Infertility

Definition of Infertiliy – The unsuccessful attempt at achieving pregnancy after of one year of unprotected sex. 

Considering the complexity of the reproductive process, about 80-85% of couples will be pregnant by the end of one year.  About 10-15% of all couples experience infertility which can be very frustrating and emotional.  About 40% of infertile couples, the cause of the infertility is multifactorial.  Age decreases the rate of conception, especially after age 35. 

We evaluate infertility in a sensitive environment.  The most common causes are the following:

COMMON FACTORS OF FERTILITY

FACTOR	INCIDENCE (%)	BASIC TESTS WHICH MAY BE DONE
Male	40	Semen  Analysis
Uterine-tubal	30	Hysterosalpingogram (an x-ray to look at the inside of the uterus and to see if the tubes are open, laparoscopy (to see the inside the abdomen for endometriosis)
Ovulatory	15-20	Basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, blood  tests to check the thyroid and hormone levels
Cervical	5-10	Postcoital test, pap smear looking for infection
Unknown	5-10

Finally, infertility often can be treated.  After your evaluation, talk with your doctor about treatment options for you and your partner.