The ability to conceive can be affected by a number of things, from age to hormone levels. You’re not alone if you’ve been struggling to conceive. When trying to grow their family, around one in six people across the world struggle with infertility.*
First Fertility centers have been evaluating and treating infertility across the United States for many years. Learn more about the causes and treatments for infertility below and schedule an appointment at one of our local clinics for fertility testing.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility can be caused by several different factors, including:
- Genetic Factors
- Autoimmune Conditions and medications
- Hormone Disorders
- Structural Abnormalities of reproductive organs
- Health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis
- Age
Fertility testing can help determine the cause of infertility. Both partners can be affected by infertility and should undergo testing when considering fertility treatments. Fertility testing often includes bloodwork to check hormone levels, physical exams, and a review of family history to attempt to find a cause for your infertility. This ensures that our fertility specialists have all the information they need to create a personalized treatment plan.
Our fertility specialists will recommend testing if you are a woman over 35 who has been trying to conceive for at least six months, a woman under 35 who has been trying to conceive for at least 12 months, or a woman over 40 who has been trying to conceive for at least three months.
Is Infertility Treatable?
Infertility can be treatable for both men and women. Our fertility specialists can create personalized treatments that help you grow your family in a way that considers your reproductive wishes, health history, and fertility testing results.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a group of fertility treatments that often include handling the eggs and sperm outside the body—in a lab setting. ART includes fertility treatments like:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Third-Party Reproduction (Donor Egg, Donor Sperm and/or Gestational Carrier)
Our state-of-the-art lab and highly trained embryologists help us provide various ART treatments. We monitor all eggs, sperm, and embryos in our care to ensure they are carefully handled and have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Medications to Treat Infertility
Medications can help treat infertility attributed to hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and other factors. Some medicines may encourage ovarian stimulation in order to produce more eggs or balance hormone levels to ensure that the body makes sperm or eggs properly.
Surgical Fertility Treatments
Surgical fertility treatments are available to address structural problems that may be causing infertility for men or women. If you have endometriosis adhesions, fibroids, or polyps, a surgeon can remove these in order to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Procedures on your fallopian tubes can also remove blockages, which may help IVF be more successful.
These surgical procedures are typically done laparoscopically to ensure minimal discomfort, bleeding, scars, and recovery time. Your fertility specialist will help you determine what treatment option is best for you and be there for you every step of the way.
Schedule Fertility Testing at a First Fertility Center
If you and your partner are struggling with infertility, it may be time to schedule fertility testing. Find a First Fertility clinic near you to schedule a first appointment today.
* https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility
