Fertility

About 10% of women in the United States experience fertility issues when trying to become pregnant. To improve your chances of conception, our gynecology team at The Howard Center offers fertility care at its offices throughout Georgia. We use advanced diagnostics to determine the cause of infertility and customize a treatment plan to meet your needs. Request a consultation online or by calling The Howard Center office nearest you to discuss your fertility needs. 

What causes fertility issues?

Infertility describes the inability to become pregnant after having unprotected sex for a year (six months for women over 35). Infertility also involves the inability to maintain a viable, full-term pregnancy.

The process of becoming pregnant involves ovulation, the release of an egg from one of your ovaries. The egg travels through your fallopian tube and into the uterus. Male sperm fertilize the egg during this process, and afterward, the fertilized egg implants (attaches) to the inside of the uterus.

Anything that affects any part of this process can lead to infertility, including:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Hormone imbalance
• Ovulation dysfunction
• Fallopian tube blockages
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Causes of infertility in men include low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or underlying chronic health conditions. In about one-third of infertility cases, the underlying cause isn’t identifiable in either men or women.

How are fertility issues diagnosed?

To identify the cause of infertility in women, our team at The Howard Center performs comprehensive in-office pelvic exams and ultrasound imaging to identify reproductive abnormalities. You might also need blood work to detect hormone imbalances or other underlying health issues.

Our gynecology team might recommend a diagnostic laparoscopy to get a closer look at your reproductive organs. This procedure involves inserting a slender instrument into a small incision near your navel to assess the health of your uterus and other reproductive organs.

How are fertility issues treated?

The Howard Center takes a personalized approach to treating fertility issues. Your provider customizes a treatment plan based on your medical history, existing health, and the results of testing.

Options available to treat infertility include medications to stimulate or regulate ovulation. You may also require surgery. Some women need surgery to remove scar tissue, fibroids, or other growths that block their uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

Your provider can also recommend resources for assisted reproduction services like artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) if you need additional help conceiving.

If you’re not able to get pregnant, request a fertility evaluation online or call The Howard Center office nearest you today.