I'm Officially Infertile — What Are My Options?

Infertility is a problem with some part or parts of your reproductive system that leaves you unable to get pregnant. It can happen to anyone, and many things can cause it.

If you’re younger than 35, your doctor may diagnose infertility after a year (12 months) of trying to conceive without success, that is, having regular, unprotected sex. If you’re 35 or older, the diagnosis may come after six months of regular, unprotected sex.

At Progressive Women's Health OB/GYN in Friendswood and Mission, Texas, Dr. Asia Mohsin understands that infertility can be confusing, frustrating, and emotionally painful. 

But thanks to the latest advances in reproductive technology, you have options to become pregnant and carry your baby to term. Here’s what you need to know about infertility and its treatments.

What causes infertility?

Infertility can arise because of problems with the female and/or male reproductive system. In this blog, we focus on the female side of things. Here are some of the main contributors:

• Age, being in your late 30s or 40s
• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
• Being obese or underweight
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): cysts on ovaries
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Fallopian tube problems, including blockages from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine fibroids: muscular tissue growths in the uterine wall
• Endometriosis: uterine tissue growing outside of the uterus
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Smoking and using tobacco products (plays a role in 13%-15% of infertility cases)
• Problems with the hormone-producing centers of the brain
• Autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease and lupus
• Kidney disease

Infertility can arise from one or a combination of these problems.

Determining the cause of infertility

Dr. Mohsin uses one or more tests to diagnose or rule out fertility problems:

• Pelvic exam: check for structural issues or signs of disease
• Blood test: check if hormonal imbalance is a factor or if you’re ovulating
• Transvaginal ultrasound: look for issues with your reproductive system
• Hysteroscopy: a thin, lighted tube inserted into your vagina examines your uterus
• Hysterosalpingography: X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes to highlight blockages
• Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): a transvaginal ultrasound of your uterus using saline
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-rays of fallopian tubes using a dye to look for blockages
• Laparoscopy: a thin tube with a camera checks for endometriosis, fibroids, scar tissue

Once she’s discovered the underlying cause(s) of your infertility, Dr. Mohsin can counsel you about your fertility options.

Your fertility options

Your options vary depending on the source of the infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes fertility treatments where eggs or embryos are handled. The primary type is in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), which makes up about 99% of all ART cycles.

IVF-ET, where the sperm fertilizes the egg in a laboratory and the resulting embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus, has helped many couples conceive successfully.

ART as a whole may be recommended when other treatments (such as intrauterine insemination) haven’t worked, there’s endometriosis or tubal obstruction, or the problem is severe male factor infertility.

If you’re struggling to conceive, visit Progressive Women's Health OB/GYN for an evaluation to determine the cause and find solutions so you can move forward with your family. Call the nearest office or book online with us today. We also offer telehealth appointments.