The most common cause of female infertility is a problem with ovulation. The most common cause of male infertility is a problem with sperm cells and how they function. Other factors that may affect fertility include age, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Sometimes no cause of infertility is found. This is called unexplained infertility.

Infertility is gender neutral. It affects the male and the female population. 1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the female partner. In the world 50-80 million suffer from infertility. Most common causes of female infertility are as follows.

• Age
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal issues leading to ovulation problems
• Tubal blockage
• Fibroids
• Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy diet
• Unexplained infertility

1/3rd of the infertility issues are contributed by the male partner. Male factors also influence increased rate of miscarriages. Most common causes of male infertility are as follows.

• Abnormal sperm count or low sperm motility
• Chronic ailments such as cancer
• Environmental factors: Exposure to radioactive chemicals
• Lifestyle factors: Being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol
• Age

Women are born with approximately 2 million eggs in their ovaries. Before a girl reaches puberty, about 11,000 eggs die every month. Thus, in her teenage years, a woman has only about 300,000 to 400,000 eggs available. From this point onward, about 1000 eggs are utilized every month. This has nothing to do with any form of birth control, pregnancy, hormone production, health, lifestyle or nutritional supplements. Eventually, a woman reaches menopause when she has no viable eggs left.

Intrauterine insemination also known as artificial insemination is a non-invasive ART procedure. The procedure is simple, easy to perform, does not include extreme effort from the couple and costs less than advanced procedures such as IVF and ICSI. Generally, IUI is recommended for couples with good ovarian reserve and semen parameters, but with associated problems such as PCOS, minimal endometriosis, borderline sperm counts and motility, and also for unexplained infertility.

IVF was originally developed for women with blocked tubes or missing fallopian tubes and it is still the procedure of choice for these situations. It is also used when other conditions are present, including endometriosis, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility in which no medical cause for infertility can be found. Our experts will review your history and help to guide you to the treatment and diagnostic procedures that are most appropriate for you.

The first visit with a fertility specialist usually involves a detailed medical history and a physical exam. You will be asked questions about your menstrual period, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and disorders that can affect reproduction, such as thyroid disease. You and your partner will be asked about health concerns, including:

• Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal remedies
• Illnesses, including STIs and past surgery
• Birth defects in your family
• Past pregnancies and their outcomes
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs
• Use of marijuana (recreational or medical)

You and your partner also will be asked questions about your sexual history, including:

• Methods of birth control
• How long you have been trying to get pregnant
• How often you have sex and whether you have difficulties
• If you use lubricants during sex
• Past sexual relationships

Tests for infertility include laboratory tests, imaging tests, and certain procedures. Imaging tests and procedures look at the reproductive organs and how they work. Laboratory tests often involve testing samples of blood or semen.

Different imaging tests and procedures are used to look at the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to find problems. Some procedures also are used to treat certain problems if they are found. The procedures that you have depend on your symptoms as well as the results of other tests. Common imaging tests for female infertility include the following:

• Ultrasound exam—This test can predict when ovulation will occur by viewing changes in the follicles.
• Sonohysterography—This special ultrasound exam looks for scarring or other problems inside the uterus.
• Hysterosalpingography—This X-ray procedure shows the inside of the uterus and whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.
• Hysteroscopy—This procedure uses a camera with a thin light source that is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. This can show problems inside the uterus and help guide minor surgery.
• Laparoscopy—This procedure uses a camera with a thin light source that is inserted through the abdomen. This can show the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the outside of the uterus.

Some insurance companies may cover the cost of an infertility evaluation. It is a good idea to call your insurance company to find out before you start your evaluation.

It is less than 20 percent