According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 10% of women in the United States struggle with infertility. Infertility makes it difficult to get pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to term.
Everyone is different, and many factors play a role in fertility. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after a year of actively trying for women under 35 and six months for women over 35.
If you’re experiencing infertility or have concerns about your ability to get pregnant and carry a pregnancy to term, we can help. At Memorial Women’s Specialists, our team of OB/GYNs and women’s health providers offers a range of gynecology and infertility services at our office in Houston, Texas.
When to see a doctor about infertility
Age is one of the primary factors in the ability to conceive, but it isn’t the only one. A history of miscarriages, underlying health issues, and gynecological problems like endometriosis or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can make it more difficult (although not impossible) to get pregnant.
Other factors that may complicate your ability to get pregnant include:
- Prior miscarriage(s)
- History of ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Men with low sperm count or ejaculation problems
- Having undergone tubal ligation or vasectomy
- History of STIs (some sexually transmitted infections can affect fertility)
If you or your partner are concerned about your ability to conceive or have experienced infertility issues in the past, schedule an appointment with an infertility specialist at our office in Houston to discuss your options.
You may also need to see our team when you’re ready to get pregnant or if you have other health issues that can contribute to infertility, including:
- Obesity
- Being underweight
- Alcohol, drug, or tobacco use
- Undergoing treatment for cancer (or in the past)
Many biological and environmental factors can affect fertility. But did you know that men and women are equally likely to experience fertility issues (approximately one-third of men and women can experience infertility)? In many cases, both sexes have reproductive issues that make it more difficult to conceive.
Infertility treatment and services
Dealing with infertility can be frustrating and painful, but there are several options available to help. Our team of infertility specialists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your infertility and recommend the best option for you, whether it’s counseling, medication to help with ovulation and improve your chances of conception, or fertility treatments like insemination and IVF.
For more information about infertility and what to do if you’re struggling to get or stay pregnant, contact Memorial Women’s Specialists today to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at our office in Houston, Texas, or request an appointment online.