ovulation disorders that affect the release of eggs from the ovaries
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Endometriosis
• Early menopause (before 40)
• Reproductive cancer treatment

Despite these factors, your case is not hopeless. There are many different treatments an experienced physician like Charles Haddad, MD FACOG, of Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery might try to help you succeed on your journey. The talented doctors and midwives at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery have the experience and expertise to help you navigate this process. Please give us a call today at (973) 352-7783 for a consultation.