Understanding Infertility

What is Infertility?

As defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children. Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors: on the production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman; unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman's uterus; and sufficient embryo quality.

Finally, for the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman's hormonal environment adequate for its development. When just one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

When should my partner and I seek fertility treatment?

Many couples who make the decision to start a family maybe surprised at how many attempts it may take them to conceive. For normal healthy couples, it is not uncommon for several months to go by before pregnancy is achieved. This can be an emotional and stressful process that sometimes requires more patience than many couples expect. There are several factors that can indicate the need to seek out treatment for infertility

• You are a woman over the age of 35
• You and your partner have been trying to conceive naturally for a full year without success
• You have a history of miscarriage
• You experience irregular menstrual cycles
• You or your partner have or have had a reproductive condition
• You are over or under weight

You are a woman over the age of 35

If you’re a healthy woman over the age of 35 and have no indication of infertility, it is recommended you try to conceive naturally for six months before seeking infertility treatment, versus waiting for a full year. After the age of 35, a woman's natural fertility decreases substantially. This is due to decreased quality and quantity of eggs, hormonal changes, and various other factors. A woman in her late thirties is likely to have a much harder time conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term than a woman in her late twenties.  Most often a woman's age is the most critical factor when determining a couple's ability to conceive.

You and your partner have been trying to conceive for a full year without success

Couples are generally advised to seek medical help if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of unprotected intercourse. You may be surprised to know that for perfectly healthy couples, there is only a 48-hour window of fertility during each month and approximately a 20 percent chance of conception and implantation to occur in any given cycle. It is very common for couples with absolutely no fertility problems to try for several months before achieving pregnancy. 

You have a history of miscarriage

If you are a woman who has experienced numerous miscarriages or has a family history of pregnancy loss, it is recommended that you consult your OB/GYN before attempting to become pregnant. Depending on your condition, infertility treatment may or may not be necessary. You may also consider seeking out an OB/GYN that specializes in high-risk pregnancy.

You experience irregular menstrual cycles

If you have experienced irregular menstrual cycles or your menstrual cycles have ceased, you will most likely have a harder time achieving pregnancy. These irregu larities not only indicate an issue with ovulation, but will make it difficult for you and your partner to determine when your window of fertility is. It may be possible that a hormonal imbalance is affecting ovulation or that a related medical condition is interfering with conception and implantation. Depending on your individual situation, treatment options may vary. Women with irregular periods should consider seeking out the advice of their physician to help determine the cause.

If your menstrual cycle has ceased completely and you are a woman under 35, it may be a result of certain medical conditions, such as anorexia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or premature ovarian failure. The complete absence of menstruation is a strong indication of infertility and possibly a more serious medical condition. Younger women who do not menstruate should seek medical advice even if they are not trying to achieve pregnancy.

You or your partner have or had a reproductive condition

Women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, PID, or any type of pelvic infection or tubal disease are most likely already aware of the effects of their condition on fertility. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, women may be advised to undergo infertility treatment as soon as they decide to become pregnant or after as long as six months of trying to conceive without success.

Men who have or had any condition relating to the testicles, prostate, or other reproductive organs, or any type of hormonal imbalance, should consider infertility treatment after six months of trying to conceive naturally.

You are over or under weight

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), 12% of all infertility cases are a result of either weighing too much or too little. Maintaining a healthy body weight may increase your chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. Weight loss of about 5-10% may dramatically improve your ovulation and pregnancy rates.