What Occurs During a Fertility Evaluation

The medical community defines infertility as a couple having difficulty achieving pregnancy after trying for one year.  Many fertility specialists agree that an infertility evaluation can be started earlier, however, especially if the female partner is older than 35 year of age. Some women may be impacted by one of several known conditions that will not allow a chance of conception without help.  Women want to know about that situation so they can receive help without delay.  For the female partner, some of these conditions include fallopian tubes that are blocked, possibly from infections or previous tubal ligations, ovulation defects, and/or endometriosis.  Very low sperm counts or no sperm in the male partner can also warrant quick action for treatment.

Every fertility treatment center (IVF clinic) has it’s own specific protocol.  If you are in the process of choosing a fertility specialist or clinic, you will want to do some upfront research, talking with several offices to determine what approach you feel most comfortable with.  While understanding that each couple is different and care needs to be individualized, common components of the infertility evaluation at the Center for Reproductive Medicine include the following:

• Review of your current medical records
• Consultation with a physician specializing in reproductive medicine
• Infertility exam
• Coordination of a treatment plan or additional diagnostic testing

During the initial consultation, a fertility specialist at CORM will review your current medical records and work closely with you to determine any relevant personal information that may need to be considered.  Potential factors could include the following:

• Age – Women older than 35 have a challenging time maintaining and achieving pregnancy related to the poor quality of their eggs.  A man’s semen make-up can also be affected by age but typically not until they are 50-60 years old.
• History of prior pregnancy problems, such as ectopic pregnancies and/or miscarriages.
• History of pregnancies from other relationships can help explain the current cause of infertility.
• History of possible distorted pelvic anatomy caused by endometriosis, pelvic infections, fibroid uterus, and/or pelvic adhesions is important to review.
• Any related hormonal issues that could impact fertility and ovulation.  This would include polycystic ovary syndrome, high prolactin levels, diminished ovarian reserve, and/or adrenal problems.
• History of the male partner is also taken into consideration.  A review of other medical problems is completed looking for concerns such as diabetes and hypertension as well as prior surgery information. Past trauma to the testicles is another possibility that can disrupt semen parameters, thus causing a couple’s infertility.
• Possible Coital problems.

During your initial consultation at the Center of Reproductive Medicine, the doctor will review any personal fertility tracking you may have done at home and discuss your detailed history with you in order to assess your infertility condition.  Your physician will perform a physical exam to thoroughly evaluate your condition and to achieve an accurate infertility diagnosis. This exam typically includes a vaginal ultrasound to examine the ovaries and uterus.  The physician will also collect vaginal cultures for testing.  Once you have met with one of our expert clinic physicians at CORM, a treatment plan or diagnostic testing schedule appropriate for your individual needs will be coordinated with you.  Our professional staff at CORM will answer any questions that you have and they will help you step-by-step throughout the process.

The fertility experts at CORM want you to feel comfortable during your initial consultation and they will ensure that you feel knowledgeable and confident to make fully informed decisions as you proceed with your customized infertility treatment plan.  If you have any questions regarding our infertility evaluation process or to become a CORM patient, contact our Patient Coordinator at 281-332-0073 ext. 239 today.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact The Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Their goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.