What Does an Infertility Specialist Do?
An infertility specialist is a trained professional who helps couples who may be having difficulty conceiving. This medical professional identifies the common causes of infertility and suggests treatment to help couples become parents. Here are some things this specialist does:
Evaluates Both Partners
When evaluating women, an infertility specialist carries out a thorough examination to determine factors that affect ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. They may inquire about the regularity of the menstrual cycle and if it comes with heavy bleeding or light spotting. If cycles are irregular, it may indicate ovulation issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome. By using ultrasound, doctors can know if the uterus, ovaries, and follicles have fibroids or cysts that affect fertilization. When examining men, a care provider conducts blood tests to identify if hormonal imbalances are interfering with sperm production. Semen analysis also helps evaluate if a male partner has a low sperm count or abnormal sperm shapes that affect fertility.
Identifies the Causes of Infertility
A specialist starts by looking at structural problems to identify the causes of infertility. This may include examining to see if there are blocked tubes that interfere with conception. Endometriosis is another reproductive health issue that causes pain and blocks the fallopian tube, preventing implantation. Women who have uterine fibroids usually have difficulty becoming pregnant because such growths obstruct fallopian tubes and disrupt insemination. In men, enlarged veins in the scrotum raise the testicular temperature, preventing quality sperm cells from being produced. Low testosterone levels in men may also reduce sperm production and libido, which affects fertility.
Develop a Treatment Plan
If there are ovulation issues affecting fertility, a medical professional may prescribe medication to stimulate the release of hormones that mature eggs. Progesterone supplements can be prescribed for women to support the uterine lining to increase the possibility of implantation after ovulation. To remove uterine polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that may interfere with implantation, a specialist may perform surgery. Men can also undergo hormone replacement therapy to address low sperm production due to hormonal imbalances. A qualified surgeon can also perform varicocele repair to fix enlarged veins in the scrotum, which can improve sperm production.
Discusses Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Specialists may recommend intrauterine insemination, where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus. This method increases the chances of fertilization by addressing issues like low sperm count or sperm that doesn’t swim well due to abnormal shape. Couples may also try In vitro fertilization, which is another form of treatment that entails fertilizing eggs outside the womb and implanting them into the uterus. With this fertility treatment, sperm bypasses the fallopian tubes, making it possible for fertilization to occur even if the tubes are damaged or blocked. IVF also allows a medical provider to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions.
Choose a Trusted Infertility Specialist
If you’re unable to get pregnant after months or years of trying, see a specialist to identify the reasons for infertility. This professional performs different tests to determine the issues preventing you from conceiving. They can make different suggestions, from hormone therapy to surgery and prescription medication. To learn more about fertility treatment options, call a trusted clinic today.
