Patient Care

Fertility Counseling

Infertility

Conceiving a baby is something many of us may take for granted, but it is actually a complex and miraculous process. Several factors, including age, lifestyle or medical problems can cause infertility and may be found in one or both partners.

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sexual relations. For a woman over 35 years of age, infertility should be investigated after attempting to achieve a pregnancy for six months.

Your physician will gather information about your past medical history and perform a routine physical exam, including blood work, to determine your overall health. Other tests may be recommended, depending on your age, medical history and the results of your physical exam.

Our physicians are available to evaluate and treat infertility. However, referrals are made for other types of treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

For additional information, please visit the following websites:

Predicting Ovulation

Basal Body Temperature Chart

The goal of the basal body temperature chart is to help you determine ovulation so you can plan intercourse on the days during your cycle when you are most fertile. Taking your waking body temperature can provide important information if you are trying to conceive. Your body temperature will fall and rise during your monthly cycle. It will be lower in the first phase, higher in the second phase and higher still in the third phase if implantation takes place. The rise in temperature from the first phase to the second phase is caused by ovulation. Your temperature will rise only AFTER ovulation has taken place. Please note charting temperatures alone without using cervical fluid and cervical position DOES NOT indicate your most fertile time has taken place. You can check for changes in the position and firmness of your cervix and in the appearance of your cervical fluid at home. For additional information about self-examination, please consult your physician. It is recommended all indicators are charted to have the most efficient reading of fertility.

Fertility Evaluation and Treatment

Hysterosalpingogram

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray used to detect a blockage in the fallopian tubes or other uterine problems. An HSG is performed by injecting dye through the cervix while taking x-rays to evaluate the flow of the dye through the uterus and tubes.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to look inside your uterus to help diagnose or treat a uterine problem. A thin, telescope-like instrument (called a hysteroscope) is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. A hysteroscopy is usually performed just after menstruation to obtain the clearest view of the uterine cavity.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia that enables your physician to see if any scar tissue or abnormal growths appear on the outer surfaces of your reproductive organs.

Drug Therapy

If tests reveal you are not ovulating normally, your doctor may recommend drug therapy to help stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. The type and dosage of therapy prescribed will depend on your age, health and past medical history.

Resources

Infertility can be an emotional and frustrating experience, and it is important for couples to remain hopeful and to be supportive of each other. Talking with your doctor or a therapist and attending support groups may help ease the stress of dealing with infertility.

To learn more about infertility, please visit the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

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