Infertility Specialist
Triangle Women's Center
Gynecologists, Women’s Health, Primary Care and Menopausal Support located in Morrisville & Fuquay-Varina, NC
Most women devote so much attention to preventing pregnancy that they don’t consider the possibility of infertility. However, 10-15% of all couples in the United States do not become pregnant after one year of trying. When you face the emotional challenges of infertility, you can count on compassionate and understanding care at Triangle Women’s Center in Fuquay-Varina, Cary, and Morrisville, North Carolina. Haritha Nadendla, MD, FACOG, has worked closely with many women, helping them overcome gynecologic problems responsible for their infertility. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature.
Infertility Q & A
When should I consider a fertility evaluation?
Couples who have regular, unprotected sex for a year without getting pregnant are considered infertile. Most women should come in for an evaluation after a year of trying.
But that rule doesn’t apply to all women, and some shouldn’t wait a year. If you’re between the ages of 35-40, you should schedule an evaluation after six months of trying to get pregnant.
And if you’re older than 40 or you have a condition known to affect fertility, such as endometriosis, you should come in for an exam as soon as you decide to get pregnant.
Why does age affect my fertility?
Fertility diminishes in both men and women as they get older. However, age is generally a more pressing concern among women. This fact is due to a decline in the number and quality of a woman's eggs over time.
Your fertility gradually declines after the age of 30. At 35, your ability to get pregnant rapidly drops, and after 40, your odds of getting pregnant go down with every passing month.
What causes infertility?
For couples who can't get pregnant, one-third learn they're infertile due to a male-factor problem, and one-third discover the issue relates to the woman's reproductive tract. For the remaining third of couples, the problem can be more complicated or unknown.
In women, infertility most often develops due to:
- Ovulation problems or polycystic ovary syndrome (25-30% of infertile women)
- Fallopian tube blockage (20-30% of women)
- Endometriosis (5-10% of women)
Women may also have trouble getting pregnant due to many other possible conditions, including:
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic adhesions
- Cancer treatment
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Autoimmune disease
Men and women may have an inherited condition that affects their fertility. A male-factor infertility diagnosis typically indicates a low sperm count, abnormally shaped sperm, poor sperm motility, blockages, or enlarged veins in the testes.
How do you treat infertility?
When you schedule an evaluation at Triangle Women’s Center, Dr. Nadendla reviews your medical history, performs a thorough exam, and does blood work to check hormone levels and ovarian function. You may also need to have a diagnostic ultrasound.
Dr. Nadendla customizes your care to treat any underlying identified conditions. If initial care doesn’t help you get pregnant, you may need to consider options such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.
If you’re worried about infertility, call Triangle Women’s Center, or schedule an appointment online.