Infertility Specialist

When should I schedule an infertility evaluation?

Women should consider scheduling an infertility evaluation when they meet any of these guidelines:

• Women under the age of 35 who aren’t pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse
• Women ages 35-40 who aren’t pregnant after six months of regular, unprotected intercourse
• Women over the age of 40 who have decided to get pregnant
• Women of any age with a health condition that affects their ability to get pregnant

Since age significantly affects a woman’s ability to conceive, women older than 40 shouldn’t wait 6-12 months before seeing a doctor at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta. After 40, getting a thorough exam and identifying potential fertility problems can increase your chance of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.

Why does age contribute to infertility?

Women are most fertile through their early 30s, then the number and quality of their eggs begin to decline, making it harder to get pregnant with each passing year. Fertility drops quickly after the age of 35. By the time women are 40, they only have a 10% chance of getting pregnant with each monthly cycle.

What causes infertility in women?

In one-third of infertile couples, a problem is found with the male partner. In another one-third of couples, a problem is found with the woman. However, in one-third of all couples, there’s an infertility problem in both couples or the doctor can’t identify an underlying cause.

In the couples who can’t get pregnant because of female infertility problems, the three most common causes are ovulation problems, a blockage in the fallopian tube, and endometriosis. Although less common, other gynecological problems like uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause infertility.

How is infertility treated?

During your infertility evaluation, you’ll have a pelvic exam, blood work, and other diagnostic tests or ultrasound imaging. You may also undergo ovarian reserve testing, which helps determine the number of eggs in your ovaries.

When a physical reason for your infertility is identified, your doctor at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta recommends treatment for the problem. For example, you may need medication to trigger ovulation or minimally invasive surgery to treat a problem like endometriosis.

Your doctor can also talk with you about when it might be time to consider assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

If you have any concerns about your ability to get pregnant, call OB-GYN Associates of Marietta or book an appointment online.