Infertility

Our facility is able to do a complete infertility workup including a physical exam and evaluating your medical history. Tests may include semen analysis, assessment of ovarian reserve, hormone balance, tubal patency, labwork, hysterosalpingography and other tests all designed to identify the cause of your infertility. To learn more about infertility go to shecares.com/symptoms/infertility.

Endometriosis– The tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is called the endometrium. Unfortunately, in some women the tissue grows outside the uterus. This condition can affect an estimated 10-20 percent of American women of childbearing age. While some women with endometriosis may have severe pelvic pain, others who have the condition have no symptoms. In some instances pelvic scarring and adhesions may occur. These, in turn, may prevent a woman from being able to become pregnant.

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. It will allow us to look closely at the female organs and determine if there are any abnormalities which could explain infertility. Ultrasound can also be used to track a woman’s ovulatory pattern.

Polycystic ovaries can be characterized by anovulation (irregular or absent menstrual periods) and hyperandrogenism (elevated serum testosterone and androstenedione). At the Lincoln Center we offer a comprehensive range of treatments for this condition including both medical and surgical therapies to help achieve pregnancy.

Semen analysis requires obtaining a semen specimen for testing in a laboratory. The specimen is collected by masturbation, rather than interrupted intercourse, after 3 days of abstinence. The following guidelines are commonly used to define a normal semen analysis:

• Volume: over 1.5ml
• Number over 15million/ml
• Motility: over 40%
• Normal formed sperm: over 4%

The results of a single semen analysis are not considered conclusive as it is reflective of what went on in the body 2 months earlier when the sperm were forming.

Infertility is just as likely to be related to male factors as female factors. Factors that influence fertility in men include personal habits such as nutrition, exercise, smoking, or drug and alcohol intake. Medications such as some used to treat ulcers and high blood pressure can influence sperm count and libido. Recreational drugs such as marijuana, anabolic steroids and cocaine may affect male hormones affecting sperm count and motility. Some lubricants used during intercourse have been shown to affect sperm quality.

Ovulation induction is a safe and effective means of helping infertile women who do not ovulate regularly. We carefully select the correct treatment regimen and diligently monitor the process in order to safely accomplish the patient’s goals.