The Facts About Fertility
By Dr. Lorna Timmreck, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility
Centers, Washington, DC
What do you do if you are trying to have a baby but can't conceive?
The first step is to understand that you're not alone. The inability to
conceive affects 15% of all couples in the United States and is experienced
by all age groups and across all ethnic backgrounds. The most simplistic
explanation of this sophisticated and delicate process of conception is as
follows. After ovulation, an egg enters the Fallopian tube where it unites
with a sperm and is fertilized. This unification creates an embryo, which
travels through the Fallopian tube and into the uterus, where implantation
occurs. Given this process, it is not surprising that the main causes of
infertility are attributed to problems with ovulation, poor sperm function,
blocked fallopian tubes, and advanced reproductive age, among several
others.
When To Seek Medical Treatment
The reproductive age of the woman is a key indicator of how quickly a
couple should seek medical treatment. When the female partner ovulates
regularly and is less than 35 years of age, diagnosis and treatment should
be initiated when the couple has not achieved a pregnancy in one year's
time. If the woman is over 35 years of age, however, evaluation should
begin after six months of attempting pregnancy, as the likelihood of
conceiving has begun to sharply decline.
At either of these points, an infertility work up is recommended. The woman
and the man should both be evaluated through a series of testing including
a semen analysis to analyze sperm characteristics, a hysterosalpingogram to
view the uterus and fallopian tubes, and specific blood tests to determine
ovarian function and the reproductive hormone levels. Once the diagnosis
has been established a treatment plan is developed and individualized to
each couple.
Good News For infertile Couples
The good news for infertile couples is that, regardless of the diagnosis,
many successful treatments exist today to help couples achieve a pregnancy.
Such therapies may include intrauterine insemination, fertility medications
to regulate and stimulate ovulation, or In Vitro Fertilization, to name
just a few. Equally exciting for both patients and medical professionals
are the continued improvements of treatment technologies and success rates.
By learning the facts about fertility and seeking appropriate treatment,
the majority of infertile couples will ultimately be successful in
achieving a successful pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby.
About Dr. Lorna Timmreck
Dr. Lorna Timmreck
is a fertility specialist at the Shady Grove Fertility
Centers in Rockville. Shady Grove Fertility is the leading fertility center
in the Washington Metropolitan area offering couples a complete range of
treatments to overcome male and female infertility. Specializing in In
Vitro Fertilization and other advanced technologies; Shady Grove Fertility
has consistently achieved some of the highest success rates in the nation
for nearly a decade. New patient appointments may be scheduled with Dr.
Timmreck by calling 301-340-1188.
