Female Infertility

Infertility affects approximately 12% of all couples and this percentage rises as the age of the female increases. Male sub fertility is present in approximately 47% of all infertile couples. Female infertility has many causes which are discussed in detail by our reproductive specialist authors.

Ovulatory dysfunction is a common cause of infertility which is often treated by the OB/GYN. The female must produce eggs that fertilize and develop into healthy embryos. The term "ovulatory dysfunction' means that quality ovulation is not occurring regularly. Anovulation denotes no ovulation and oligoovulation means that ovulation is erratic.

Ovulatory dysfunction can be caused by hormonal abnormalities, polycystic ovarian disease, excessive exercise, and many other factors. It is often treated with medications, such as Clomid, that induce ovulation. Generalists sometimes prescribe Clomid without knowing the specific cause of ovulatory dysfunction while specialists seek to identify the underlying pathology. More targeted and effective treatments are possible once the specialist identifies the cause(s) and rules out other factors that may contribute to the couple's infertility.

It is common for women to seek specialist care after several months of ineffective Clomid therapy. Many times she, and her husband, have not received a complete infertility evaluation.If specialist care were sought sooner, months of expense and frustration could be avoided. Women, especially those in their thirties, or with elevated follicle stimulating hormone levels, should not waste valuable time trying Clomid without a complete evaluation by a reproductive endocrinologist.

Additional Links

• Infertility-Discussion
• Infertility 101- An Overview, Karen Kaplan, MD Georgia Reproductive Specialists
• Infertility-Frequent Questions, Mark Trolice, MD
• Overview by Mark Trolice, MD
• Male Factor Infertility
• Cervical Factor Infertility
• Endometriosis
• PCOS
• Ovulatory Dysfunction
• Tubal Factor Infertility
• Uterine Factor Infertility
• Unexplained Infertility
• Infertility Overview- Samuel Thatcher, MD
• PRESERVING REPRODUCTIVE OPTIONS IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS , by Bradford Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  
• THE CONTEMPORARY FERTILITY EVALUATION, by Daniel Potter, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Huntington Reproductive Center