IVF Plano Explains the Causes of Infertility
Recent data suggest that as many as one out of every six couples will experience problems with infertility sometime during their reproductive lives. If you are one of those couples, you may feel like you have no options. With detailed testing to determine the causes of infertility, Dr. Douglas can effectively increase an individual’s or couple’s chances of successfully conceiving and raising a healthy family. Dr. Douglas and our team of trained medical professionals at IVF Plano utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to determine the reasons for unexplained infertility, secondary infertility, and recurrent miscarriage so that we can recommend the best therapy to result in a successful pregnancy.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive when a couple goes 6-12 months without any birth control. 40% of infertility is attributed to the female infertility and 40% to male infertility. In some cases both partners will have a problem. In approximately 10% of couples we are unable to find a cause. This is called unexplained infertility and there are specific treatments for this as well.
Female Causes of Infertility
Female factor infertility is characterized by a woman’s inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. In 40% of couples seen in our office the cause of the fertility diagnosis is due strictly to an issue with the female partner. There are many causes for female infertility including hormonal, structural and age related problems, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, tubal blockage, uterine abnormalities are a few of the diagnoses explained below.
- Advanced maternal age or diminished ovarian reserve
- Previous pelvic infection, inflammation, or endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances, anovulation, polycystic ovaries
- Structural abnormalities of the uterus, tubes and ovaries
Male Causes of Infertility
Male factor infertility affects 40% of the couples that are treated at IVF Plano. There are many causes for male infertility, including abnormal semen and sperm production, failure of sperm delivery and general health and lifestyle issues. Male infertility is usually diagnosed first by a semen analysis but other test may be required to correctly diagnosis the cause.
- Sperm abnormalities, low count, decreased motility or morphology
- Structural abnormalities or past injury to the testicles
- Varicoceles
- Previous infections
- Health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Hormonal abnormalities
Most causes of infertility cannot be prevented but fortunately today there are many safe and effective treatments to help couples overcome infertility and have a family. A 2006 study by the William Mercer Foundation showed that of couples who sought the help of a reproductive endocrinologist and followed the recommended plan 80 to 85 % were able to have a baby.
Why wait any longer? Contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Douglas.
Read more about the causes of Infertility with ASRM Guides & Fact Sheets
Infertility Overview Guide – an ASRM guide
Infertility In Women – an ASRM Guide
