Infertility
Infertility Evaluation & Treatment
Trying to get pregnant and watching another month go by wears on you. You start doing the math on due dates that keep moving. You stop telling friends you’re trying. If that’s where you are, you don’t need to wait for a fertility clinic referral to start getting answers. Our all-women team of OB/GYNs and nurse practitioners can support you at our West Des Moines, Ankeny, or Indianola office.
When to Schedule a Fertility Evaluation
Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. If you’re 35 or older, we’d like to see you after 6 months. Egg count and quality drop faster from the mid-30s on, and those six months matter.
Some situations don’t call for waiting at all. Come in sooner if:
- Your periods are irregular, more than 35 days apart, or have stopped
- You’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis, or a thyroid disorder
- You’ve had pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal surgery
- You’ve had two or more miscarriages
- You’re over 40
- Your partner has a sperm or fertility concern
- Either of you has had chemotherapy or radiation
Haven’t started trying yet? Book a preconception care visit. We’ll review your history and catch anything that could slow you down later.
Primary vs. Secondary Infertility
Primary infertility means you’ve never been pregnant. Secondary infertility is trouble conceiving after you’ve already had a baby, and it surprises a lot of parents. You can get pregnant easily the first time, so what changed? Age can, and so can a new thyroid problem, scar tissue from a C-section or infection, a change in weight, or your partner’s health. We evaluate both the same way. Our guide to primary and secondary infertility goes deeper.
Common Causes of Infertility We Diagnose
Infertility isn’t only a women’s health issue. Male factors account for a large share of cases, and many couples have more than one contributing cause. Here’s what we look for.
+ Ovulation Problems and PCOS
No ovulation, no egg. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common reason women don’t ovulate regularly, and it responds well to treatment. Thyroid disorders and high prolactin can throw ovulation off too. Our Hormone Health page explains how these hormones affect your cycle.
+ Endometriosis
When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can scar the tubes and ovaries and make periods and sex painful. It’s found in a large share of women being evaluated for infertility. Read our guide to managing endometriosis.
+ Uterine Fibroids and Polyps
Fibroids that push into the uterine cavity can block implantation or raise miscarriage risk. Many can be removed while leaving the uterus in place. Learn more about fibroids and fertility.
+ Age
Fertility declines gradually through the early 30s and faster after 35. For men, sperm count and quality start to drop after about 40.
+ Male Factor Infertility
Low sperm count, poor motility or abnormal shape can all make conception harder. That’s why a semen analysis is part of a complete workup, even when everything seems fine on your side.
+ Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes every test comes back normal. It’s frustrating to hear, but it isn’t a dead end. Treatment still works for many couples with no clear diagnosis.
Haven’t started trying yet? Book a preconception care visit. We’ll review your history and catch anything that could slow you down later.
Fertility Care Close to Home
You can start your evaluation at any of our three central Iowa offices:
- West Des Moines: 4949 Westown Pkwy, Ste 140
- Ankeny: 111 NW Ninth Street, Suite #2
- Indianola: 2006 N 4th St
One number reaches all three: 515.223.5466. Meet our care team.
Contact Us
Need to get in touch before your visit? Use the messaging feature located in the bottom right corner of the page to quickly connect with West Des Moines OBGYN Associates, or give us a call at (515) 223-5466.