CT Infertility Services
Struggling to get pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to term can be very difficult for most couples. There are physical, psychological, and financial burdens that come with infertility testing and treatments. We understand that this is a stressful time as couples undergo testing and face the disappointment of not getting pregnant.
We consider a couple infertile if they have been unable to achieve pregnancy in 12 months of having sex without using any birth control or if a woman is age 35 or above and unable to achieve pregnancy in 6 months. This is a fairly common problem. In fact, about 12% of couples in the United States are considered infertile.
In order for a pregnancy to result, the woman must release an egg (ovulate) and the man must release an adequate number of well-formed, well-moving sperm. The egg and sperm must meet in the fallopian tube, and then implant in the uterus, which must have the proper hormonal environment. Causes of infertility can result from issues regarding the woman, man, both partners, or other, unrelated problems. Testing for you and your partner will be undertaken in order to determine if there are problems which might be treatable.
In order to determine the next steps for you and your partner, please schedule an appointment with one of our infertility doctors by visiting our contact page or calling us at (203) 562-5181.
Symptoms of Infertility
Many women can experience infertility without any symptoms other than the inability to conceive. If symptoms are present, they may include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles or no menstrual cycle at all
- Menstrual cycles that are longer than 35 days or less than 21 days
- History of endometriosis, pain during menstruation, or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Obesity
- Recurrent miscarriages
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any questions or concerns, please visit our contact page or call us at (203) 562-5181 to schedule an infertility appointment.
Potential Causes of Infertility in Women
Below are common causes of infertility in women:
- Hormone problems which prevent ovulation or prevent implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus
- Physical problems such as scarring of the tubes due to pelvic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or endometriosis
- Being overweight, which can prevent normal ovulation
- Excessive exercise or low body weight, which can prevent normal ovulation
- Age-related decline in ovarian reserve
- Birth defects of the uterus or cervix
- Genetic disorders, history of cancer treatment
- Smoking, alcohol, or marijuana use
- Thyroid disease, diabetes, or other medical causes
Potential Causes of Infertility in Men
Below are common causes of infertility in men:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Varicose veins in the scrotum
- History of infections such as mumps which may have damaged the testes or history of trauma to the testes
- Use of certain medications or supplements
- High temperatures affecting sperm production; this may be work related or due to wearing tight underwear
- Hormonal or genetic disorders, history of cancer treatment
- Smoking, alcohol, or marijuana use
- Low sperm count or abnormal sperm motility
Infertility Testing
Below is a list of the current tests CT Coastal offers.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Ovulation Predictor Kits can determine your most fertile days and have an accuracy rate of up to 99%, depending on your menstrual cycle.
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis, also called seminogram or spermiogram, evaluates certain characteristics of a male’s semen and the sperm contained in place.
Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray test that outlines the internal shape of the uterus and shows whether the fallopian tubes are blocked. In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix and a substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus.
Lab Work to Identify Hormonal or Medical Problems
Your doctor may advise you to get blood work taken to give them a better understanding of your ovarian function and egg reserve.
Infertility FAQs
FAQs:
When should you consider seeing a fertility doctor?
- We recommend seeing a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for more than a year, or for six months if you are over age 35. A fertility specialist can help determine why you are having trouble and outline available treatment options.
Who is at risk for infertility?
- These factors can increase the risk of infertility in all people:
- Age (over 35 for women and 40 for men)
- Low number and quality of eggs
- Low sperm count
- Over-exercising
- Excessive alcohol use
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides