You Aren’t Alone in Infertility

Starting a family is traditionally an exciting next step for married couples in the United States. But everyone’s journey to creating a family unit is different and might include infertility obstacles.

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that makes it difficult to conceive or maintain pregnancy after 12 months of actively trying to become pregnant. This condition can affect both males and females and can result in disarray for many couples.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 women aged 15 to 49 with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. The widespread nature of this condition can leave a lot of couples discouraged and with a variety of questions for which Cameron is dedicated to finding answers.

Cameron’s OB-GYN team offers basic and intermediate care for patients who struggle with infertility complications. This process includes providing a diagnosis and developing basic and intermediate treatment plans specialized to your needs.

Todd Rumsey, M.D, FACOG is a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician at Cameron with over 30 years of experience. We sat down with him to learn more about infertility and how to treat it.

It’s Not You, It’s Me: Misconceptions About Infertility

One of the biggest misconceptions about infertility is that it was either inherited or the couple is at fault. It is also very common for women to take on the responsibility of being unable to conceive. However, both partners can contribute to infertility complications, and often more than one factor is at play.

Multiple things can cause infertility, such as ovulation issues, tubal and sperm factors, endometriosis, and more. Some lifestyle habits like smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol use or drugs can also play into a couple’s ability to conceive.

A thorough review of the patient’s medical history and initial lab tests, including monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, insulin, and blood sugar levels, and sperm evaluation are some of the first steps to diagnose the cause of infertility. Once this is completed, Dr. Rumsey and his team create a plan of care to best fit your health needs and work toward helping you in your pregnancy journey.

We’re in This Together: How Can Couples Combat Infertility?

Dealing with infertility can be strenuous mentally and physically – but don’t give up! Some steps to help you conceive include:

• Making healthy dietary changes and approaching food as medicine
• Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking
• Talking with an OB-GYN
• Considering various treatment options

Dr. Rumsey says: “A healthy pregnancy starts with healthy parents. All aspects of health are connected, from emotional health to physical well-being. As a couple, making sure that both parties are functioning at their best can help increase the chances of successfully getting pregnant.”

Cameron Memorial Community Hospital OB-GYN is here to support you through your family planning needs. If you are looking to schedule an appointment to discuss any concerns, find a provider today.