When you are ready to have a child, having difficulty conceiving can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Although most heterosexual couples are able to conceive within one year, for some couples, the journey to starting their family is longer and more complex. If you are having trouble getting pregnant or have recently been diagnosed with infertility, you probably have a lot of questions. The following guide can help you talk to your doctor and get a better sense of what may be happening with your reproductive system.

What Women Need to Know About Infertility 

What is female infertility?

Female infertility keeps the reproductive system from fulfilling its primary function of conception. Conception involves a number of complex functions: The ovaries must produce a healthy egg that travels down the fallopian tubes, a healthy sperm must reach it, and the fertilized egg must successfully implant into the uterine wall and become a healthy embryo. A problem at any stage, such as a blocked fallopian tube or a hormonal issue that prevents implantation, makes it difficult or impossible to conceive without intervention.

What causes infertility?

A wide range of issues within the female reproductive system can cause infertility. Some women have difficulty ovulating, do not have enough eggs, or the eggs they have are not viable. Sometimes, there is an issue with the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or adhesions that can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. Damage to the fallopian tubes from previous infections, surgery, or conditions like endometriosis can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. In a significant number of cases, the cause of infertility is unknown.

How is infertility diagnosed?

If you have been having unprotected sex for a year without getting pregnant, discuss infertility with your doctor. Women over age 35, or those who have a history of irregular menstrual cycles or known problems with the reproductive system, should see a doctor after six months. To diagnose the disease, your doctor will evaluate your sexual habits and conduct a variety of tests to determine the cause. These tests may include imaging tests to identify abnormalities in the reproductive system, blood tests to check hormones, and—in rare cases—laparoscopic surgery to look for issues within the uterus and abdominal cavity.

Can infertility be treated?

Some women with infertility can be successfully treated with medication or surgery to repair the issues impeding conception. In other cases, assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro and intrauterine insemination, are used to help couples have children. The best treatment options depend on the cause of the fertility and other factors that should be discussed with your doctor. 

When you need help and guidance when facing infertility, make an appointment with Paula Korn ANP in Anchorage, AK. This compassionate and experienced women's health provider has served local women for 35 years, caring for their reproductive and breast health. Learn more about the clinic online and call (907) 277-2597 to schedule an appointment.