Our Services / Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility occurs when you’re unable to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year and, if you’re over 35, for at least six months.

The main symptom of infertility is not getting pregnant, and you may not experience any other apparent symptoms.

What causes infertility?

Infertility can affect both men and women and in some cases, there may be no clear cause. 

Some potential causes in women include:

• Age
• Eating disorders
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Smoking and tobacco usage
• Ovulation disorders
• Conditions of the uterus (like uterine polyps or fibroids)
• Fallopian tube damage or blockage
• Endometriosis
• Primary ovarian insufficiency 
• Pelvic adhesions
• Cancer and its treatment 

Your provider can discuss prevention methods such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight. 

What testing can find the cause of infertility?

To understand your needs and overall health, your Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC provider conducts a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. They may encourage infertility tests, such as:

• Ovulation testing
• Thyroid function testing
• Hysterosalpingography (to check your uterus and fallopian tubes)
• Ovarian reserve testing
• Other hormone tests 
• Imaging tests

They then discuss several treatment options with you, including various forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

What treatments are available for infertility?

The practice may recommend a combination of treatments. 

Fertility medicines

Medication can help your ovaries release an egg if ovulation is irregular or stops happening. 

Minimally invasive surgery 

A hysteroscopy procedure can treat polyps, scar tissue, and some fibroids, and laparoscopic surgery can address endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, and larger fibroids. These surgeries may restore fertility. 

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

During IUI, your provider places healthy sperm (provided by a partner or donor) directly in your uterus around the time that your ovary releases one or more fertilizable eggs. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

During IVF, your provider retrieves eggs from your ovary and places them with sperm in a lab dish. The sperm fertilizes the eggs and then your provider transfers one to three fertilized eggs (embryos) into your uterus.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

A provider may perform this procedure during the IVF process — they inject a single sperm directly into each egg. 

Third-party ACT

You can choose to use donor eggs, sperm, or embryos. You may also use a gestational carrier or surrogate.

Call Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC, to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.