Infertility affects one in eight couples

Many patients who see our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns worry about their ability to get pregnant. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after having unprotected intercourse for 12 months. Patients should always bring any concerns to our physicians, and a woman should always consult us if she falls under the guidelines below.

If she is under the age of 35 and has not conceived after having unprotected sexual intercourse for one year
If she is age 35 or over and has not become pregnant after trying for six months
If she has a history of fertility issues
If she has risk factors for infertility, including: sexually transmitted disease; endometriosis; irregular periods; polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS; or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, PID

Causes of infertility

Approximately one-third of the time, infertility is due to women’s issues; another third is due to male factors; and the remaining third of cases of infertility are a combination of men’s and women’s issues.

Infertility can be caused by anatomical or hormonal issues. Female infertility is often due to one or a combination of the following:

Age
Ovulation problems
Physical problems, such as damaged fallopian tubes
Hormonal issues

Diagnosis and treatment

Our experienced physicians can conduct several basic fertility tests at our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyn offices. We begin by performing basic lab work, usually blood tests and urinalysis. Often, we test hormone levels, too. Another test we perform is an ovarian reserve test, which determines the remaining supply of eggs the woman has available.

If our physicians suspect that a woman has physical issues that are causing her infertility, we may perform an ultrasound examination, sonohysterography, hysteroscopy or a hysterosalpingogram.

Optimizing natural fertility

Many patients who are trying to get pregnant, particularly those who are under 35, may benefit from a discussion about optimizing natural fertility. A preconception counseling appointment provides our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns with the opportunity to discuss any health issues a woman may have, and to provide her with advice on optimizing natural fertility.

There are infertility issues that require fertility treatment, but optimizing natural fertility can help many women who are trying to conceive. During a preconception appointment, women will be reminded to:

Consult our physicians about any chronic health problems.
Determine when ovulation occurs by tracking menstrual cycles or using an ovulation predictor kit.
Have sex every 1 to 2 days during the fertile window, which usually occurs during the six days prior to ovulation.
Make important lifestyle changes: quit smoking; eliminate alcohol and recreational drugs; and limit caffeine.
Exercise and eat a healthy, balanced diet to get to an optimal weight.

If you are worried about infertility, consult our physicians. We can provide evaluation, testing and treatment. Contact us for an appointment.

Obstetric Services

Our ObGyns are here to help you plan for your pregnancy.

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Southlake ObGyn Office

245 W. State Highway 114 Suite 330
Southlake, TX 76092

Fort Worth ObGyn Office

3025 N. Tarrant Pkwy, Ste. 150
Ft. Worth, Texas 76177

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Understanding and Addressing Infertility at WIH

Infertility is a complex medical condition that affects a significant number of individuals and couples seeking to start a family. At Women's Integrated Healthcare (WIH), we understand the emotional and physical toll infertility can take, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to help you navigate this journey. Our expert OB/GYNs are equipped to diagnose the underlying causes of infertility and offer tailored treatment plans to maximize your chances of conception.

Whether infertility stems from female factors, male factors, or a combination of both, our team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments. We are committed to exploring all avenues to help you achieve your dream of parenthood, from initial consultations and basic fertility testing to more specialized interventions, all within our welcoming Southlake and Fort Worth facilities.

When to Seek Fertility Evaluation and Treatment

Recognizing when to seek professional help for fertility concerns is a crucial first step. WIH advises women under 35 to consult with us if conception has not occurred after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women aged 35 and older, this timeline is reduced to six months, given the natural decline in fertility with age. Additionally, individuals with a history of known fertility issues, irregular menstrual cycles, or conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, or pelvic inflammatory disease should proactively seek evaluation.

These specific age and history-related guidelines are designed to ensure timely intervention, as certain factors can impact fertility more significantly over time. By consulting with our experienced OB/GYNs at WIH, you can undergo a thorough assessment to identify potential barriers to conception and discuss the most effective strategies for achieving a healthy pregnancy, whether through lifestyle adjustments or medical treatments.