Are You a Woman Struggling With Infertility?

When it comes to infertility, our skilled reproductive endocrinologists at Idaho Fertility Center are here to help restore hope for those who are experiencing the pain of infertility. We have found that most types of infertility can be overcome. First, we must determine the cause of infertility as well as the barriers and then we can customize the treatment for a successful pregnancy outcome. This month’s blog is going to focus on infertility in women.

When a woman has trouble conceiving, the cause can often be narrowed down to several factors, most of which have to do with her reproductive system. The most common cause is due to ovulation disorders.  Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common  disorder but the good news it is highly treatable. Advancing age can affect a women’s fertility due to egg quality diminishing over time. If she has problems with her pelvic area, such as adhesions and endometriosis, this can also impact her potential to conceive.

Other factors might involve:

-Obstructions or blockages in her fallopian tubes

-Malformations, polyps, scarring, or fibroids in the uterine

-Problems in the cervix that get in the way of sperm motility

-Recurrent bacterial or yeast infections

Diagnostic Testing

Before we can provide treatment recommendations, diagnostic testing will need to be done. These may include blood tests done on day two or three of a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine the follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and estradiol levels (E2). This will tell us how well the ovaries will respond to fertility drugs. A thyroid panel is also done to make sure it is not inhibiting ovulation. It’s also a good idea to screen for infectious diseases, including STDs, and we may take a blood type and Rubella Titer test.

-A dye may be injected into the uterus so X-rays can illuminate the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This fertility test, called the Hysterosalpingogram or HSG is done once you have completed your menstrual cycle but before you have ovulated.

-For LH surge and ovulation predictor kits, you will check your urine every morning using a special stick that will show you when you will ovulate in the next 24-26 hours. This helps us to schedule timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination procedures.

-A progesterone hormone level test will be done via a blood draw seven days after you ovulate to make sure your endometrial lining can support a pregnancy.

-We may check your uterine cavity for polyps, fibroids, or abnormal growths using a sonohysterogram, or water ultrasound.

-A blood test might be taken to check out additional hormones such as androgens (DHEA-S, testosterone).

In about 20% of cases, the cause of infertility may not be discovered.  But rest assured, there are treatments designed to overcome virtually all causes even those that only mother nature can see.

If you are a woman and are struggling to conceive, please contact our team of fertility specialists to find out more about our female diagnostic testing in Idaho Falls, Idaho. To reserve an appointment with one of our board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologists, please call (208) 529-2019 today. Idaho Fertility Center would like to help you find the fertility answers you are looking for.