Causes and Risk Factors of Infertility

Fertility problems affect both men and women. For women under 35 who’ve been trying to get pregnant, there are testing solutions available to help address the issue. For women over 35, it is recommended that you see a doctor after 6 months of direct effort. In women, problems with fertility can occur due to a variety of reasons including:

  • Lifestyle factors
  • Existing health conditions
  • Previous health conditions

Some lifestyle factors include smoking, alcohol or drug abuse, body weight and stress management.

Some of the health conditions which can affect fertility include:

  • Endometriosis
  • Tumors or cysts
  • Blockages of the fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Aging
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
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Diagnosing Infertility

For women having difficulty becoming pregnant, some of the ways doctors determine fertility issues include:

  • X-Ray Contrast Test (Hysterosalpingography)
  • Ovulation testing (also available as home test)
  • Ovarian reserve testing (blood test)
  • Ultrasound
  • Imaging testing
  • Laparoscopic exploration or hysteroscopy

Fertility Solutions

If you’re exploring options to help you get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term, there are several different avenues available.

Controlling lifestyle factors such as reducing stress, excess body weight, improving diet and exercise, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol are all recommended as a precursor to fertility treatments.

Fertility Drugs


The predominant function of drugs that improve female fertility is to simulate the effect of hormones that aid in conception. These hormones are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The drugs stimulate the pituitary gland that produces hormones or stimulate the ovary directly. Other fertility drugs seek to mitigate other conditions like insulin resistance or overproduction of prolactin, both conditions that affect one’s ability to become or stay pregnant.

Reproductive Assistance

IUI or intrauterine insemination places healthy sperm in the uterus during favorable ovulation times.

IVF (in vitro fertilization) is a lab procedure where an embryo is developed through combining harvested eggs and sperm that is then inserted into the uterus once the embryo is ready.

Surgical Methods


Laparoscopic surgery may be applied in situations where there’s a problem like endometriosis, fibroid cysts, irregular uterine shape or problems involving the fallopian tubes such as hydrosalpinx (blockages).

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help: Get Treated for Infertility

Our dual board-certified surgeons and specialists are here for you. If you’d like to learn more about fertility treatments or any other gynecological service, contact one of our patient coordinators today to book an appointment or to request more information from our care team.

For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 706-389-9228 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.

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