Infertility Specialist

Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG -  - Urogynecologist

Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG

Urogynecologist & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon located in South Miami, FL

Infertility problems can be devastating, but there are very effective treatments to significantly improve the likelihood of conception. At the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Dr. Rafael Perez helps couples from South Miami, FL, address infertility issues using the most innovative and appropriate techniques for optimal results.

Infertility Q&A

What causes infertility?

Both men and women can have issues that affect fertility. The most common causes in women are:

  • older age
  • polyps or fibroids
  • endometriosis
  • problems affecting the ovaries or ovulation cycle (including polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS)
  • problems with the structure of the uterus or the uterine lining
  • excessive production of mucus that interferes with fertilization or other factors that make the uterus inhospitable to the sperm or the fertilized egg

In men, common causes include:

  • problems with the structure or motility of sperm
  • low sperm count
  • problems with ejaculation

Genetic disorders, some chronic diseases, and chemotherapy and radiation treatment can also cause fertility problems in both men and women.

What techniques are used to diagnose infertility?

The first step in determining the cause of infertility is to schedule an office visit to decide if testing is in order. It's important to note that many couples can have some difficulty conceiving, especially if their lives are very stressful. Often, conception occurs once these issues are resolved. Infertility is defined as actively trying to become pregnant for 12 consecutive months without success; however, some couples decide to undergo testing earlier. Diagnostic testing begins with medical histories of both partners, followed by blood work, semen sampling, diagnostic imaging, pelvic examination, and sometimes, minimally-invasive procedures to look inside the uterus to check for fibroids, structural problems or other issues that could be interfering with conception.

What fertility treatments are available?

Fertility treatments can include hormone therapy to regulate ovulation or otherwise improve fertility or surgical procedures to remove fibroids, polyps or adhesions, or to correct other underlying issues. IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination) can also be helpful for many couples. In IVF, a woman's eggs are removed during a minimally-invasive procedure and combined with the man's sperm in a lab setting. Once fertilization occurs, one or more embryos are implanted into the uterus. In IUI, sperm is collected and placed in the uterus during a minimally-invasive procedure. The goal of IUI is to increase the chances of fertility by increasing the number of sperm that can reach the egg and fertilize it.

Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans. If you have questions about your elegibility or coverage, please call our office. We are happy to help you.

Aetna
Better Health (Florida Medicaid)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (Florida Blue)
CarePlus Health Plans (Florida Medicare)
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
First Health
Florida Combined Life
Florida Health Care Plans
Great West Health Care
Health First Health Plans (Florida Hospital Health Insurance)
Humana
United Healthcare