When a woman cannot get pregnant, this is called infertility. It can be caused by many things, both physical and emotional, and it can be related to problems in the woman, the man, or both.
There are two main categories. Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become pregnant after at least one year of unprotected intercourse. Secondary infertility refers to couples who have been pregnant at least once but are not able to get pregnant now.
A woman’s fertility peaks in her early 20s. After age 35, the chance that a woman can get pregnant drops sharply. Infertility treatment depends on the woman’s age and the cause.
UAB Medicine’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility is staffed by nationally recognized physicians with years of experience in diagnosing and treating all types of infertility. We use a team approach that includes a reproductive endocrinologist, a urologist, genetic counselors, specialized nurses, and laboratory scientists.
A range of fertility treatments are available, including a type of surgery known as corrective microsurgery. For conditions that cannot be treated, procedures such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used to help a couple get pregnant.
Our fertility experts will determine a treatment plan that is best suited for each individual patient. As a major center for research, UAB Medicine continues to study advances in fertility treatment that can increase a couple’s chances of having a baby.
Care Providers
Videos
Resources
- UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- National Institutes of Health – Infertility and Fertility
- UAB Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Services
- IVF: Step by step
Related Specialties
- Amniocentesis
- Cesarean Section
- Fetal Neck Masses
- High Risk Pregnancy
- Multiple Births
- OBGYN Services
- Preemclampsia
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Heart Disease
- Prematurity
- Transplant Services
- Uterine Transplant
Clinical Trials
Speak to your physician about your options and browse the link below for more information
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