Women's Health

If a couple is infertile, this means that they have been unable to conceive a child after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without birth control. Primary infertility means they have never had a child. Secondary infertility means that the infertile person has had one or more children in the past, but a medical problem […]

Most infertility results from physical problems in a man or woman’s reproductive system. About 35 percent of all cases of infertility arise from problems in the man’s system. About 35 percent arise from abnormalities in the woman’s system. About 20 percent of the time, the man and woman both have fertility problems. In 10 percent

A complete medical history and a physical exam are the first steps in diagnosing a fertility problem. Both partners need to be evaluated. The couple may also need blood tests, semen specimens from the man, and ultrasound exams or exploratory surgery for the woman. Need To Know: Your Doctor Will Want to Know During the

After the physician has determined possible causes of the infertility, a course of treatment can then be planned. Sometimes simple instructions, like knowing when having sex is most likely to produce a pregnancy, are all that is needed. In many cases, medications are indicated, while in other cases, the woman may require surgery or other

Illnesses and problems in the male reproductive organs can often be resolved with medicines and surgery. What Medicines Treat Male Infertility? What Surgeries Treat Male Infertility? What Medicines Treat Male Infertility? A number of drugs can be prescribed to ease male fertility problems, but their effectiveness varies widely. Here’s a look at some of them:

If the man’s semen is fertile but can’t reach the cervix because of premature ejaculation or an inability to maintain an erection, partner insemination may be considered. Men with low sperm count, women with poor quality mucous, and couples with reproductive abnormalities may also benefit from this procedure. Even if the man has erection problems,

Assisted reproduction refers to a number of advanced techniques that aid fertilization. These techniques are often used for women who have irreversible damage to their fallopian tubes or cervical mucous problems. It can also benefit couples with unexplained infertility. What is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)? What is GIFT (Gammete Intrafallopian Tube Transfer)? What is ZIFT (Zygote

If your doctor tells you that you are infertile, you may experience a wealth of emotions. Couples often feel frustrated, angry or guilty after such a diagnosis. Women may feel unfeminine and men may feel powerless and unmasculine. Women are more likely to discuss their feelings, while men often sublimate their anger in sports or

Here are some frequently asked questions related to infertility. Q: What should I do if I think I am infertile? A: If you’ve had more than a year of regular sex without birth control and you haven’t achieved a pregnancy, it may be time to see a doctor. If a year hasn’t passed yet, a good

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to infertility. Infertility is a common condition that can be caused by illness, lifestyle habits or defects in the reproductive system. Many treatments can successfully resolve infertility, including medications, surgery and assisted reproduction. The emotions of infertility can seem overwhelming at times. Many support

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information about hormone replacement therapy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers the following pamphlets: “Hormone Replacement Therapy,” “Preventing Osteoporosis,” and “The Menopause Years.” To obtain copies, send a self-address envelope to: ACOG  Phone: 1-800-762-2264 http://www.acog.org The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Women’s Initiative has a fact

Once a woman decides to begin hormone replacement therapy, her next big decision is when to begin. Your doctor can help you decide what is best for you. The decision will depend in large part on the reasons why you are taking HRT. For Controlling Menopause Symptoms Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness can