Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant is estimated to affect up to one in five couples trying to get pregnant for the first time.  For these 20% of couples this process can be emotionally changing and physically exhausting.  We are here to work with you to find answers and provide guidance during this journey.  If you have been trying to get pregnant and have been unsuccessful, or if you have had multiple miscarriages, schedule a consultation with us.

The four female OBGYNs at Associated Women’s Healthcare are all board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and are all members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They have extensive experience helping couples who are struggling to conceive. They will walk you through each step of diagnosis and find the best treatment option for you. If you’re looking for a fertility testing in the Plano area, contact Associated Women’s Healthcare today to schedule an appointment by calling 972.612.8829.

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What is Infertility? What Causes It?

Infertility is defined as not becoming pregnant after 12 months of unprotected intercourse for women age less than 35.  At age 35 and older it is defined as not becoming pregnant after 6 months of unprotected sex.

There are many causes to infertility but they can be categorized into female factors, male factors, mixed/lifestyle factors or unexplained infertility

Female factors:

  • Ovulatory disorders
  • PCOS
  • Fallopian tube scarring or blockage
  • Endometriosis
  • Uterine factors (polyps, fibroids)

Male factors:

  • Varicocele
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Sperm or semen abnormalities
  • Testicular failure

Mixed and Lifestyle Factors

  • Genetic problems
  • Age
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Alcohol use
  • Pre-existing medical problems such as diabetes
  • Infections
  • Hormone problems (thyroid)

What About Miscarriages?

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as two miscarriages in a row that happen at less than 20 weeks gestation.  If this applies to you there may be additional testing we can perform to try to determine the root cause of your miscarriages.

When Do I Make an Appointment?

  • Anytime if you have a known history of PCOS or endometriosis
  • Anytime if you have irregular or absent menstrual cycle
  • Age less than 35: after 12 months of unprotected intercourse
  • Age 35 or older: after 6 months of unprotected intercourse
  • Age over 40: as soon as you begin to try to become pregnant

These are general guidelines.  If you have questions or concerns at any point during your fertility journey, regardless of your age or how long you have been trying, make an appointment for consultation today!

How is Female Fertility Tested?

We begin by taking a thorough medical, social, surgical and menstrual history to identify any risk factors or problems.  Based on this information we begin the evaluation by ordering blood work and other studies that may include an ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram and semen analysis.  Many of these tests can be performed in our office, but if not we will refer you to excellent infertility specialists in the community.

Part of the evaluation will work to determine if the woman is ovulating each month and what the ovaries look like on ultrasound which will be done in our office.  Additional testing may include:

  • Hysterosalpingogram: This test uses an x-ray to determine if the fallopian tubes are open and allowing the egg to pass freely. In addition, your physician will be able to detect any abnormalities inside the uterus.
  • Semen analysis: This test is done in an infertility specialist’s office and often can be done at the same time as his partner’s hysterosalpingogram.  This will evaluate different aspects of the semen to ensure it is healthy.

What Are My Infertility Treatment Options?

The suggested treatment will depend on the type of problem, the age of the woman, and her personal preferences. Each woman is unique so not every treatment plan will be the same.

Infertility Medication

If a woman is not ovulating this will inhibit her ability to get pregnant.  There are two oral medications, Clomid and Letrozole (Femara) that can help certain patients ovulate and therefore increase their likelihood of becoming pregnant.  These medications increase your body’s natural hormones to promote increased egg follicles and ovulation of those follicles.  These treatments can be helpful in patients that have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  Success rates of these medications are about 30% after three months.  All four of our physicians can provide you a prescription for these medications and monitor you during your treatment course.

Infertility Specialist Referral

Other causes of infertility require the expertise of a physician to maximize your chances of becoming pregnant.  We work closely with many excellent infertility (or REI) physicians all over the DFW area to get you compassionate, expert care you deserve in your family planning journey.

Treat Female Infertility in Plano, TX

Discovering the cause of female infertility can be a long and emotional process, but Associated Women’s Healthcare will be with you every step of the way. We will make it our goal to find the right solution for you and your growing family.

Schedule an Appointment with Women’s-Led Associated Women’s Healthcare

For more information about infertility tests and your treatment options, or to schedule your appointment with one of our four female gynecologists, contact Associated Women’s Healthcare today! Give our Plano, TX office a call at (972) 612-8829. We look forward to hearing from you soon!