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Fertility

Visiting your ob-gyn is a great opportunity to discuss any fertility concerns you may have and get any questions you may have answered. Our physicians are here to help guide you through infertility concerns, family panning methods and more!

  • Infertility

    Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex. This span is shortened to six months if the woman is over the age of 35. Women who can become pregnant but are unable to sustain the pregnancy may also considered be infertile. Approximately a third of infertility cases originate with the man, another third from the woman. The other cases may be due to problems with both partners, or due to an unknown cause

    Male infertility may be due to low sperm count, sperm damage or varicocele, which is a malformation of a vein in the scrotum. Smoking, alcohol and drug use, obesity, untreated sexually transmitted infections, and certain medications or medical treatments may also contribute to sperm abnormalities.

    Women's fertility can be affected by many of the same risk factors as men, but they may also have problems within the ovaries or uterus such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Women who are underweight or those who are over the age of 35 may also experience difficulty conceiving. In both genders, there may be a singular reason for infertility or a combination of causes.

    There are many treatments available for infertility. Basic screening is usually performed first - physical exams, sperm studies, ovulation tests and ultrasounds. After analysis of these tests, the doctor will make recommendations for treating the problem. This may include increasing sexual activity, medication, or surgery.

    Assisted conception may also be an option for some couples; medical procedures are carried out by fertility specialists with the goal of conception. These include in vitro fertilization and the use of donor eggs. These methods have varying levels of success and can have risk factors associated with them. Maintaining a relationship with a doctor as well as a counselor is beneficial.

  • Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)

    Tubal ligation, is a surgical method of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes are blocked or severed to prevent fertilized eggs from traveling down the tubes into the uterus. While tubal ligation is typically performed laparoscopically, with tiny abdominal incisions rather than a large open surgical area, it is still considered major surgery, taking place in a hospital or similar setting with spinal anesthesia. Conversely, male sterilization (vasectomy) is a minor surgery that can be completed quickly with no hospital stay required.

    There are various methods for tubal ligation. The sections of the fallopian tube may be cauterized, clamped or totally removed. Small metal devices may also be placed inside the tubes to promote the formation of scar tissue, a natural barrier. Some women choose to have tubal ligation performed immediately following the delivery of their baby via cesarean section. This can cut down on costs and later recovery time. Although tubal ligation is considered permanent, there has been some success in reversing the procedure by repairing one or both fallopian tubes.

    In the first year after the procedure, tubal ligation has been found to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Over time, the tubes may regenerate, resulting in an unintended pregnancy. A portion of these pregnancies may be ectopic, a condition in which the fertilized egg implants in the tube rather than the uterus. This is uncommon, but regular checkups with a gynecologist can monitor the healing process to ensure the passageways are not restored.

  • Family Planning

    Family planning is a process in which an individual or couple comes up with a strategy of when to become pregnant and how to use birth control methods to carry out these plans. Family planning is a concept typically used by a female-male couple to control when, how and if they conceive. For this reason, it is not necessarily synonymous with birth control, as adoption, sterilization and abortion also fall under the family planning umbrella.

    Education is a large part of family planning. Health care professionals can provide information and counseling for people who may not understand the impact that having a child brings to their health, finances and lifestyle. This is especially helpful for those living below the poverty line or in developing countries, especially when access to medical facilities is limited. Educating people on birth control options means lessening the maternal and infant death rate, limiting the spread of STIs, and increasing life expectancy. These resources are often available free or at a reduced cost to those who qualify.

    For couples who may be experiencing difficulty conceiving, family planning may include fertility treatments, assisted reproductive technology, or adoption opportunities. Ongoing counseling is essential for this group as well, especially when considering the emotional impact of fertility treatments and the financial and legal aspects of adoption.

    With approximately half of the pregnancies in the United States still considered unintended or unplanned, family planning is an invaluable resource for all people.