Doctor Infertility: The Role of Fertility Physicians in Treatment

Infertility is a condition where couples are unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sex. This depressing issue affects around 15% of couples worldwide, and its causes can be anything. That makes it essential to seek medical help when conception is delayed. Fertility physicians, also known as reproductive endocrinologists, can help. These specialized doctors can help diagnose and treat infertility, offering hope to many couples trying to grow their families.

What Is Doctor Infertility?

Doctor infertility refers to the guidance, diagnosis, and treatments provided by medical professionals specializing in fertility. These healthcare professionals work with both men and women to address reproduction issues. Contrary to popular belief, infertility is not just a woman’s issue. According to infertility data, out of the total infertility cases, men are the reason for 30% of them. In comparison, women account for another 30%, with the remaining 40% due to combined or unexplained factors​.

A fertility physician helps both partners by assessing their reproductive health, diagnosing the underlying causes of infertility, and recommending treatments based on individual needs.

What Causes Infertility?

There is no definite cause of infertility since a lot of factors play a vital role in reproduction. Infertility stems from both men and women, and a few common issues can be the following:

1. Female Infertility Causes

• Ovulation disorders: Ovulation disorders are among the most common infertility causes in women. Issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian failure can disrupt regular ovulation. In simple terms, these disorders are the disturbances in the egg production.[1]
• Blocked fallopian tubes: Hydrosalpinx or fallopian tube blockage happens when the end portion of a woman’s fallopian tube is swollen and filled with fluid. Blockages caused by conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease also prevent sperm from reaching the egg.[2]
• Uterine abnormalities: Most congenital uterine abnormalities have no symptoms at all. And while some women have a normal pregnancy with uterine anomalies, it’s not always the case. Problems such as fibroids or scarring can interfere with embryo implantation, leading to female infertility.[3]
• Hormonal imbalances: This is probably the most common cause many couples fail to conceive. Your body needs to have balanced hormone levels for a healthy pregnancy. Irregularities in hormone production can disrupt ovulation and reduce fertility​.[4]

2. Male Infertility Causes:

• Low sperm count: This is one of the most common reasons for male infertility. A normal sperm count is somewhere between 15 million and 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Anything less than 15 million is considered oligospermia(low sperm count).[5]
• Poor sperm motility: Sperm motility is the ability of your sperm to move faster and more effectively to reach the egg. If your sperm is having trouble reaching and fertilizing an egg, you should see a doctor infertility right away.
• Varicocele: This condition, where veins in the scrotum are enlarged, can negatively impact sperm production​. Usually in males, sperm production determines your fertility. So, any kind of condition with an adverse effect on sperm production causes infertility.[6]

The Role of a Fertility Physician

A fertility physician is specially trained to diagnose and treat infertility in both men and women. Here’s a look at how they help:

1. Diagnosis

You doctor infertility starts by gathering a detailed medical and sexual history from both partners. They may conduct several tests to identify the cause of infertility, such as semen analysis, hormone testing, or imaging tests like ultrasounds or hysterosalpingograms (HSG) to assess the health of reproductive organs​.

2. Treatment Options

Once the cause is identified, the doctor infertility will suggest treatments tailored to the couple’s situation. These might include:

• Lifestyle changes: This can involve weight management, stopping smoking, or reducing stress, all of which can affect fertility. If you have been trying to conceive and still have an unhealthy lifestyle, it’s time to change it.
• Medications: Fertility drugs, such as Clomid or Letrozole, can help stimulate ovulation in women. For men, medications that increase testosterone or address erectile dysfunction may be recommended​.
• Surgery: Sometimes, surgical intervention is necessary, such as repairing blocked fallopian tubes or addressing varicoceles in men​.

3. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

If lifestyle changes or medication don’t work, ART may be recommended. This can include:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly in the uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab. Once an embryo is formed, it’s transferred back into the uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg during the IVF process​.

When to See a Fertility Doctor?

A fertility physician is typically consulted when a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without success. However, if a woman is over the age of 35, it’s recommended to seek help after six months. Additionally, if either partner has a known medical issue that affects fertility (such as irregular periods or previous reproductive surgeries), it’s wise to visit a doctor earlier​.

Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies

The emotional toll of infertility can be very impactful and significant. Couples often face anxiety, frustration, and sadness as they go through fertility treatments. It’s a time when both partners can help each other a lot. It’s important to seek support through therapy or support groups to manage the emotional side of infertility.

Fertility physicians can also provide guidance on how to cope with the emotional ups and downs during the treatment process. Many clinics offer counseling services, and some patients find comfort in connecting with others who are facing similar challenges​.

Final Word

Infertility is a common issue that affects many couples, but it’s not the end of the road. A fertility physician can help diagnose the problem and offer a range of treatments that increase the chances of conceiving. From lifestyle changes to advanced reproductive technologies, these doctors play a vital role in helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood. If you’re struggling with infertility, consulting with a fertility physician is the first step towards finding a solution.

Sources-

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10573907/ 
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321419 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8911320/
4. https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/infertility/treatments/hormone-imbalance-and-pregnancy/ 
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591 
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448113/