Infertility - Vitality Hormone Center

What is infertility?

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after having regular unprotected sex for at least a year. It is often defined as not being able to get pregnant after trying for at least a year if you're age 35 or younger.

Common Causes

There are many potential causes of infertility in both men and women:

• Hormonal imbalances - Irregularities in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can prevent ovulation or sperm production
• Pelvic inflammatory disease - Infection and inflammation of the female reproductive system can damage the fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis - Cells lining the uterus grow outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility issues
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Hormonal disorder where ovarian follicles fail to release eggs
• Poor sperm quality - Low sperm count, poor morphology, and weak motility make it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg
• Blocked fallopian tubes - Scarring or obstruction prevents eggs from reaching the uterus

Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, stress, and being overweight can also negatively impact fertility.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect infertility, see your doctor or fertility specialist. They can run tests to diagnose any underlying medical conditions and determine the best form of treatment.

Common treatments include:

• Fertility drugs - Medications to help regulate and induce ovulation
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) - Concentrated, washed sperm are inserted directly into the uterus
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) - Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body and resulting embryos transferred to the uterus
• Surgery - To correct uterine or tubal abnormalities

Lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can also increase chances of conception. With today's advanced reproductive technologies, there are more options than ever to help couples overcome infertility and grow their families.

"We struggled with infertility for years before successfully getting pregnant through IVF at Vitality Hormone Center. Their comprehensive hormone testing and personalized protocols made all the difference."

I hope this overview on infertility, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options helps provide clarity for those who may be dealing with challenges conceiving. Let me know if you have any other questions!