Fertility / Infertility

It is estimated that 10-15% of couples in the United States are infertile.  This means that they have been sexually active for 1 year (6 months if the woman is over 35) without using birth control and have not achieved pregnancy.  In general the reason(s) that couples are infertile are due to female problems 40% of the time, male problems 40% of the time.  The remaining 20% of infertile couples may have a combination of reasons for infertility or they may have undiagnosed infertility.

When starting an evaluation for infertility your SOGA provider will obtain and complete history and physical.  There may be findings in either that will help the provider counsel the patient and couple and also determine any testing that needs to be ordered.   Part of a basic infertility work up includes an assessment of the ovaries (eggs), the sperm, and the fallopian tubes and uterus.  Labs, x-rays, ultrasound or a sperm count can all be helpful in forming a strategy to help a couple become pregnant.