Infertility

If you’re one of the 10% of women experiencing infertility, there’s still hope. The experts at Southern Connecticut Women’s Health Care Associates take an evidence-based approach to treating infertility, with access to one of the most advanced reproductive facilities in the United States: the Yale Fertility Center. If you live in or near Milford, Connecticut and are having difficulty getting pregnant, schedule a fertility consultation online or by calling the office directly.

What causes infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex. Male infertility is usually the result of a low sperm count or low-quality sperm. The most prominent causes of female infertility include:

  • Endometriosis

  • Pelvis adhesions

  • Ovulation disorders

  • Uterine or cervical abnormalities

  • A damaged or blocked fallopian tube

  • Pelvic adhesions

  • Early menopause

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Scar tissue

What are the risk factors for infertility?

Numerous factors can increase the risks of both male and female infertility, such as:

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • Eating disorders

  • Alcohol

In some cases, abnormal cervical mucus can make it difficult for sperm to reach your egg. 

Age can also play a significant factor in infertility. Pregnancy over the age of 35 is referred to as advanced maternal age. When women reach their mid-30s, the quantity and quality of their remaining eggs decreases and can cause fertility problems.

How is infertility diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing female infertility, or have had recurrent pregnancy loss, there are various tests available to help determine why you’re unable to conceive. Your doctor may perform:

  • Pelvic ultrasound

  • Hormone testing

  • Ovarian reserve testing

  • Ovulation testing

  • Hysterosalpingography

During hysterosalpingography, a contrast dye is injected into your uterus, followed by an X-ray to examine the health of your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

How is infertility treated?

The specialists at Southern Connecticut Women’s Health Care Associates offer several options if you need help getting pregnant, including:

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI): sperm is placed directly into your uterus while you’re ovulating

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF): sperm and egg are fertilized in a lab, and an embryo is placed in your uterus

  • Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): sperm and egg are brought together and placed in your fallopian tube

  • Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT): a fertilized egg is placed in your fallopian tube

Surrogacy is also an option if you’re unable to carry a baby to term. During surrogacy, your fertilized egg is placed in another woman’s uterus. This is a popular option for same-sex couples.

If you’re not ready to have a baby right now but are planning on starting a family in the future, egg freezing is another option. Your eggs can be frozen either by themselves or already fertilized. Fertilizing your eggs before freezing them also allows you to choose the sex of your child. 

If your biological clock is ticking, and you want more information about infertility and which treatments may be right for you, call or book an appointment online today.