Washington University's Reproductive Endocrinology Role in Infertility and Reproduction
In general, infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility may be due to a single cause in either the man or the woman, or a combination of factors. The inability to conceive is a medical problem and is no one’s “fault.”
Approximately 35 percent of infertility is due to female factor and 35 percent is due to male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from problems in both partners, or the cause of the infertility is unexplained.Those couples with primary infertility have never achieved a pregnancy. Couples with secondary infertility have achieved a pregnancy in the past, but currently have not conceived after attempting to become pregnant for one year.
Factors contributing to infertility may be classified as:
- Male factor -- inadequate sperm quality, function or motility; this includes couples who are unable to have intercourse due to injuries or other reasons
- Ovulation disorders -- disturbances in the production and release of eggs
- Pelvic factors -- including uterine abnormalities, fibroid tumors, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and/or pelvic adhesions
- Unexplained infertility -- infertility that remains undefined after an extensive medical evaluation
Over the past 25 years, the specialists from the Washington University Division of Reproductive Endocrinology have helped thousands of couples build their families. Sometimes the answers are simple; sometimes they are quite complex. In either case, this is a field where experience counts.
On the edge of science yet passionate about safety, this team can help you understand your unique situation and give you a full range of options.
See Treatment Options for more details on diagnosis and procedures.