Dra. Leila Catherine Onbargi,

• Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive and can have many causes. Approximately 15-19% of couples have difficulty conceiving. If no pregnancy has been achieved after one year without the use of contraceptives, the couple should consult a team specialized in fertility to determine the grade and cause of their infertility. According to statistics more than 50% of cases of infertility are due to female factors, 40% are due to male factors, and 10-15% are due to unexplained factors.

• Fertility Work-Up

In the medical work-up to determine a couple's fertility the following parameters are evaluated:

- The woman's hormonal levels and ovarian reserves at different stages of her menstrual cycle by means of a blood test.

- The permeability of the Fallopian tubes is checked with a hysterosalpingography (HSG) test. This is carried out in the X-Ray department, where a contrast medium is injected into the Fallopian tubes via the vagina. This medium is visible by X-Ray, and shows if there are any obstructions in the path of the female eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

- The quality of the male's semen is evaluated by a semen ananlysis. This shows, among other factors, the concentration of spermatozoids, their morphology or form and their mobility. In some cases the results of this test make a hormonal study or medical evaluation of the male partner by a urologist necessary.

- The most important factor in determining a woman's fertility is her age. After the age of 40, the quality of the ovules declines rapidly making pregnancy increasingly difficult.

• Medical Therapy

After the fertility work-up has been completed the most adequate means of achieving pregnancy is assessed according to the findings. In some cases a course of medication for ovarian stimulation or sperm improvement is sufficient to permit pregnancy without the need to move on to assisted reproduction.

• Ovarian Stimulation with Timed Intercourse

For couples with no apparent impediment to natural conception, ovarian stimulation is a medical treatment that helps the woman to ovulate more efficiently. Her cycle is monitored by pelvic ultrasound, ovulation is provoked by medication and timed intercourse improves the possibilities of pregnancy.

• Ovarian Stimulation with Artificial Insemination

This method is indicated for couples that have been found to have some factor that can impede conception. The woman's ovaries are stimulated, and at the right stage of the cycle ovulation is provoked and an artificial insemination is performed, with spermatozoids of the husband that have undergone a process of selection in a specialized laboratory. With this treatment, the chances of pregnancy are much improved.

• In Vitro Fertilization / ICSI

If In Vitro Fertilization is indicated, our team is prepared to provide all possible care and support for patients at every stage of the process with excellent results. We work together with a certified center that specializes in reproductive medicine that uses the most up-to-date techniques in this field.