What is Infertility and Who Does it Affect?

Infertility

Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive systems of both women and men that can result in the inability to have a biological child. It affects 12 million people in the United States alone. One in every eight couples will struggle with infertility at some point. Infertility is often perceived as a women’s issue, but it affects men and women equally with 30 percent due to a female factor, 30 percent due to a male factor, another 30 percent due to a combination of both male and female factors, and the remaining 10 percent unexplained. Female infertility can result from numerous causes including but not limited to, diminished ovarian reserve, tubal disease due to prior STDs, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or endometriosis. 

Male infertility has many causes as well, but the most common diagnosis is a reduced quality of sperm due to low count or low motility.

Although some of these statistics are alarming, advancements have been made in the field of reproductive medicine in the last 10 years, and there are a plethora of infertility treatment options ranging from simple timed intercourse to in-vitro fertilization. Infertility often goes overlooked by both patients and physicians until couples are actually ready to have a child, but in many cases, it’s too late. Early detection can be critical when achieving a successful pregnancy outcome, so regular exams are vital.

About our Sponsor

Robin Poe-Zeigler, MD, FACOG

Dr. Robin’s journey in medicine came about due to the death of her beloved mother in 1982 as a result of breast cancer. She had an overwhelming desire to work with women battling cancer. Between her 1st and 2nd years of medical school, she was awarded a cancer research project in surgical oncology.

After completing her OB/GYN residency in 1993, Dr. Robin was awarded a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the world renowned Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1995 after completing her fellowship she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and joined The Midwest Center for Reproductive Health where she established a Donor Egg Program. Then due to climate incompatibilities, she returned to Virginia in 1996 and in 1997 "on a wing and a prayer ", she opened The New Hope center for Reproductive Medicine.