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The Most Common Reasons and Solutions for Infertility

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Many women face the challenge of infertility. In fact, 10 to 15 percent of American couples are infertile. Of those, one-third is due to an issue with the man, another third is due to an issue with the woman, and the remaining third is due to a health problem with both the man and the woman, according to the The Mayo Clinic.

 “We have seen many couples struggle with the challenge of infertility. It is an intensely emotional and exhausting experience,” said Dr. Pat Chappell. “There are many safe and effective ways to treat infertility. We also provide compassionate, emotional support, which we realize is so important during this time.”

The most common reasons for infertility

Causes for female infertility include:

  • Problems with ovulation
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Too much prolactin in the system
  • An overactive or under-active thyroid
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Damage to the fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Chronic diseases that are not well-controlled, such as diabetes
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Scar tissue
  • Cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation

Causes of male infertility include:

  • Abnormal sperm production
  • Structural, anatomical problems, such as testicle blockage
  • Health issues that affect the way sperm are delivered
  • Overexposure to environmental contaminants like pesticides and chemicals
  • Injury to reproductive organs
  • Excessive exposure to heat, such as saunas or hot tubs—this can raise the body temperature and affect sperm production
  • Cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation

Common solutions for infertility

In order to treat infertility, it’s important to determine the underlying cause. Our fertility specialists carefully with each of our patients to create a treatment plan tailored to meet their individual needs. For example, if the thyroid gland is the culprit, then we will recommend treating the thyroid to ensure it is functioning properly.

Some other solutions for infertility include:

  • Fertility medications
    • In some cases, we may prescribe Clomid or administer human gonadotropin. These medications help stimulate the ovaries and promote egg development.
  • Fibroid removal
  • Intrauterine insemination 
  • Surgery
    • This can help treat endometriosis and eliminate scar tissue that may be affecting your fertility. 

You are not alone. Let Chapel Hill OBGYN be a partner in your care

For our patients, we represent the best of both worlds: we provide the individualized treatment you’d expect from a smaller practice with the advanced medicine you’d expect from a larger, university-based health system. We understand that you’re not a statistic; you’re an individual. We know that you are not alone in your struggle, and we want to work with you to find an effective solution.

For more than 40 years, Chapel Hill OBGYN has served women in the Triangle area, sharing the joy of little miracles and supporting them during challenges. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives in Durham and Chapel Hill bring together the personal experience and convenience of a private practice with the state-of-the-art resources found at larger organizations. To schedule an appointment, please contact us for more information.

Sources:

The Mayo Clinic. “Infertility: Its Symptoms and Its Causes.” Online https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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