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STDs and Infertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive and haven’t been successful, consider being tested for sexually transmitted diseases. STDs can affect your ability to get pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most preventable causes of infertility. So, how common are STDs and should you really worry that you could have one? Well, the first answer is very common. CDC statistics are pretty scary for these two STDs. There are about 2.8 million new cases of chlamydia every year in the United States. In addition, there are 718,000 new cases of gonorrhea. Keep in mind … Continue reading →

Infertility Testing: Sonohysterogram

A sonohysterogram is an ultrasound using a saline solution. This is done to diagnose problems with the shape of the uterus or abnormalities. The saline offers a clearer picture of fibroids or polyps in the uterus as well. The sonohysterogram begins like a pap smear. A speculum is inserted and the cervix is washed with iodine. This is done to prevent infection. A catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. Saline is put through the catheter and fills the uterus with the solution. As the uterus fills with fluid, it is common to feel some discomfort. This … Continue reading →

Infertility Testing: The Antisperm Antibody Test

The presence of antisperm antibodies can prevent some women from getting pregnant. The immune system sees the semen as an invader in the body and creates antibodies to kill it. Basically, the immune system mistakes the sperm for a virus. Although relatively rare, this is a cause of infertility. Antibodies affect sperm in two ways. They can kill the sperm. The antibodies also affect the motion of the sperm. Rather than swimming, they clump and move in a circular motion. In most cases, they are unable to reach the egg. The antisperm antibody test is used to diagnose this cause … Continue reading →

The Pregnancy Blog Review April 11-21

A sick, cranky baby kept me from doing the week in review last week. If you are pregnant, you will soon know what this is like! I’ll combine the past two weeks into one review. April 11 Infertility Testing: The Post Coital Test discusses this common infertility test and what to expect if you need the test. April 13 How to Use a Home Doppler offers tips for learning to use a doppler to monitor your baby’s heart rate at home. Who Will Be Present at the Birth? offers some suggestions for choosing who will witness the birth of your … Continue reading →

Infertility Testing: Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a test for infertility that allows doctors to view the inside of the uterus. The test is used to determine the cause of abnormal bleeding, look for fibroids and other possible causes of infertility. The test is most accurate during the week following menstruation. If you need this test, your doctor will most likely schedule it for this time in your cycle. An instrument called a hysteroscope is used in the procedure. A hysteroscope is a fiberoptic tube that is attached to a camera. The tube is approximately as wide as a drinking straw. The camera on the … Continue reading →

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Your Fertility

Over one million women each year develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Far too often, PID is left undetected or is not detected until damage has been done. There are serious consequences to your fertility if you have PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive system. The organs most often affected are the uterus and fallopian tubes. When PID is not treated, serious damage to the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs can result. Symptoms of PID: * Pain in the lower abdomen * Pain during intercourse * Changes in vaginal discharge and odor * Irregular periods * … Continue reading →