Infertility

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after at least a year of frequent attempts with unprotected sex. If you’re 35 or older, six months of trying without a pregnancy indicates infertility. In a couple, infertility can be due to a variety of factors with either partner.

At Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic, the team specializes in family planning and can help you identify the cause or causes behind your infertility. Fortunately, there are many modern treatments and therapies to significantly improve your chances of getting pregnant. 

During your visit to Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic, the team performs a physical examination and asks for you and your partner's medical and sexual history. They might also perform blood tests or ultrasound imaging tests to assess your ovulation. 

What causes infertility?

There are many possible causes of infertility. Of course, the issue could be any part of the reproductive process within you or your partner. Some of the most common causes of female infertility are:

• Ovulation problems from a polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Ovulation problems from primary ovarian insufficiency
• Fallopian tube blockages or damage
• Uterine polyps or fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic adhesions
• Cancer or cancer treatments

Your risk for infertility also increases with certain behaviors and lifestyle factors. Circumstances that increase your risk include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Older age
• Being overweight
• Being underweight

Men’s infertility most often comes from inadequate sperm production, blockages preventing movement of the sperm, or a complication called varicocele, which comes from having large veins in your testicles. 

Is infertility treatable?

The Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic team specializes in the treatment of infertility. Modern infertility treatments can greatly improve your chances of getting pregnant and carrying out a healthy pregnancy. 

In order to treat your infertility effectively, the team diagnoses the underlying cause. You might need more than one treatment or therapy for the best possible chances at a healthy pregnancy. Your options may include:

Fertility medications

Fertility medications typically work by stimulating or regulating ovulation. This is the main option for women with ovulation disorders. 

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

During ovulation, your provider places sperm directly in your uterus. They may coordinate this process with your use of fertility medications. 

Surgery

In some cases, surgery is necessary to correct structural problems within your uterus that cause or contribute to your infertility. 

If you and your partner have been attempting to get pregnant and have either not yet become pregnant or cannot carry a pregnancy to term, call Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic or book a consultation online for infertility care today.