At some point, most couples desire to become parents. While many couples get pregnant within a year of having unprotected sex, some have difficulty and struggle with infertility. Although more than 1 of 10 couples experience infertility and face frustration and sadness, there are various treatments that can help them conceive a child.

Causes of Infertility

There are a wide variety of reasons a couple may find it difficult to get pregnant. Some of the most common causes of male infertility include:

  • Abnormal sperm production or function as a result of genetic defects, heart issues, and undescended testicles.
  • Sexual challenges due to premature ejaculation, genetic diseases, or damage to the reproductive organs.
  • Overexposure to pesticides, cigarette smoke, alcohol, drugs, and other environmental factors.
  • Cancer related damage that can inhibit sperm production.

Female infertility may be caused by:

  • Ovulation disorders which impact the way the eggs are released from the ovaries.
  • Cervical or uterine abnormalities including unique issues with the opening of the cervix, the shape of the uterus, or polyps in the uterus.
  • Fallopian tube damage or blockage which is often the result of fallopian tube inflammation or salpingitis.
  • Endometriosis which is when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus and affects the way the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes function.
  • Early menopause when the ovaries no longer work and menstruation concludes before the age of 40.

Infertility Risk Factors

The following factors in both men and women increase the risk of infertility:

  • Age: A women’s fertility declines as she gets older. It drops significantly after she turns 35. Men over age 40 are usually less fertile than younger men.
  • Alcohol and tobacco use: Excessive use of alcohol and/or tobacco reduces a couple’s chances of getting pregnant.
  • Being overweight and underweight: When a man or woman is overweight or underweight, they put themselves at risk for fertility issues.

How is Infertility Treated?

Here at Carolinas Fertility Institute, we offer a variety of infertility treatments to help couples become parents. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Ovulation Induction
  • Intrauterine Insemination
  • In Vitro Fertilization
  • Donor Egg
  • Fertility Preservation
  • Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Women who are under 35 and healthy should try to get pregnant for a year before seeing a fertility specialist while women who are over 35 should see one after 6 months of trying to conceive.

If you are in need of infertility treatment, contact the compassionate staff at Carolinas Fertility Institute today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood.

Schedule an Appointment at Carolinas Fertility Institute