Infertility and Reproduction Care

If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving, you are not alone. In fact, research shows that more than one in eight couples will have trouble getting pregnant. Norton Healthcare offers the necessary tests and procedures to identify and treat causes of infertility.

Infertility Causes

In 35 percent to 40 percent of cases, the cause of infertility can be traced to the female partner. In the same percentage of cases, the cause can be linked to the male partner. Sometimes conditions in both partners may play a role, while occasionally the reason for infertility remains unknown.

Common causes for women include:

Impaired ovulation
Blocked fallopian tubes
Inability of the uterus to hold an embryo due to a variety of reasons, including scar tissue on the uterine walls
Endometriosis or uterine fibroids

Common causes for men include:

Low sperm count; sperm production can be affected by blocked passageways, fever, infection or birth defects
High percent of abnormally shaped sperm
High percent of sperm that do not move forward
Ejaculation dysfunction

Other factors that can contribute to infertility in both men and women include stress, smoking, alcohol use, excess weight and overall health.

Treatment

Norton Healthcare providers have the expertise to identify and treat a wide variety of conditions that may affect fertility. These conditions include:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Ovulation disorders
Uterine fibroids
Tubal ligation reversal

When appropriate, Norton Healthcare providers can refer the male partner for advanced reproductive testing.

When to See a Doctor

Most physicians recommend that couples try to conceive for a year before seeking medical assistance. The National Infertility Association recommends couples seek professional advice sooner if a woman is over age 30; has a history of pelvic disease, miscarriage, painful menstruation or irregular cycles; or if her partner has a low sperm count.