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Understanding Fertility Chicago
Once you have a better understanding of fertility, you will be better prepared to search for a solution to your infertility. Understanding fertility, with the assistance of our Chicago, Illinois fertility experts, is an essential part of your treatment plan.
Infertility is caused by female factors in about 50 percent of couples experiencing fertility difficulties, male factors in about 40 percent, and a combination of male and female factors in about 10 percent. Female factors include hormonal factors (such as polycystic ovarian syndrome), ovulation problems, abnormal embryo implantation, and tubal and uterine abnormalities. Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic adhesions can also interfere with fertility, frequently through more than one mechanism.
Male factors are associated with low semen volume (oligospermia), decreased sperm motility (asthenospermia), lack of sperm production (azoospermia), or the production of abnormal sperm (teratospermia). Systemic diseases in both men and women may also impair fertility, either directly through the effect on the reproductive function or as a result of the treatment used.
Even a minor alteration in the complex sequence of events needed to achieve pregnancy can lead to fertility problems. If there are not enough sperm in the fallopian tube when the egg gets there, there will be no fertilization; or if the sperm arrives late, the egg may be post-mature, and the embryo will not develop. If the ovarian follicle is too small or the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge inadequate, the egg may not be released. In this case, the so-called luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) may be detected by ultrasound — causing outward signs of ovulation, including an increase in progesterone, while the egg will be retained in the ovary, preventing conception. If preovulatory estrogen is low, decreased endometrial thickness may prevent embryo implantation. Alternatively, low progesterone after ovulation may result in a poor embryo implantation and either an early implantation failure or miscarriage.
At Reproductive Medicine Institute, we work to determine the mechanism or mechanisms of infertility to ensure the most appropriate treatment is carried out for each couple. During our personal consultations, we educate our patients, giving them a better understanding of fertility at our Chicago-area fertility centers.
When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding fertility will help you know when to seek the Chicago-area fertility services of Reproductive Medicine Institute. If the couple has not conceived after one year (six months if the woman is older than 35), it is recommended that an infertility specialist be consulted. Traditionally, infertility diagnosis and treatment were the domain of gynecologists. During the past three decades, however, the development of new and complex treatment methods, advances in the science of reproductive endocrinology (RE), and an increased emphasis on specialization, prompted the establishment of the new subspecialty of reproductive endocrinology/infertility (RE/I). Basic infertility evaluation and treatment may still be performed by gynecologists with expertise in the field. However, if pregnancy is not achieved in four to six months, the couple should seek help from a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. This is especially the case if the woman is over the age of 35. At our fertility centers, our specialists help address both male and female infertility problems to help couples obtain the beautiful gift of a child.
How We Can Help
Our Chicago, Illinois area private medical facilities help patients address a wide range of fertility problems. We help couples build or grow their families through the latest fertility treatments and techniques. With complete diagnostic evaluations, comprehensive medical and surgical treatments, and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) typically available only at major medical centers, the fertility specialists at the Reproductive Medical Institute are dedicated to helping you achieve the precious gift of a child.
To treat polycystic ovarian syndrome, male infertility, and other conditions, those who visit our Chicago, Illinois area facilities address fertility problems with the help of our advanced endocrinology, andrology, and immunology laboratories. Our services include an in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) program that is backed by our advanced embryology laboratories. Our facilities are fully accredited and our staff is fully certified.
Gain a Better Understanding of Fertility
At Reproductive Medicine Institute, fertility problems — including male infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome — are addressed with care and compassion. We place an emphasis on understanding fertility at our Chicago-area centers; we want to ensure that our patients fully understand their fertility issues and possible treatment options. If you would like to speak with our specialists,contact Reproductive Medicine Institute today. We are here to help patients fulfill their dreams.