Causes of Infertility

Fertility issues can be attributed to female factors 45% of the time, male factors 40% and unknown reasons 15% of the time.

Female factors can include:

  • Inability to ovulate or drop an egg each month
  • Factors that block the egg and sperm from uniting, such as scar tissue in the tubes (from endometriosis or old, healed infection)
  • Abnormalities of the uterus that can block the baby implanting, such as abnormal growths of muscle cells (fibroids) or gland cells (polyps) , or structural abnormalities from birth
  • Age of the egg

Male factors can include:

  • Low sperm count
  • Abnormal sperm shape
  • Decreased sperm movement

Common Tests

The following tests are often conducted to determine whether your fertility issues can be attributed to female or male factors or both.

  • Semen analysis: examines the number, shape and swimming ability of the sperm
  • Day 3 FSH or Clomid Challenge test: determines the number of eggs remaining in women’s ovaries, it also indirectly measures the quality of the eggs
  • Ovulation detection: determines whether or not an egg is dropped in a given month. Tests include temperature charts, urine tests, and blood hormone exams.
  • Hysterosalpingogram: checks the shape of the inside of the uterus and whether or not fallopian tubes are completely open
  • Sonohysterogram: checks inside the uterus to look for abnormal muscle cell or gland cell growths
  • Laparoscopy: a minor surgery performed to look at the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and inside of the pelvis. It is usually only performed if there is a history of a pelvic infection, endometriosis, or an abnormal hysterosalpingogram.

Other Tests

  • Thyroid test: normal thyroid tests are important for a baby’s brain development
  • Rubella (german measles) and Varicella (chicken pox): because these infections can hurt the baby, immunization is available before pregnancy

Next Steps

Once you have completed all of the tests, we will sit down together to determine the best way to help you get pregnant. We will explain to you all of the results and the treatment options available to you. You can then make your decisions based upon what is best for you and your family. To learn more about the treatment options, please ask for “Treatment Options for Infertility.”