Infertility

In about 80% of couples, the cause of infertility is either an ovulation issue, blockage of the fallopian tubes, or a sperm problem. In 5%-15% of couples, all tests are normal, and the cause is not known.

What Are the Treatments for Infertility?

In men, fertility is treated with:

  • Surgery, if the cause is a varicoele (widening of the veins in the scrotum) or a blockage in the vas deferens, tubes that carry sperm.
  • Antibiotics to treat infections in the reproductive organs.
  • Medications and counseling to treat problems with erections or ejaculation.
  • Hormone treatments if the problem is a low or high level of certain hormones.

In women, infertility is treated with:

  • Fertility drugs and hormones to help the woman ovulate or restore levels of hormones.
  • Surgery to remove tissue that is blocking fertility (such as endometriosis) or to open blocked fallopian tubes.

Infertility in men and woman can also be treated with assisted reproductive technology:

  • IUI (intrauterine insemination): Sperm is collected and the placed directly inside the woman's uterus while she is ovulating.
  • IVF (in vitro fertilization): The sperm and egg are collected and brought together in a lab. The fertilized egg grows for 3 to 5 days. Then the embryo is placed in the woman's uterus.
  • GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) and ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer): The sperm and egg are collected, brought together in a lab, and quickly placed in a fallopian tube. With GIFT, the sperm and eggs are placed into the fallopian tube. With ZIFT, a fertilized egg is placed into the tube at 24 hours.

If you have questions about fertility, our physicians are here to help. Please call us at (601) 936-9190 or request an appointment online. 

Skip to content