Why can’t I get pregnant? It’s a common question
Doctors at our Oklahoma fertility clinic use effective tests to help patients determine the answer to the question, why can’t I get pregnant? Being unable to conceive can be an incredibly frustrating and confusing experience. Our specialists work closely with patients to determine if their reproductive issues are a result of hormonal irregularities or structural or genetic factors.
In some cases, the patient receives a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Thankfully, our skilled fertility specialists can offer effective treatments for patients with and without a specific infertility diagnosis.
Fertility evaluations help answer the question, why can’t I get pregnant?
While many women go to their OB/GYN when they first suspect that they or their partner have fertility issues, it’s wise to go to a fertility specialist who has in-depth knowledge of infertility causes and treatments.
When a woman or couple comes to our clinic for a consultation, the doctor talks to them about their fertility history and carefully reviews their medical records. This information then informs which fertility evaluations the doctor recommends, and often results in an accurate infertility diagnosis.
Bloodwork. A blood test is an important evaluation for women, as it presents information about a woman’s reproductive hormones. These hormones significantly impact the ovulatory cycle, the preparation of the uterine lining for an embryo, and other aspects of fertility.
Ultrasound. Female patients typically undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, as it allows the doctor to detect uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps. Ultrasound also provides information about a woman’s ovarian reserve, or quantity of eggs.
Semen analysis. A semen analysis sometimes reveals an answer to the question, why can’t I get pregnant? This evaluation helps specialists assess the quality and quantity of a man’s sperm and determine if a sperm issue could be a contributing factor to the fertility issues he’s experiencing.
The doctors at our Oklahoma fertility clinic carefully analyze the results from these tests to provide patients with an accurate infertility diagnosis. Often, this diagnosis leads to a treatment plan that can help patients fulfill the dream of parenthood.
What happens if preliminary tests do not provide enough information for an accurate infertility diagnosis?
For some patients, tests such as ultrasound and bloodwork do not lead to an infertility diagnosis. In these situations, the doctor might recommend certain procedures or genetic testing.
Hysterosalpingogram, or HSG. If the doctor suspects a female patient might have blockages in her fallopian tubes, they might recommend this radiology procedure. During an HSG, a specialist injects radio-opaque dye into the woman’s uterus. Through X-ray images, the technician observes how the fluid moves into the fallopian tubes. If the fluid does not enter the tubes, a blockage from intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids is likely present.
Laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical fertility evaluation that allows doctors to assess if a woman has endometrial implants, scar tissue or other abnormalities that could affect ovulation and the passage of the egg from the ovary to the uterus.
Genetic testing. Women who are carriers of Fragile X, or who have a translocation or chromosome rearrangement, might have ovulation challenges. A genetic test can be an important part of their fertility care. Some men also undergo this test, as chromosomal abnormalities could contribute to a low sperm count.
The knowledgeable team at our Oklahoma fertility clinic ensures patients understand all aspects of their fertility care and feel fully supported. We’re by the patient’s side from the fertility evaluations to the amazing day when they take that positive pregnancy test.
Contact us to learn more about the answer to the question, why can’t I get pregnant?