If you’re among the millions of women who have a hard time getting pregnant, gynecologists Stephanie Carmichael, MD, and Andrea Johnson, MD, can help. They offer infertility evaluations and counseling at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia. To find out how you can increase your chances of getting pregnant, call or book an appointment online today.

Infertility Q & A

What is infertility?

Infertility means you’re not able to get pregnant after one year of having frequent, unprotected sex. Because a woman’s fertility declines with age, women 35 or older are often diagnosed with infertility after only six months of trying. Women who conceive but are unable to carry a pregnancy to term might also suffer from infertility.

How common is infertility?

Infertility is very common. About 12% of American women ages 15-44 have trouble getting or staying pregnant. However, infertility is not only a women’s health problem. Both men and women can have health problems that contribute to infertility.

About one-third of the time, infertility is caused by women’s health problems. Another third of infertility cases are due to problems with the man. The remaining third of the time, infertility is either caused by issues with both partners or the cause is unknown.

What causes infertility in men?

Infertility in men is most often caused by problems that affect the number, shape, or movement of his sperm. These can be problems that he was born with or issues that develop later in life after an illness or injury.

What causes infertility in women?

Problems with ovulation account for most cases of women’s infertility. If you don’t ovulate normally, there might not be an egg for the sperm to fertilize. Women’s health conditions that can cause infertility include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if you’re over age 35) you should schedule an appointment at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center for an infertility checkup.

What does an infertility checkup involve?

First, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson performs a physical exam and reviews the medical and sexual histories of both you and your partner. Sometimes, the medical review reveals the problem. More often, they need to do tests, such as:

• A semen analysis for men

• A blood test to check for ovulation

• A pelvic ultrasound to check the female reproductive organs

Finding the root cause of infertility can be a lengthy and emotional process, but the compassionate gynecologists at Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center offer support and guidance every step of the way. Call or book an appointment online to get started today.