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What is infertility?
Infertility is strictly defined as the inability to conceive after one (1) year of unprotected intercourse. If you have not conceived after a year of trying, you should see a physician for a complete evaluation and treatment.
Some patients should seek consultation prior to one (1) year. This includes women age 35 or older, or women with known gynecologic problems such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or fallopian tube blockage.
Most causes of infertility are identifiable and treatable.
What are the causes of infertility?
The support of both partners, male and female, is critical to proper evaluation and treatment of the infertile couple.
Abnormalities in sperm count, sperm motility or sperm morphology account for approximately 40% of infertility. The other 60% fall into the following categories:
- Difficulty in ovulation or monthly production and release of an egg
- Adhesions (scar tissue) or damage to the fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Cervical damage which may result in poor cervical mucous
- Immunologic factors
- Unexplained infertility
Initial evaluation of the infertile couple should, at a minimum, include a thorough history and physical examination, assessment of ovulation, fallopian tube patency and semen analysis. Additional testing may be indicated for some couples dependent on their medical history.
How do I go about choosing a doctor?
Most women have established a relationship with a gynecologist whom they trust and respect. Although obstetrician gynecologists are familiar with various issues related to infertility, their specialty lies in a different area. Reproductive medicine is advancing far too quickly for a non-specialist to stay informed of and fully trained in the widely changing range of technologies available.
It is important to choose a doctor with extensive experience with infertility and a known success rate in whom you trust. Reproductive Resource Center of Greater Kansas City, founded in 1988 with over 5000 babies born, provides an unprecedented experience base to treat infertility.
What medical records will the infertility physician want to see?
- Copies of your most recent pap smear and mammogram report
- Copies of all operative reports
- Copies of any prior hysterosalpingogram reports and films
- Copies of any prior semen analyses
- Summary of prior infertility therapy
What will happen at my first visit?
Typically, we request the male partner produce a specimen for semen analysis just prior to the initial appointment. Following this, a thorough history and physical examination will be performed on the female partner, including a thorough review of past medical records. At this time, results of the semen analysis are typically ready. Your physician will review all findings with you and outline a treatment plan specifically designed for you.
Is infertility covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies from patient to patient. Although some couples will receive insurance reimbursement, for many couples, there may be little to no coverage for infertility procedures. A telephone call to your insurance provider can be helpful in assessing your infertility benefits. For more information, please refer to the section entitled "Fees and Insurance."
Are children born as a result of infertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) at higher risk for genetic abnormalities or developmental problems?
No. Although the rate of abnormalities is not zero, it is no greater than that seen in babies born to couples who have not undergone infertility therapy.
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