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Switching Infertility Doctors

Undergoing treatment for infertility is never easy. At some point in your journey, you may be unhappy with your current treatment or clash with the doctor and consider making a change. This is never easy, particularly with the heightened emotions involved in trying to conceive, but it is sometimes necessary. There are many reasons women give for changing doctors during the course of infertility treatments. It may be something as simple as a bad match between you and your doctor. If you have widely different philosophies, this can happen. For example, if you are considering IVF and have religious conflicts … Continue reading →

Causes of Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility occurs when a woman who has had at least one successful pregnancy finds that she is unable to conceive another baby. The first child is generally conceived without difficulty and the pregnancy is normal and healthy. It is only when the couple decides to add to their family that the problem is discovered. The rule of thumb for secondary infertility is the same as when the couple is trying for the first baby. If you have had unprotected sex for a year, it’s time to see a doctor for an evaluation. If the mother is over the age … Continue reading →

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: 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 →

Infertility Testing: The Post Coital Test

Of all the testing I had done when we were trying to conceive our first baby, the post coital test was the most embarrassing. This test involves visiting the doctor after having intercourse. The doctor then checks the sperm in your cervical mucous to see if it is moving well. The post coital test is done for several reasons. It is usually done when the cause of infertility is not known. The test will show if there are immunity issues that are preventing conception. It will also show if there are problems with the cervical mucous that are not allowing … Continue reading →

Infertility Testing: Endometrial Biopsy

An endometrial biopsy involves testing a sample of the endometrial lining of the uterus. This test is done to check the hormone levels and endometrial lining are consistent with the timing of the menstrual cycle. In other words, is the lining what would be expected on that day of your cycle? The endometrial biopsy involves the physician inserting a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. A sample of the endometrial tissue is extracted. This tissue is sent to a lab for testing. The test only takes a few minutes. Most women experience mild to moderate discomfort with this … Continue reading →

The Pregnancy Blog Week in Review March 4-March 29

Well, this week in review will cover more than one week. The families.com bloggers were given a well deserved break until this past week. Since I didn’t get to include the articles in the week before our break, I’ll add them here. The Pregnancy Blog is back, so be sure to stop by and visit. March 4 What to do When Nobody Gives You a Shower offers suggestions for new Mommies who aren’t getting a traditional baby shower. March 5 Pregnant women are notoriously tired. Unfortunately, we often don’t have time to take a much needed nap. Feel Refreshed Without … Continue reading →

Initial Infertility Testing

If you have been trying to conceive for one year without success, it may be time to call a doctor. If you are over the age of 35, you should be evaluated after six months without natural conception. Your initial evaluation can be done by an infertility specialist. The initial evaluation is often done by the OB/GYN. A minor problem can be treated by your regular doctor. In many cases, after these initial results come back you may be referred to a reproductive endocrinologist. A thorough initial evaluation will save you time and money at the fertility clinic. Most of … Continue reading →

Surprise Babies: Emily’s Story

Last month I told you the story of Heather and Jeremy who were blessed with a little miracle named Lillian. I met Heather on the same website as I met Emily, who also experienced a miracle pregnancy around the same time. Both conceived naturally despite the medical or historical indication that it was not possible. Both beat these odds and gave birth to beautiful babies. Emily met her husband, Eric, when she was in her freshman year of college in 2004. Eric attended her home church while she was attending college two hours away, and so they had to get … Continue reading →