Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility occurs when you can’t get pregnant within a year of trying (or six months if you’re 35 or older). You might also have infertility if you have trouble staying pregnant. 

Infertility isn’t just a women’s health issue. While one-third of cases are due to women’s reproductive health issues, one-third of cases are due to men’s reproductive health issues and another third has unidentifiable causes.

Infertility causes intense emotions and stress. Sarasota OB/GYN Associates offers compassionate, comprehensive testing and treatment to help you get pregnant and have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

When should I talk to a doctor about infertility?

Ideally, you should talk to Sarasota OB/GYN Associates about getting pregnant before you even start to try. They offer customized advice to optimize your overall and reproductive health. 

However, if you’re already trying but not becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor after a year. If you’re 35 or older, you should speak with your doctor after six months of unsuccessful trying. 

How do you evaluate infertility?

Sarasota OB/GYN Associates provides comprehensive fertility testing. They begin with a consultation to review your reproductive health history, including:

• Prior pregnancies
• Prior miscarriages
• Menstrual cycle regularity
• Pelvic pain
• History of STDs
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Prior pelvic surgeries

They schedule tests like Pap smears, ultrasounds, and blood tests, and look for signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and other issues that can interfere with fertility. 

Depending on your lab tests, your provider might also order tests to check for blockages in your fallopian tubes or abnormalities in your uterus. They also evaluate your ovarian reserves — the remaining number of eggs. 

Your partner should also have fertility testing to check the quantity and quality of his sperm. 

What are treatments for infertility?

There are various treatments for infertility to help you become pregnant. For example, Sarasota OB/GYN Associates might recommend medication to stimulate egg maturation and release.

They might recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to address more complex infertility cases. 

If you’re experiencing infertility and want expert assessment and treatment, call Sarasota OB/GYN Associates or make an appointment online today.