Understanding Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Infertility is a medical condition defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under age 35. If you are 35 or older, fertility specialists typically recommend an evaluation after six months of trying to conceive. Earlier infertility testing may also be appropriate for patients with irregular menstrual cycles, recurrent pregnancy loss, known reproductive conditions, or other risk factors.
Successful pregnancy depends on several factors working together, including healthy egg production, sperm function, fertilization, embryo development, and implantation within the uterus. When any part of this process is disrupted, fertility challenges may occur.
Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide and is one of the most common reproductive health conditions. Both women and men contribute equally to infertility diagnoses, making evaluation of both partners an important first step.
Common Causes of Infertility
Infertility can result from female factors, male factors, a combination of both, or remain unexplained despite comprehensive testing.
Female Infertility
Female infertility may be caused by:
- Ovulation disorders such as PCOS (PMOS)
- Endometriosis
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Age-related decline in fertility
Male Infertility
Male infertility commonly involves:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility or morphology
- Varicocele
- Hormonal imbalances
- Ejaculatory disorders
- Genetic abnormalities
Lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions may also contribute to infertility in both men and women.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist in Mississippi and Louisiana?
You don’t have to wait a full year if you have concerns about your fertility.
We recommend scheduling a fertility evaluation with our fertility clinic if you:
- Have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if age 35 or older)
- Experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or PCOS (PMOS)
- Have experienced multiple miscarriages
- Have undergone pelvic surgery
- Have a history of low sperm count or male infertility
- Want to better understand your reproductive health before trying to conceive
Early infertility evaluation often leads to more fertility treatment options and improved pregnancy outcomes.
Understanding Unexplained Infertility
Approximately 20% of infertility cases are diagnosed as unexplained infertility.
This diagnosis means that routine fertility testing has not identified a specific reason pregnancy has not occurred, even though standard evaluations appear normal.
Many patients with unexplained infertility still achieve successful pregnancies through fertility treatment.
At Positive Steps Fertility, we take diagnostic testing a step further. Rather than relying solely on traditional imaging, Dr. Preston Parry developed the patented Parryscope®, an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that allows for direct evaluation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity during a single office visit.
The Parryscope® can identify female infertility conditions such as:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic adhesions
- Tubal damage
- Uterine abnormalities
- Fibroids
- Scar tissue
These infertility conditions may be overlooked by traditional HSG testing, allowing patients to receive a more accurate diagnosis and personalized fertility treatment plan.
Genetic Causes of Infertility
Genetics can play an important role in fertility for both women and men.
Chromosomal abnormalities and inherited genetic conditions may contribute to:
- Difficulty conceiving
- Implantation failure
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Reduced egg or sperm quality
When appropriate, our fertility specialist may recommend genetic carrier screening or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) during IVF to help identify chromosomal abnormalities before embryo transfer.
Genetic testing allows us to personalize fertility treatment recommendations while helping patients better understand their reproductive options.
Advanced Fertility Testing at Positive Steps Fertility
Every successful fertility treatment plan begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Our comprehensive infertility evaluation may include:
- Hormone testing
- Ovarian reserve testing
- Semen analysis
- Ultrasound imaging
- Tubal evaluation
- The Parryscope® procedure
Unlike traditional fertility testing alone, the Parryscope® provides immediate visualization of the reproductive organs, allowing Dr. Preston Parry to diagnose many infertility conditions during a single visit without the need for multiple procedures.
This innovative approach helps many patients receive answers faster while avoiding unnecessary delays in fertility treatment.
Infertility Treatment Options
Infertility treatment depends on the underlying cause of infertility, your age, medical history, and family-building goals.
Your personalized fertility treatment plan may include lifestyle recommendations, ovulation medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), surgical treatment for reproductive conditions, or advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Our fertility specialist works closely with every patient to recommend the most effective infertility treatment based on their diagnosis and reproductive goals.
Why Patients Across Mississippi & Louisiana Choose Positive Steps Fertility
Patients throughout Mississippi and Louisiana, including Madison, Gulfport, Starkville, Hattiesburg, Shreveport, Slidell, and Monroe trust Positive Steps Fertility because we combine compassionate infertility care with advanced reproductive medicine.
Led by Dr. Preston Parry, our renowned infertility clinic offers innovative fertility diagnostics, including the pioneering Parryscope®, comprehensive fertility testing, and individualized fertility treatment plans designed to help patients achieve pregnancy as efficiently as possible.
Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or seeking answers after months or years of trying to conceive, our experienced team is here to guide you.
Take the Next Positive Step Toward Parenthood
If you’re struggling to conceive, early infertility evaluation can make all the difference. Schedule an infertility consultation with Positive Steps Fertility to receive expert guidance, advanced diagnostic testing, and a personalized fertility treatment plan designed around your family building goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Infertility
What is considered infertility?
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after six months if the woman is age 35 or older.
What are the most common causes of infertility?
Common causes include ovulation disorders, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, hormonal imbalances, age-related fertility decline, and unexplained infertility.
When should I see a fertility specialist in Mississippi and Louisiana?
You should consider scheduling an evaluation with Positive Steps Fertility after one year of trying to conceive, or after six months if you’re 35 or older. Earlier infertility evaluation may also be recommended for patients with known reproductive conditions or recurrent pregnancy loss.
What is unexplained infertility?
Unexplained infertility occurs when standard fertility testing does not identify a specific cause despite difficulty becoming pregnant. Many couples with unexplained infertility still achieve successful pregnancies with fertility treatment.
What is the Parryscope®?
The patented Parryscope® is an innovative female fertility diagnostic procedure developed by Dr. Preston Parry. It allows Dr. Parry to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity during a single minimally invasive office procedure, helping identify conditions that may not appear on traditional imaging.
Can infertility affect men?
Yes. Male factor infertility contributes to approximately one-third of infertility cases. Semen analysis is often one of the first diagnostic tests recommended during a fertility evaluation.
What infertility treatments are available at Positive Steps Fertility?
Infertility treatment options include fertility testing, ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, fertility preservation, surgical fertility care, genetic testing, and personalized fertility treatment plans based on your diagnosis.
Do you provide infertility treatment for patients throughout Mississippi and Louisiana?
Yes. Positive Steps Fertility proudly serves patients across Mississippi and Louisiana, with infertility clinics in Madison, Gulfport, Starkville, Hattiesburg, Shreveport, Slidell, and Monroe.
