Many couples expect their relationship to naturally progress to the birth of a child. Unfortunately, one in every five couples experience infertility problems. Roughly one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors and another one-third to factors that affect women with the remaining a combination of problems in both partners and about 10% is unexplained.

During the initial evaluation both partners are interviewed about their sexual habits in order to determine whether intercourse is taking place for conception. Specific tests may be recommended. For women, these include an analysis of body temperature and ovulation (by charting the basal body temperature), an x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and laparoscopy. For men, initial tests focus on semen analysis.

Ovulation disorder is the most common cause of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are other causes of female infertility.

Male infertility is generally caused by azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced), oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced) or sperm mobility. In rare cases, male infertility is caused by a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality.

Infertility Treatment

Saline Infusion Sonography