Ask the Doctor: Infertility 101

Even though so many couples struggle to get pregnant, about one in eight couples, it can be difficult to speak up and seek help. The truth is infertility is a medical problem, and couples should talk to their doctor about their concerns in order to identify factors that may be preventing them from conceiving.

Dr. David Clay, an OB-GYN at Clinic Sofia, a women’s clinic known for providing full-circle healthcare in a welcoming, supportive environment, will speak at the34thAnnual Infertility, Adoption and Family Building Summit, taking place Nov. 10 at Normandale Community College in Bloomington. The largest event of its kind in the Midwest, the summit will cover all aspects of the medical and emotional issues surrounding infertility.

“Facing infertility can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be,” said Dr. Clay, who will speak on the summit’s “Infertility 101” panel. “Whether you have been trying to conceive for more than six months or you’ve been through IVF and are looking at other options, this summit aims to help individuals and couples no matter what stage they are at and give them information, resources and hope on their family-building journey.”

Dr. Clay answers some of the common questions he hears from patients struggling with fertility.

How common is infertility?

The issue of infertility is more common than you may think. Most people assume that getting pregnant will come easily. However, we all know someone who has had difficulty. Even if you think you don’t know anyone who has experienced infertility, you probably do. Often people don’t talk openly about infertility.

How do I know when to seek help?

Generally speaking, if a patient is under 35 years and has been trying to get pregnant for one year, she should talk with her doctor. For those over 35, the timeframe is after six months. However, it can’t hurt to discuss your plans with your doctor even earlier—particularly if you have irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.

What factors affect fertility?

There are many factors such as age, smoking, excess weight or being underweight, alcohol use and stress that’s severe enough to impact a woman’s period. A physician can help couples take a closer look at all the issues that impact fertility. There are also tests that can be done in the doctor’s office such as blood tests, urine analysis and imaging tests using ultrasounds to detect if there are any underlying medical problems that may be preventing pregnancy.

Also, this is not just a women’s issue. Men can have issues with sperm concentration, motility and shape. Other medical issues can also contribute to male infertility.

What about the cost?

The cost for treatment is hard to pin down since there is such a broad range of options and it really comes down to the patient’s insurance coverage. At Clinic Sofia, we work with our patients to outline a plan of action that they can take to their insurance provider to determine what will be covered.

Midwest Family Building Summit Event: Nov. 10

For more information on the Midwest Family Building Summit and to register, visit www.resolve.org/MidwestSummit. This year’s event will include more than 20 workshop sessions led by medical professionals, mental health professionals and adoption experts. Participants choose which sessions they want to attend so they can customize their learning experience to meet their needs. In addition, each registrant receives tickets for a variety of giveaways, including $10,000 in fertility treatments (must be present to win).

About Dr. David Clay

Dr. Clay works with patients in all areas of obstetrics and gynecology, but he particularly enjoys helping women who are struggling with fertility issues. He sees patients at Clinic Sofia OBGYN, known for offering personalized and comprehensive healthcare for women in welcoming setting. Clinic Sofia has offices in Edina and Maple Grove.