Infertility Specialist

What is infertility?

Infertility is not being able to become pregnant after one year of trying. It might also mean having stillbirths or miscarriages after becoming pregnant.

Infertility is common as about 15% of couples don’t get pregnant on their own without medical assistance. Fortunately, numerous infertility treatments can help struggling couples have a baby.

What causes infertility?

About one-third of the time, infertility is linked with women, and in one in three cases, it’s a result of reproductive problems in men. Other times the cause of infertility is unknown or linked with both partners.

Infertility in men or women may be due to:

Women

Infertility in women can happen as a result of:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Hormone imbalance, such as thyroid disorders
• Excessive exercise or eating disorders
• Tumors or reproductive injuries
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Endometriosis
• Early menopause
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Pelvic adhesions

Other causes of infertility in women include cancer, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, genetic abnormalities, poorly controlled diabetes, being overweight, and having an autoimmune disease.

Men

Male infertility might involve abnormal sperm function or problems with sperm delivery. Causes may include:

• Undescended testicles
• Genetic defects
• Diabetes
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Enlarged testes veins
• Premature ejaculation
• Health conditions, such as cystic fibrosis
• Injury to reproductive organs
• Environmental toxins, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy

Dr. Hooker may recommend sperm motility tests, ovulation tests, blood tests, or imaging tests to determine the cause of infertility and establish an appropriate treatment.

What is the treatment for infertility?

Dr. Hooker and his team offer personalized infertility treatments for you or your partner, and they recommend the least invasive option first. He might suggest:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Behavioral therapy
• Surgery
• Intrauterine insemination
• Surgery to restore fertility
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a common ART technique. Your provider combines sperm with eggs in a dish in a lab and implants fertilized eggs into your uterus.

How can I increase my chance of becoming pregnant?

Certain lifestyle factors lower your risk of infertility. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid sexually transmitted infections. Steer clear of excessive caffeine, alcohol, smoking, street drugs, and environmental toxins.

Getting pregnant before you turn 35 and having intercourse when you’re ovulating increases your chance of becoming pregnant.

If you struggle with infertility and want answers, call Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care or book an appointment online with Dr. Hooker today.