Infertility. For most women, it’s not something we think about unless we can’t have children. And then, odds are that we can’t think of much else.
So what is infertility? Infertility is most often defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying to conceive. Both women and men can be infertile, and up to 15% of the population suffers from infertility. If a couple under age 35 has been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, or a couple older than 35 has tried unsuccessfully for more than six months, it’s time to see a fertility specialist.
When you think about the factors involved, everything has to be just right for optimal fertility. Men need to have enough healthy sperm available, the sperm needs to be able to make it to the egg to fertilize it, and women need to be able to ovulate.
About one third of infertility is due to female issues, one third to male issues and the remaining third is either a combination of factors, or what’s termed “unexplained infertility.” Oftentimes, a woman’s infertility can be addressed with a simple procedure (identified by diagnostic testing) to correct such things as a blocked fallopian tube, uterine scar tissue (endometriosis) or other conditions, that can affect a woman’s hormone levels, periods, and ovulation. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is also used as a first line treatment for mild male infertility, including low sperm count, and to treat women with cervical factor infertility.
If you need to talk to someone about infertility issues or any other personal reproductive issues, you may wish to consider the professionals at HRC Fertility. They are located at 333 South Arroyo Parkway on the 3rd floor in Pasadena. You can visit them online at www.hrcpasadena.com or they can be reached by calling (877) 577-5070.
