Infertility can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience for women. Struggling to conceive can cause feelings of sadness, frustration, inadequacy, and a sense of loss and grief.
Some women may feel like they are failing by not being able to conceive, carry, and give birth to a baby. This can be particularly difficult for women who have always wanted to be mothers and have been looking forward to starting a family.
In addition to these emotions, women dealing with infertility may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. Infertility can be difficult to discuss, and many women may fear being judged.
Difficulties with infertility do not make anyone “less than” another person. Sometimes, conceiving naturally can prove difficult, and medical assistance may be necessary.
Overall, the emotional toll of infertility can be significant, and women struggling with this issue may benefit from seeking support from a specialist. From diagnosis and treatment to eventual pregnancy, an OBGYN doctor specializing in women’s health can provide invaluable assistance. Let’s dive into how an OBGYN can help women struggling with infertility and provide much-needed relief.
Diagnosis
To provide the best care for women struggling with infertility, an OBGYN will usually begin by making a diagnosis. This entails conducting a physical assessment and ordering tests such as blood work, an ultrasound, or a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to understand the source of the issue and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
In addition to conducting a physical assessment and ordering tests, your doctor will typically ask about your medical history and current health status to help identify any possible underlying conditions or factors contributing to infertility.
Age is also an important factor in the diagnosis of infertility. As women get older, their fertility naturally begins to decline. This is due to many factors, including a reduction in the number and quality of eggs, changes in your menstrual cycle, and increased risk of certain conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Because of this, doctors will often consider a woman’s age when diagnosing and formulating a treatment plan. For women over 35, doctors may recommend moving forward with fertility treatments sooner rather than later to increase the chances of success.
Treatment
One of the most common infertility treatments is medication. Hormonal imbalances can often be corrected with medication, which can help the body ovulate and improve the chances of pregnancy.
Medications may also be used to increase the production of sperm in men or to treat conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. In some cases, you may need a surgical procedure to treat infertility. For example, surgery may be required to remove fibroids, polyps, or other growths that can interfere with pregnancy.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is another option for treating infertility, which involves medical techniques to help a person or couple conceive a child. These techniques may include in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Overall, there are many different options for treating infertility, and the best course of action will depend on the individual circumstances of each person or couple.
Pregnancy
If treatment is successful, the goal is to achieve a successful pregnancy. Your doctor will monitor your progress throughout the process, provide support when needed, and monitor your health during all three trimesters of your pregnancy until you deliver. Additionally, your doctor will be available to provide perineal care services for any issues that may arise after delivery.
If the treatment does not result in a successful pregnancy, your doctor may suggest another treatment. Your doctor may also provide education on fertility, reproductive health, and nutrition to help you optimize your chance of achieving a successful pregnancy. Depending on your needs, your doctor may suggest lifestyle modifications to improve your fertility, such as reducing stress or quitting smoking.
Get Treatment for Struggles with Infertility in Southeast Idaho
When faced with fertility issues, it’s important to know that there is help available—and it starts with finding an experienced OBGYN who understands what you’re going through and can provide guidance on the best course of action. If you are struggling with infertility and need the assistance of a medical professional in Southeast Idaho, contact us today at OBGYN Associates of Idaho Falls.
Our team is made up of compassionate doctors who strongly understand the emotional impact infertility can have on your life. We know how hard it is to go through this alone, and we’re here to help you find peace. Our experts work together as a team to offer state-of-the-art fertility treatments for any woman who may be currently struggling with infertility.
