Infertility Evaluation and Treatment in Silver Spring and Rockville, MD

How is Female Infertility Tested?

Generally, the first step will be to determine if the woman is ovulating each month. This could be accomplished by using a home ovulation test kit, a blood test or even an ultrasound of the ovaries.

If ovulation appears normal, the following tests are commonly performed:

• Hysterosalpingography. This test uses an x-ray to determine if the fallopian tubes are open and allowing the egg to pass freely. In addition, your physician will be able to detect any abnormalities inside of the uterus
• FemVue. This is a test to also assess whether fallopian tubes are open. It is an ultrsound based procedure that is done in your OBGYN’ office.
• Laparoscopy. A tiny camera will be inserted into a small incision in the lower abdomen in order for the OBGYN to observe the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. Your physician will also be able to see any scarring or evidence of endometriosis.

Infertility Treatment Options

The suggested treatment will depend on the type of problem, the age of the woman and her personal preferences. Each woman is unique so not every treatment plan will be the same. The list below is far from comprehensive, but it introduces some of the most common forms of treatment.

Medication

Medications are useful in treating ovulation issues. Typically, they will attempt to regulate hormone levels and trigger the release of an egg. Women who take fertility drugs may have an increased risk for delivering twins and rarely triplets.

Surgery

While medication typically solves fertility issues, surgery is an option for women who have physical abnormalities in their reproductive system. A surgeon may be able to correct irregular uterine shape, remove fibroids and clear blocked fallopian tubes from existing scar tissue (adhesions).

Male factor

Since about ⅓ of fertility is caused by male factor, often times a urologist and/or reproductive endocrinologist will be consulted.

Reproductive Assistance

This treatment will achieve pregnancy through manipulation of the sperm and eggs. Some women choose to have intrauterine insemination performed. This is the process of introducing millions of sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. Other women will have an egg that has been fertilized in a lab placed into her uterus.