A fertility evaluation is a detailed health exam that determines an individual’s ability to procreate, or have children. For women, doctors first check to see whether ovulation is occurring which can be determined and monitored through ultrasound exams of the ovaries, blood tests that detect hormones, or an ovulation home test kit. If a woman is ovulating, doctors then move to a type of X-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus known as a hysterosalpingogram. This test involves placing a radiographic dye solution into the uterine cavity and then taking multiple X-rays. If the fallopian tubes are unobstructed, the dye will flow through them, becoming visible in the abdominal region. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the dye will be retained in the uterus or fallopian tubes, depending on where the blockage is located. Other tests give doctors more information. For example, ultrasound, one of the most commonly performed imaging tests, can be used to examine the female reproductive structures.

Women with the following conditions should consider having a fertility evaluation:

– Unable to get pregnant for a year (or six months if over the age of 35)
– Diagnosed reproductive system condition affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus
– Menstruation that is heavy, irregular, or absent
– Recurrent miscarriages
– History of endometriosis, pelvic pain, or pelvic inflammatory disease
– Partner with suspected or identified male infertility

There are several causes of infertility in females, including medical conditions and physiological dysfunctions. Causes of female infertility include:

– Failure to ovulate
– Problems in the menstrual cycle
– Structural problems of the reproductive system
– Infections
– Failure of an egg to mature properly
– Implantation failure
– Endometriosis
– Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
– Uterine fibroids
– Autoimmune disorders

Age and lifestyle can affect fertility in a number of different ways, including:

Age — When women are in their early 30s their fertility starts to decline (and the decline speeds up post-35). In addition to declining fertility, there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications for older mothers, as well as an increased risk of the child having mental health disorders, learning difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders.

Lifestyle factors include:

Weight — Obesity can cause and exacerbate hormonal irregularities in both men and women. For women, they pose threats such as miscarriages, risks of a stillbirth, and other pregnancy complications. Women who are obese are more likely to have a baby with congenital heart disease than women who are a healthy weight.

Substance Abuse — Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol reduce fertility rates and cause early menopause in women.

Stress — While some amount of stress is unavoidable, being subject to constantly high levels of stress on a daily basis increases the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. This can cause health complications, exacerbate existing conditions, and can also negatively affect libido.

Pollutants — With rapid urbanization and unchecked industrialization, the world is becoming more polluted than ever before. Increased and consistent exposure to pollution has been directly linked to infertility.

Having trouble getting pregnant? Women’s Health Consulting IL provides fertility evaluations to help you take a deeper look at your reproductive health. Call us today to book an appointment for a fertility evaluation, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 200 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Cicero IL, Oak Park IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Maywood IL and Logan Square Chicago IL. We look forward to serving you!