Infertility FAQs
Gynecologists Treating Infertility Loveland & Fort Collins, CO
Dealing with infertility not only comes with lots of emotional and mental effects, but it also brings up a plethora of questions. Many of these concerns are specific to the individual. Finding a direct answer through research can be challenging. At The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, we want to make sure you have all the facts when it comes to fertility and women’s health. Our women’s medical clinic serves patients from Loveland and Fort Collins, CO as well as the surrounding areas. Our team is here to educate you about your condition and options for treatment. Too often, fertility problems make us feel hopeless. Fortunately, our OB/GYNs are here for you, answering your questions and helping you get proper treatment. Learn more about infertility with our FAQs below.
What Is Infertility?
Infertility may look different for each patient. However, we can generally define infertility as the inability to become pregnant after at least one year of trying. To find out for sure if you’re dealing with infertility, it’s best to see a reputable gynecologist. At The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, we offer exceptional gynecological care for women in Loveland and Fort Collins, CO.
Are There Symptoms of Infertility?
Women struggling with infertility may notice a variety of symptoms. Some of these signs are obvious, while others may be easy to miss or write off as something else. In any case, it’s crucial to understand the numerous symptoms that women may experience as a result of infertility. Schedule an appointment with our women’s health clinic if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Irregular periods or no period
- Changes in sex drive
- Hair loss or dark hair growth on the lips, chest, or chin
- Increased acne
- Unexplained weight gain
- Breast discharge
- Intercourse becomes painful
- Hot flashes
What Causes Infertility in Women?
Fertility issues may be caused by several different factors. Generally speaking, any condition that affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus can increase the chances of conception problems. One of the most common causes of infertility is an ovulation disorder. Blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, birth defects, and much more can all result in fertility problems later in life.
Am I at Risk of Infertility?
Unfortunately, all women will experience a decrease in fertility with age. Age decreases the number of healthy eggs available for fertilization, as well as increases the chances of contracting a condition that results in infertility. Older women are also more likely to experience a miscarriage in the event they do conceive. However, this isn’t to say older women shouldn’t look to their local women’s health clinic for fertility help. The team at The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado is always here to walk you through your options. Besides age, other risk factors for infertility include:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Pre-existing conditions
- Excessive stress that causes you to miss periods
- Extreme changes in weight
Is Infertility Only Common in Women?
Infertility can occur in anyone, regardless of sex or gender. In fact, about 40% of cases are attributed to females, while another 40% are a result of male infertility. Men, however, do tend to experience infertility differently than women. They typically notice symptoms such as pain in the testicles, abnormal hair growth, problems with ejaculation, and changes in sex drive. If you believe your fertility issues are the result of male infertility, we can refer you to an excellent men’s health care provider.
What Are Some Common Fertility Treatments?
When you visit a fertility treatment center, you’ll be met with several options for how to approach your struggle to conceive. At The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, our team is made up of certified professionals in obstetrics and gynecology. They can perform infertility evaluations and help you decide on the best option for your treatment. Some of the most common treatment methods include:
- Medications, such as clomiphene citrate, follicle-stimulating hormone, and metformin
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
How Much Does Treatment Increase My Chances of Pregnancy?
It’s difficult to give a general answer when it comes to the effectiveness of treatment. The success of your procedure will depend on a variety of unique factors. We’ll account for your age, pre-existing conditions, medical history, and much more when estimating your chances of success. Once we have a better idea of your specific circumstances, our team will discuss your best options with you.
Does Age Influence the Effectiveness of Fertility Treatment?
Unfortunately, age will affect the effectiveness of fertility treatments. Women who are close to or older than 40 typically have a lower success rate when it comes to in vitro fertilization and other methods of conception. However, that doesn’t mean that pregnancy is impossible. Regardless of your age or other circumstances, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at our women’s wellness center.
Can I Reduce My Chances of Multiple Births?
You may have heard that fertility treatments can drastically increase your chances of having multiple births. While these statistics are often exaggerated on TV, there is always a chance of conceiving twins, triplets, or even more after fertility treatments. Fortunately, with careful monitoring, we can reduce the risk of multiple births. Our team will monitor ovulation induction throughout the treatment process to ensure the appropriate amount of fertilized eggs. Your provider at our center for women’s health will be able to let you know your options associated with a specific treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Fertility Clinics?
Whether your infertility treatment will be covered by insurance depends on your policy. The state of Colorado does not currently require insurance companies to cover infertility diagnoses or treatments, but your specific policy may feature coverage. Always speak with your human resources department or reach out to your insurance company directly to learn more about what is covered within your plan. If you cannot find coverage for your treatment, our friendly team will work with you to make the procedure more affordable.
Contact Us Today to Learn More
At The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado, we strive to answer all your questions about women’s health. We understand that no matter how extensive the FAQ, you’ll likely still have concerns. No matter your circumstances or history with infertility, our team is here to help. At our clinic, you’ll find numerous female gynecologists and healthcare providers with extensive training in obstetrics. We’re proud to serve the communities of Loveland and Fort Collins, CO with exceptional women’s health care. Contact us today with your questions or schedule an appointment.
