About 10% of women in the U.S. have difficulty becoming pregnant, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Infertility problems can be caused by many factors, and understanding the underlying cause is essential for improving the chances of conception. At OBGYN Care in Houston, Texas, Dr. Sharon Smith and her associates are skilled in infertility diagnosis and treatments aimed at helping women significantly improve their odds of becoming pregnant. OBGYN Care offers a broad range of options to address both simple and complex fertility problems.
Not necessarily. A woman is officialy said to be infertile if she has been trying to become pregnant for 12 consecutive months without success. For women over 35, that number lowers to 6 consecutive months. Sometimes, issues like chronic or acute stress or illness can interfere with a woman’s ability to become pregnant, so just trying for a few or even several months without success doesn’t necessarily indicate infertility.
Several factors can cause or contribute to infertility in women, including:
For men, the most common issues have to do with the number, quality, or motility of the sperm, or issues affecting erection or ejaculation.
Diagnosing infertility begins with a review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, followed by urinalysis, blood tests, and a pelvic exam. Other diagnostic evaluations usually also will be performed, including:
The types of evaluation performed will be based on the patient’s specific symptoms, her medical history, the results of lab work, and other factors.
For women diagnosed with an infertility issue, there are several approaches available to improve her chances of conception.
Many women benefit from the use of hormones or fertility drugs aimed at promoting and regulating the ovulation cycle, stimulating the release of eggs on a regular cycle to increase the chances of conception.
Other medications help correct high levels of testosterone that may be present in women with PCOS or insulin resistance.
If fertility drugs are ineffective or not appropriate for the underlying cause of infertility, other treatment options like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be recommended.
Dr. Smith customizes each treatment plan to achieve optimal results based on each woman’s individual needs.
At OBGYN Care, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. We do not accept insurance for cosmetic procedures. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"Dr. Smith is amazing! She was very attentive and I didn't have to wait long to see her. "
"I saw Dr. Dobyne and occasionally would see Dr. Smith. They are both awesome doctors who handled my pregnancy excellently"
"Dr. Smith is truly a gem. She puts you at ease and really takes the time to answer all of your questions and concerns."
"I am grateful to Dr. Smith and her staff for always taking such great care of me. "
