Infertility is the inability to have children and it is generally caused by a disorder or abnormality of the reproductive system. Here at South Lake OBGYN, we emphasize the importance of consulting with an infertility doctor and encourage you to learn more about what services we offer.
What Will the Infertility Doctor Do?
Infertility can be caused by a wide range of factors, some of which include:
• Fallopian tube injury
• Cervical causes
• Hormonal issues
• Uterine causes
The doctor’s first step will, therefore, be to determine the cause. They can, for example, perform imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds to look for abnormalities like blockages in the Fallopian tubes, polyps, or endometriosis.
It can be tricky, for some of the causes can be caused by more than one problem. For example, ovulation disorders cause a significant amount of infertility cases in women, making them the most common cause of female infertility. Unfortunately, ovulation disorders have multiple causes that can include cysts, thyroid gland problems, hormonal imbalance, abnormally short periods, or tumors.
How Can Infertility Be Diagnosed?
The doctor will start by taking a medical history and physically examining the patient. They will then order tests based on what they believe the problem might be. For example, they may order a blood or urine test to check for problems like hormonal imbalance, infection, or a thyroid gland disorder.
In a hysteroscopy, the doctor uses a tiny telescope with a light attached to it to examine the uterus and bottom parts of the Fallopian tubes. The doctor can look for such abnormalities as polyps, scar tissue, or fibroids. If they find anything, they can remove it. The doctor can also perform an endometrial biopsy to look for problems in the uterus. The procedure is similar to a Pap smear and usually takes a mere matter of minutes. The doctor may collect a sample of the endometrium, which is the tissue lining the wall of the uterus.
How is Infertility Treated?
The patient’s treatment options will depend on what the problem proves to be. In some cases, she may need medication to treat a hormonal imbalance or thyroid problem. Some patients will undergo laparoscopic surgery to remove polyps, scar tissue or the like. During such a procedure, the doctor will use a tube called laparoscope that has a light and video camera on one end. The laparoscope allows the doctor to get a good view of the treatment with fewer and smaller openings.
Get in Touch with Us to Find Out More
For more information about infertility, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with our infertility doctor at South Lake OBGYN! At our convenient locations in Clermont, FL, our caring and knowledgeable team of professionals will be pleased to explain your full range of options and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!