If you’ve been trying to become pregnant for over a year without success (or six months if you’re over the age of 35), then it’s time to start a conversation with your gynecologist about infertility. While it can feel scary and isolating, infertility is actually quite common; about 10% of couples face infertility at some point, according to the CDC.
Infertility is a complex condition: it can affect either partner or both; it can be caused by hormone conditions, physical abnormalities, or an underlying health condition; some couples may undergo many rounds of testing only to learn that their cause of infertility is undetermined. Nonetheless, there are some well-known female health conditions that can result in infertility:
1) Endometriosis: A condition where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, endometriosis can result in scar tissue that interferes with fertility.
2) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Also known as PCOS, this condition occurs when the ovaries do not fully develop eggs. These underdeveloped eggs become cysts on the ovaries. For women who are overweight, loosing extra pounds can often reverse the infertility caused by PCOS.
3) Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are tuberous growths that form within the uterine cavity, which can make pregnancy impossible. There are treatments available for fibroids however which allow pregnancy after treatment.
Fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis are all conditions that are marked by abnormal periods. If you experience periods that are painful, very heavy, irregular, or longer than seven days, you should always notify your gynecologist. Early treatment of these conditions can help preserve your fertility.
4) Age: While it’s certainly not a health condition, age plays a big factor in fertility. Women face more challenges to becoming pregnant as they age, with fertility dropping quickly after the age of 35. Women over 35 who have tried unsuccessfully to become pregnant for six months should act quickly to seek infertility treatment.
These are just a few causes of infertility. What’s important for you is to seek individual treatment from a specialist with infertility experience.
When facing the stress and uncertainty of infertility, it’s important for you to work with a doctor who you trust. At All About Women, our team of skilled infertility doctors work with couples in a respectful, familiar environment to begin the discussion about infertility. We are able to offer testing and treatment options right in the office that you’re already familiar with.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin the discussion about infertility. If you’re not quite ready, visit our Knowledge Center to learn more about infertility testing and treatments.
