Diagnosis

PCOS is an endocrine disorder primarily associated with irregular ovulation, or ovulatory dysfunction. PCOS is usually related to an underlying disturbance in the insulin-glucose system. Patients with PCOS can have a difficult time getting pregnant without help. Fortunately PCOS can often be treated with more conservative treatments such as Clomid or Femara. Diet modification and weight loss are also very effective.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which insulin receptors are no longer responding well to insulin that is trying to drive blood sugar into the cells. Often the pancreas will produce extra insulin (compensatory hyperinsulinemia) that can have unwanted effect on various systems in the body and manifest as polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS.

Endometriosis is a condition associated with the presence of endometrial tissue in the abdomen or pelvis. Endometriosis is usually associated with more painful menstrual cycles though some women have little to no pain. Endometriosis causes an inflammatory state that can reduce fertility and even have an effect on egg quality. Surgery may help with endometriosis. Adenomyosis is another related condition.

Fibroids are muscle tumors that occur in the uterus tissues around the uterus. Fibroids are rarely cancerous but can grow and distort the uterus. Fibroids that affect the cavity of the uterus or significantly alter the overall shape of the uterus can cause infertility. Fibroids are common and in many cases do not need to be removed. Fibroids generally show up very well on ultrasound exams.

Male factor infertility refers to a variety of conditions usually related to low sperm counts, low motility, poor morphology (shapes of sperm), or even the absence of sperm. Male factor infertility accounts for about 30% of the causes of infertility. A good semen analysis can help evaluate problems. For more difficult cases, sperm extraction and fertility preservation services are also available.

Unexplained infertility is when all other causes of infertility have been ruled out. It doesn't mean there isn't a cause for the infertility but the testing is not able to pinpoint one of the more common causes of infertility. Poor egg quality is a common thing that is discovered during IVF in patients with unexplained infertility. Treatments are usually still effective despite not being able to identify an exact cause for fertility problems.

Tubal factor infertility is related to blocked fallopian tubes or non-functional fallopian tubes. This can be the result of pelvic scar tissue from previous surgery or pelvic infections, blockage of tubes with fluid collections inside the tubes - hydrosalpinx, or blockage of the tubes intentionally from a tubal ligation or Essure device.

Age related infertility is one of the biggest hurdles to pregnancy. As a woman ages, her eggs are also ageing. The older the eggs are at the time of fertilization, the greater the chance for a genetic mistake to happen. Genetic mistakes in the eggs and embryos can lead to infertility or increase the chances of a miscarriage. The pool of eggs available for treatments also declines with eggs - decreasing ovarian reserve.