Infertility

Preparing for motherhood is an exciting and often stressful time, especially if you aren’t getting pregnant as easily as you hoped. At NY Midtown OB/GYN in midtown Manhattan in New York City and the town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, New York, highly skilled practitioners are here to help you navigate infertility care. To explore your options, call today to book a visit or schedule online in just moments. 

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as an inability to become pregnant after one year of trying through unprotected sex. For women who are 35 years of age or beyond, infertility is diagnosed as not becoming pregnant after six months of unprotected sex. 

Many things must occur for you to become pregnant. Your ovaries must release an egg, that egg must encounter sperm to become fertilized, the fertilized egg must then travel through your fallopian tube to reach your uterus, and the embryo must then successfully attach to your uterine lining. 

A problem with any of these steps can cause infertility in women. For men, issues with sperm production and/or sperm delivery can lead to infertility. 

What are some potential causes of infertility in women?

Many factors can create problems in the journey between releasing an egg and a successfully implanted embryo. Some of the specific issues that can cause infertility in women include:

• Diminished ovarian reserve (low egg count)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Premature menopause
• Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea 
• Hormonal issues that affect egg release
• Endometriosis
• Fallopian tube obstruction
• Uterine fibroids

Determining the source of infertility is the first step. In most cases, testing for you and your partner is the best way to gain a complete overview of your fertility. 

What kinds of treatments can help with infertility?

Your treatment plan depends on the cause of infertility. There are medications that can regulate hormone production, improve ovulation, and prepare your uterus for successful implantation. Drug therapy can increase your chances of having multiples, so be sure you consider this possibility when choosing a treatment path. 

In some cases, surgery is the best way to address functional issues like blocked fallopian tubes or abnormal endometrial tissue. Intrauterine insemination is a process that places prepared sperm directly into your uterus and is a good option for couples who experience sperm motility issues. 

Your gynecologist can also discuss assisted reproductive technology options with you. Learning more about your choices is the best way to make an informed decision about your care. 

There are many ways to help couples with infertility attain their goals of parenthood. When you’re ready to explore the possibilities, call NY Midtown OB/GYN to schedule a visit or book an appointment online.