Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability for a woman to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse or six months if the woman is >35 years of age. It may also be defined by the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. This definition is reduced to six months if a women has irregular or painful periods, a history of a pelvic infection or tubal disease, a history of two or more miscarriages or a partner known to have a low sperm count.

Causes of Infertility

The causes of infertility are divided between female and male partners. Often couples may have a combination of issues that need to be addressed. During your initial consultation, you will have a thorough history taken and evaluation done by Dr. Russell to determine the potential problems. A plan of action will be devised for you and your partner once the cause of your infertility is identified.

Female Causes of Infertility

Ovulation is a very common cause of infertility. A regular menstrual cycle with adequate ovulation is needed for an egg to be fertilized. Symptoms of an ovulation disorder include irregular or lack of periods, midcycle or spotting prior to the initiation of your cycle. One common condition of irregular or lack of cycle is called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Other ovulation disorders may include ovarian insufficiency, low ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian failure.

Blocked fallopian tubes or tubal disease is a condition that inhibits the sperm from reaching the egg and initiating the fertilization process.

Endometriosis can interfere with the fertilization and implantation process.

Uterine fibroids, uterine polyps and uterine infections can cause infertility.

Other Factors know to affect a woman’s ability to conceive include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Poor nutritional intake
• Strenuous athletic training
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Male Causes of Infertility

Male infertility is caused by low sperm count, poor motility or forward progression of the sperm, abnormal shape or morphology of the sperm. The causes of these problems are usually a condition existing from birth but may be from an abnormal or enlarged vein surrounding the man’s testicle, a previous injury, hormonal abnormalities or possibly a genetic defect from birth.

A man’s lifestyle choices, overall health and exposures may also affect his sperm count and quality. Our evaluation will include questions regarding:

• Caffeine intake
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Age
• Exposure to chemicals or toxins
• History of any cancer treatments
• Health problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, or mumps
• Medications

External Resources

Semen Analysis - WebMD: Infertility & Reproduction Health Center