Learn all about female infertility causes and evaluations
Our Connecticut fertility center helps women learn all about female infertility causes and evaluations. This information allows women to make informed decisions on the path to motherhood. It also helps patients decide whether fertility treatments should be the next step.
Exploring the potential causes of female infertility
When a woman is having trouble conceiving, there are several issues that could be to blame. These issues can range from age-related challenges to abnormalities in the reproductive system.
Age. A woman’s egg quality and quantity decline in her 30s, and significantly drop around age 35. Because of this, most women have less than a 5% chance of conceiving each cycle after the age of 40.
Ovulatory dysfunction. If a woman ovulates infrequently, or not at all, she will likely have trouble conceiving. This issue can result from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure or problems with a woman’s reproductive hormones.
Uterine abnormalities. Polyps, birth defects that affect the shape of the uterus and other uterine issues can interfere with the implantation of the embryo. They can also increase the risk of miscarriage.
Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. If a woman has damage in the fallopian tubes, the sperm might not be able to reach the egg. The fertilized egg may also be unable to enter the uterus.
Endometriosis. Women with endometriosis could develop fallopian tube challenges or problems with the lining of the uterus.
To determine what’s causing a woman’s fertility challenges, our Connecticut fertility center team will recommend fertility tests that can help make the right diagnosis.
All about female infertility evaluations at our clinic
A fertility evaluation at our Connecticut fertility center is the first step for many hopeful mothers. This evaluation typically consists of a consultation with Andrew Levi MD and diagnostic testing.
Fertility bloodwork. Bloodwork lets us assess a woman’s ovarian reserve (egg supply) and hormone levels. Some of the hormones that Dr. Levi will test include anti-Mullerian hormone, estradiol, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Transvaginal ultrasound. An ultrasound can help Dr. Levi assess the health of the woman’s ovaries and uterus.
Preconception genetic testing. In many cases, Dr. Levi will recommend genetic testing to discover whether the woman has any inheritable genetic conditions.
Sonohysterogram (SHG). Dr. Levi might suggest this non-surgical test that can detect uterine polyps, adhesions and fibroids.
Fem-Vu. Dr. Levi may perform this in office test in order to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open or not.
If Dr. Levi suspects a woman has an issue like endometriosis, uterine abnormalities or fallopian tube damage, he may recommend additional imaging and/or diagnostic testing.
After Dr. Levi reviews the results of these fertility tests, he will work with the woman to develop a treatment plan that gives her the best chance of taking home a healthy baby.
Contact us to learn all about female infertility.