Parenthood is a dream for many, and while an infertility diagnosis may seem like a death sentence to your dreams, it’s simply the beginning of a new path. If you’ve been struggling to conceive, face the road ahead with diagnostic and fertility treatment services from skilled gynecologist Karroll Payne, MD, at her practice in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Payne can help you reach your goal with diagnostic services, ultrasounds, first-line therapies, and other fertility support. To learn more, book an appointment for an infertility consultation with Dr. Payne online or call the K. Payne MD office today.

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How is infertility diagnosed?

If you’re under 35 and have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for at least a year, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for at least six months, you may be diagnosed with infertility. Fortunately, an infertility diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your family planning journey.

What causes infertility in women?

There is no one cause of infertility in women, though problems with ovulation and subsequent hormone imbalances are two of the biggest culprits. Other common causes of infertility include:

  • Fallopian tube blockages and damage
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine abnormalities

Your abilities to ovulate, conceive, and successfully deliver a baby are impacted by risk factors, including:

  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Chronic diseases like diabetes
  • STDs and STIs
  • A high number of sexual partners
  • Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES)
  • Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID)

Infertility is also often linked to poor nutrition.

How do you diagnose infertility?

To diagnose infertility, Dr. Payne begins with a regular physical exam and discussing your health history. Then, she uses one or more of the following tests:

  • Blood tests
  • Ovarian reserve assessment (a blood test to determine the number/quality of eggs in the ovaries)
  • Measuring hormone levels
  • Pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds

By performing these tests and considering your whole body health, Dr. Payne can diagnose infertility and help you move to the next step: treatment.

How do you treat infertility?

How Dr. Payne treats your infertility depends entirely on your individual infertility challenges, goals, and health history.

Sometimes, she may recommend something simple, like implementing an ovulation tracker or making lifestyle changes to address underlying problems. Dr. Payne may also recommend any number of popular fertility treatment options, such as:

  • Hormone therapy
  • Medication to stimulate ovulation
  • In vitro fertilization
  • Intrauterine insemination

If your fertility is caused by a blockage like a uterine fibroid, Dr. Payne may perform minimally invasive surgery to remove it.

Regardless of your story and your fertility struggles thus far, Dr. Payne is here to help. Kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable in the latest fertility techniques, she is ready to walk alongside you every step of the way.

If you’ve been struggling to become pregnant, don’t give up hope. Instead, take the next step forward by scheduling an infertility appointment with Dr. Payne over the phone or via the online booking tool today.