Infertility
Services
Approximately 15% of couples are
affected by infertility, the inability to conceive after one year of regular,
unprotected sexual intercourse. There are two categories of infertility--primary
and secondary. Primary infertility is defined as the inability of a couple
to ever conceive a child. Secondary infertility is defined as the inability
of a couple to become pregnant after bearing one or more children. Infertility
is often thought of as a female problem, however male and female factors
contribute equally to infertility problems. Assessment of the health and
infertility factors of both male and female patients must be made before
a cause and treatment options can be advised by a heath professional. Some
of the following factors for each partner: |
Male
• Past pregnancy experience - the
lack of pregnancies in past relationships is a factor.
• Diseases and injuries - post pubescent
mumps, STDs, and testicular trauma can inhibit sexual function and sperm
production.
• Medications and Drugs - some prescription
drugs as well as street drugs and alcohol can lessen or eliminate sexual
function, sperm count and motility.
• Semen Analysis - the physician
will want to perform a semen analysis to provide a definite sperm count
and motility profile. This can help lead to specific treatment options.
Female
• Past pregnancy experience - a
history of ectopic (tubal) pregnancies can be a cause of the infertility.
• Ovulation and Menstrual cycle
- not ovulating menstrual cycle history can reveal underlying medical problems
that may mean the woman is not ovulating.
• Age - age is a considerable factor
in infertility, especially in women over the age of 35.
• Diseases and Injuries - many gynecological
illnesses and problems as well as certain STDs can contribute to infertility.
An honest and complete medical history is required for the physician to
find the cause.
• Medications and Drugs - some prescription
drugs as well as street drugs and alcohol can contribute to infertility
and the inability to conceive.
• Ovulation - the physician may
want to perform a test to determine the females ovulation.
These factors may be discussed with
you by your physician. Thorough and honest medical and personal background
information is necessary for your physician to give you the best care and
infertility treatment.
Two types of infertility services
are available at A Women's Health and Pregnancy Center. Dr. Logan specializes
in treating infertile couples using two very successful, non-invasive methods.
Ovulation Induction uses medication to promote the production of eggs by
the woman. Special medications may be used to increase the number of eggs
produced and released during ovulation to heighten the chances of fertilization.
Intrauterine Insemination is typically used in conjunction, but not limited
to use with the ovulation induction, to inject sperm directly into the
uterus near the Fallopian tubes to provide the best environment for the
sperm to fertilize the egg(s).
Any convalesent period with these
treatments would be minor due to the medications used for the ovulation
induction; breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting are some reported side
effects of the medication and are rare. There is an increased but small
chance of multiple gestations with the use of ovulation inducing medications.
Patients seeking infertility counseling
and treatment must be aware that infertility treatment is not a guaranteed
service. Not all patients will be responsive to treatments and there is
a chance of not conceiving. Of those patients who do not conceive, underlying
medical problems may not allow the pregnancy to continue.
The infertility evaluation offered
by A Women's Health and Pregnancy Center is necessary before any treatment
options can be discussed. Call today to set up an appointment.
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