Is There a Cure for Infertility?
The struggle and heartbreak of infertility affects millions of Americans each year. Did you know that 12 percent of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term? (Centers for Disease Control)
There is no one simple cure for infertility. Treatment depends upon a wide variety of factors which must be taken into account when helping you on your journey to start a family. Our office is adept at treating infertility in Chapel Hill, NC.
“Fortunately, there are always new innovations in helping women conceive and we want women to know that they are not alone,” said Dr. Pat Chappell.
What Factors Influence Fertility?
Age is one of the primary factors that influences infertility. Roughly one-third of those over 35 have struggled with it, and aging can also increase the risk of having a miscarriage.
Health habits can also have some impact. While they are not the sole factor, smoking, excessive alcohol use or weight issues —either a large weight gain or a severe weight loss — can all contribute to the inability to get pregnant.
In some cases, extreme emotional of physical stress can result in amenorrhea, the absence of periods. (Centers for Disease Control)
Other causes of infertility include:
- Abnormal thyroid activity
- Problems with ovulation. This accounts for infertility in an estimated 1 in 4 couples.
- Abnormal prolactin levels
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Low sperm count
- Testicular blockage
Possible Cures for Infertility
There is no one simple cure for infertility, and not all cases can be successfully treated.
However, we utilize the latest treatments to ensure that those who want to conceive have the best prognosis possible. We’re thrilled to say that we have helped a countless number of women have healthy babies.
Following are some of the strategies we have used to help patients
Treat Underlying Problems
First, any underlying problems such as thyroid issues, endometriosis or uterine fibroids must be treated.
The man should also be tested to see if he has a low sperm count. In one-third of infertility cases, the issue is due to a health problem with the man (The Mayo Clinic).
Men are also at risk of fertility problems if they have been exposed to radiation or environmental toxins, or if the testes have been consistently exposed to high temperatures, which can occur if the man, for example, frequently uses a hot tub or sauna.
Treatment with Medications
We use several different medications to treat infertility. These include:
Clomiphene citrate (which is known as Clomid). This medicine influences the pituitary gland and causes ovulation. We may also use this medication if you have normal ovulation in order to help increase the number of mature eggs that are created.
Letrozole (also known as Femara) is also used to cause ovulation and increase the number of eggs in women with healthy ovulation.
Treatment with Intrauterine Insemination
This treatment is often referred to as artificial insemination, where sperm are inserted into the uterus. It may also be used in conjunction with medication.
We Have Effective Solutions for You at Our Fertility Clinics in Chapel Hill and Durham, NC
Infertility is heartbreaking and is a challenge both physically and psychologically. We want you to know that we have helped women successfully conceive for more than four decades, and we’re dedicated to helping you find a solution. Schedule an appointment with us so we can discuss your options.
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 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:
Centers for Disease Control. “Infertility.” Online.
The Mayo Clinic. “Infertility: Its Symptoms and Its Causes.” Online
