Infertility

Navigating infertility with a compassionate care team

Infertility can affect women at any age, not just those trying to get pregnant later in life. The good news is that many fertility can be identified and treated with the right support. If you and your partner have faced challenges conceiving, the OB/GYNs and women’s health providers at Reid Health in Indiana and Ohio can help.

What is female infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under the age of 35. Women 35 and older, infertility might be diagnosed after six months.

It’s important to know that conception often takes time. Only about one in three couples conceive during the first month of trying. If you’ve been taking hormone-based birth control, it might take a few weeks to a few months for your ovulation cycle to return to normal. This is normal and doesn’t mean you’re infertile.  

Struggling to get pregnant doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Many couples simply need more time or a little extra time to identify the best time to conceive. An infertility evaluation can help uncover any underlying issues and guide the right next steps.

Who is at risk of infertility?

About 1 in 5 women in the U.S. who haven’t had children face difficulties getting pregnant after a year of trying. Some common factors that can affect fertility include:  

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Diminished ovarian reserves: This condition refers to a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs as women age or because of certain medical conditions.  
• Fallopian tube obstruction: This occurs when a blockage prevents an egg from traveling down the fallopian tube to the uterus.  
• Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: This condition happens when women stop getting their periods because of factors such as stress, extreme dieting, or excessive exercise.  
• Endometriosis: This is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain and other symptoms.  
• History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection in the reproductive organs that’s often caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Hypothalamus and pituitary gland issues: Problems with these glands can affect normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.  
• Premature ovarian insufficiency: This condition, also known as premature menopause, might occur after treatments like chemotherapy or for reasons that remain unknown.  
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a common disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles and can affect ovulation.  
• Uterine fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that can form in or outside the uterus and might cause various symptoms.  

Diagnosing infertility

The first step in treatment is understanding the cause. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations that may include:

• Blood tests to assess hormone levels and ovarian function
• Transvaginal ultrasound to check ovarian reserve and uterine health
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to look for blocked fallopian tubes  
• Male infertility testing such as semen analysis, if indicated

Fertility treatments

Every couple is unique, and so is their treatment plan. Our providers focus on evidence-based, less invasive options to help you conceive naturally when possible. Treatments may include:

• Ovulation induction medication to regulate or stimulate ovulation
• Hormonal therapy to correct imbalances such as those caused by PCOS
• Surgical options for conditions such as fibroids or endometriosis (minimally invasive where possible)
• Lifestyle and cycle tracking support, including education on timed intercourse and fertility awareness methods
• Certain providers also offer NaProTECHNOLOGY®, which uses the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System to help women identify and track biological signs of fertility.

If advanced fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) could be needed, we can coordinate referrals to trusted reproductive endocrinology specialists for next steps.