What to Expect from Your Infertility Evaluation
If you’re having trouble conceiving, figuring out what steps to take next can be very confusing. Having an infertility evaluation right away can help identify the cause of infertility, so you can find a solution tailored for your needs.
At the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, OB/GYN Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, and our team perform infertility evaluations using an array of state-of-the-art tests and exams focused on identifying fertility issues.
If you have an infertility evaluation in your future, here’s what to expect.
Infertility basics
Infertility doesn’t just mean an inability to get pregnant. Typically, a couple is considered infertile if they’ve tried unsuccessfully to conceive for 12 consecutive months or six consecutive months if the woman is over age 35.
Infertility can make you feel isolated, but it’s actually fairly common. In fact, roughly 20% of couples with no prior birth history are infertile, and even women who’ve had children have a 6% rate of infertility.
While you might think of fertility issues as primarily involving the female partner, infertility affects men and women in roughly equal measure. In some instances, both partners may have issues preventing conception.
The good news: Infertility is very treatable, and there are a variety of therapies that can help. The first step in finding a solution is to have an infertility evaluation with our team.
Infertility evaluations: What to expect
Infertility evaluations are benign with a detailed review of your medical history during which we ask about:
- Your menstrual cycle and any abnormalities in your cycle
- Pelvic pain issues
- Vaginal discharge
- Medications or supplements you’re taking
- Past or present sexually transmitted diseases
- Prior surgeries
- Past pregnancies
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Use of illicit drugs or marijuana
- Birth control methods that you and your partner have used
We also ask about underlying medical issues that could interfere with reproductive health, like thyroid disease or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Next, Dr. Perez conducts a physical exam and a pelvic exam. Depending on the results of your evaluation, he may recommend additional testing for you or your partner, including:
- Ovulation assessment
- Semen analysis
- Hormone testing
- Genetic testing
- Diagnostic imaging of your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes
- Blood tests
In some instances, Dr. Perez may recommend minimally invasive procedures to evaluate for issues like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
After the assessment, we work with you to discuss fertility treatments that may help you conceive. Dr. Perez offers an array of advanced fertility treatment options, including hormone therapy, in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, or treatments for fibroids, scars, or other issues.
Learn more about fertility treatment
An infertility evaluation provides you with the knowledge and care you need to help you conceive and grow your family.
To schedule your evaluation, call us today at 305-240-6047 to request an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida.