Question of the Week
Q) What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive an intrauterine pregnancy
after a year of sexual intercourse without contraception. It is a condition that
affects nearly 15% of all people at some point in their lives. There are many
causes of infertility, and most can be diagnosed and treated. If you and your
partner are experiencing any difficulty in starting your family, the first step
is simply to contact a physician who is knowledgeable about infertility. Some
physicians have special expertise in this area because they have two or three
years of fellowship training after completing four years of obstetrics and gynecology
residency- these physicians are called Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE). People
with infertility can usually be treated successfully by reproductive endocrinology
specialists who have extensive training and experience in treating this specific
problem. Click
to read more.
Q) How is infertility diagnosed and what are its symptoms?
There are a number of diagnostic tools available to help pinpoint the cause of
infertility. After a couple has undergone Evaluation through a comprehensive
physical exam and medical history, an RE will initiate a series of specific diagnostic
investigations based upon his/her suspicion of the source of infertility for
the couple. Causes of infertility can generally be classified within the following
areas: the female endocrine system, the female pelvic cavity (tubal damage, endometriosis,
uterine problems, fibroids), cervical interactions between partners, or the male
reproductive tract. A glossary of medical terms is provided at the end of this
page to clarify medical terminology that may be difficult to understand. Click
to read more.
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