According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, fertility starts to decrease at age 32. At age 35, you have a 52 percent chance of pregnancy unaided. That number drops to 36 percent at age 40 and 5 percent by age 45. We understand that infertility issues can be confusing and frustrating to men and women alike. When you visit our specialists Nebraska Medicine, you will find the support, understanding and expertise every step of your journey.
Come to Nebraska Medicine to Remedy Infertility Because:
Our Specialists will Help You Identify the Source
Our specialists from Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine will give you a comprehensive evaluation to help you determine what steps you want to take. If you choose assisted reproductive procedures, we'll take you step by step through the entire process.
Several types of screening tests are available to help identify potential problems early. These include an ultrasound of baby and a blood test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities A chronic villi sampling (CVS) test is more accurate and involves taking a sample tissue from the placenta; and an amniocentesis that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the baby. There are advantages to knowing about potential problems before you give birth. If your doctors know in advance, they can recommend you deliver in a tertiary care center like that of Nebraska Medicine, which is better equipped to handle high risk births.
We Have Male Infertility Specialists
When it comes to infertility, most people think of it as a female problem. But the truth is, fertility is a couples issue, with both men and women contributing. For couples who are having trouble conceiving, males play a role up to 40 to 50 percent of the time, either solely or in conjunction with the female partner. Most couples should see a doctor after a year of trying to conceive without pregnancy.
Our specialists will provide an evaluation of each simultaneously. This includes obtaining a reproductive health history from the couple, a semen analysis for the man and determining if the female ovulates regularly. If the semen analysis is abnormal, he should be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
We'll Help You Get the Right Treatment
Depending on the cause, treatment for male fertility involves surgery or medications, which can stimulate the body to produce more sperm. Surgical treatment is typically performed for men with varicocele. This involves an outpatient procedure in which the veins that produce the varicocele in the scrotum are identified and cut to restore normal blood flow away from the testicle. Approximately 70 percent of men have improvement in their sperm function afterwards.
Many couples who seek help will get pregnant naturally. However, if all other measures have been exhausted, our doctors will work closely with you and your significant other as well as female reproduction specialists in our community to help ensure success. Sharing consultation notes with your primary physician helps everyone understand the evaluation and your progress.
We Will Provide You the Tools You Need to Have a Healthy Pregnancy
Advance planning and preparation are key if you are planning a pregnancy later in life. The most important thing you can do is to begin having conversations with your doctor early on so you will understand the risks and so you can fine tune your body to reduce risks for you and your baby,
Tests You May Want to Consider:
Prenatal Testing
Chromosome Analysis and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) performed on amniotic fluid or chorionic villi samples, and Microarray Analysis performed on amniotic/fetal fluid or chorionic villi samples, can provide diagnostic information about a current pregnancy, including whether or not the fetus has certain genetic abnormalities such as the presence or absence of chromosomal regions (Down syndrome or Trisomy) and submicroscopic copy number changes associated with other genetic conditions.
Pregnancy Loss Testing
Chromosome Analysis and Microarray Analysis performed on fetal tissue or products of conception from a pregnancy loss can often identify an underlying genetic cause. At least 10-15% of all recognized pregnancies are miscarried. Chromosome abnormalities cause more than 50% of first trimester losses and 15% of second trimester losses.1 In most instances, identification of a chromosomal cause for pregnancy loss allows calculation of accurate recurrence risks; families and providers use risks to determine appropriate fertility and pregnancy management.
Male Infertility Testing
Chromosome Analysis and Y Chromosome Microdeletion (YCMD) Analysis can be performed on blood from a male to determine a possible explanation for infertility. While our laboratory classifies these tests as 'postnatal', they can be ordered through both our Prenatal and Postnatal test menus.
Genetic Counseling Services
In the increasingly complex field of genetic diagnostic testing, genetic counselors serve as a vital link between the laboratory and the clinician. As part of our comprehensive services, the Human Genetics Laboratory team includes licensed and board-certified genetic counselors to assist providers and their patients. Our genetic counselors have current clinical experience as well as dedicated areas of expertise, such as prenatal and postnatal genetics.