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Fort Lauderdale Women Care
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Fort Lauderdale Women Care
Gynecologists located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nearly 10% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 have problems getting pregnant, so infertility is a fairly common issue. Dr. Khadra M. Osman at Fort Lauderdale Women Care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have considerable experience in helping women with fertility issues get pregnant, and bring healthy and happy children into the world.
Infertility Q & A
What is infertility?
The technical definition of infertility is the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex, and six months if you’re 35 or older. Infertility also includes women who can get pregnant, but not stay pregnant.
What are the causes of infertility?
When you’re trying to get pregnant, several things need to
happen, and a breakdown in any one of these areas can cause infertility:
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Egg production
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Travel of your egg through your fallopian tubes
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Fertilization of your egg by sperm
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Travel of the fertilized egg to your uterus
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Attachment to your uterine wall for development
Most fertility issues in women stem from ovulation problems. Ovulation problems are most often caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormone imbalance that interferes with your ability to produce eggs normally.
Another problem that can cause ovulation issues is primary ovarian insufficiency, or POI, which is when your ovaries don’t properly work before you get to the age of 40.
Other, less common, causes of infertility are:
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Misshapen uterus
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Blocked fallopian tubes, which can be caused by several issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis
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Uterine fibroids
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Chemotherapy and radiation treatments
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Cancers, such as cervical
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Male infertility
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Early menopause
What risk factors increase fertility problems?
In addition to physical reproductive problems, there are a number of behaviors and conditions that can put you at risk for infertility, such as:
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Smoking
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Weight issues, both underweight and overweight
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Age
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Stress
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Poor nutrition
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Excessive alcohol use
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STDs
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Excessive exercise
What risk factors increase fertility problems?
Since the causes of infertility are so vast, Dr. Sanches or Dr. Osman first perform a complete physical and review your medical history and your behaviors to determine where to start. Often, a conservative approach at the beginning is best, which involves mitigating some of the risks or treating the conditions that may have an impact on your ability to get pregnant.
If you’re still unable to conceive, your gynecologist will try more aggressive approaches that may include:
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Medications
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Intrauterine insemination
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Corrective surgery
Dr. Osman or Dr. Sanches will work diligently toward a solution and often recommend a multi-pronged approach to increase your chances of success.
