What is infertility?

Silent suffering is all too common when it comes to infertility — a stark reality that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding if  you may have infertility can help you seek appropriate medical advice and support, leading to a higher chance of achieving pregnancy.

At Effortless IVF™ in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas, Dr. Kevin Doody and Dr. Kathleen Doody provide the expertise and compassionate care to help you understand infertility. They offer personalized solutions to overcome it, guiding you toward achieving the family you envision.

What is infertility?

Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, this timeframe is shortened to six months due to the natural decline in fertility that occurs with age. If you’ve been trying to conceive within these timeframes without success, it might be time to consult with a fertility specialist. 

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also defines infertility as those who need the use of donor egg or sperm to achieve pregnancy either as an individual or with a partner. 

Different types of infertility

Infertility can be categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary infertility refers to couples who have never been able to conceive, despite trying for a year or more. Secondary infertility occurs when a couple has successfully conceived before, but is now unable to achieve pregnancy again.

What factors contribute to infertility?

There are many factors that can impact fertility - frequently there can be more than one issue that may affect on a couple’s fertility journey. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can negatively impact fertility in both genders.

Women often face reproductive hurdles due to hormonal imbalances, like those experienced during ovulation, or structural issues like blocked tubes or uterine abnormalities. And sometimes, conditions like endometriosis can cause trouble, too. Age also plays a significant role, as fertility naturally decreases with time. 

In men, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology are common issues that lead to infertility. 

When to visit us

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it might be time to consult with our team. For women under 35, seeking medical advice after one year of trying is recommended. For those over 35, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us if you’ve tried to conceive unsuccessfully for six months. 

However, if you have a known medical condition that could affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or abnormal sperm testing, it’s advisable to seek help sooner.

Tests used to diagnose infertility

We perform a series of tests to diagnose the cause of infertility. For women, these may include blood tests to check hormone levels, ultrasound scans to examine the ovaries and uterus, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) to evaluate the fallopian tubes. 

Semen testing assesses sperm count, motility, and morphology, helping men understand where they stand. Depending on the results, we may recommend additional tests to pinpoint the exact cause of infertility.

Infertility treatment options

Treatment options for infertility vary depending on the underlying cause. Simple tweaks to daily habits can have a profound impact on fertility for some couples — think ditching the cigarettes, exercising regularly, or scaling back on happy hour. Medications can stimulate ovulation in women with ovulatory disorders. 

However, for couples who need more advanced assistance, Effortless IVF™ offers an innovative approach that combines the best of traditional IVF with a more natural, less invasive process. Using the advanced INVOcell device, fertilization and early embryo development occur within the woman's body, rather than in a lab. 

Our fertility specialists guide you through this process, helping you determine if Effortless IVF™ is the right option to help you achieve your dream of starting a family.

Seek timely medical advice

Infertility can be a challenging and emotional journey, but understanding when you’re considered infertile and seeking timely medical advice can make a significant difference in your path to parenthood. 

If you’re struggling to conceive, don’t hesitate to reach out to Effortless IVF™ by calling the office nearest you today, or scheduling an appointment online at your convenience.