Having Trouble Getting Pregnant?

The decision to start a family is a big one, and a long-held dream for many people. So having trouble getting pregnant can feel frustrating and disheartening. We understand how you feel and want to help you find out what’s going on.

Getting answers depends on working with an experienced team like the one at our Center for Reproductive Medicine. Our experts not only look for signs of infertility, but also help you find solutions.

Learn more about our reproductive medicine team.

Infertility diagnosis at Henry Ford Health

When you reach out to us for help conceiving, we like to see both people in the relationship. Not only does that approach provide emotional support, it’s also medically helpful for many couples. National data show that trouble getting pregnant is tied to:

• Men in one-third of cases
• Women in another third of cases
• Unidentified problems or both partners in the remaining cases

Once we have answers, we can work on recommending a solution. We work with you to determine an infertility treatment plan that meets your particular diagnosis and your needs.

Female infertility evaluation

We use several different tests to determine the cause of fertility problems in women. A reproductive endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in infertility, meets with you and orders the tests. They may include:

• Hormone testing: Hormones play an important role in reproduction because they stimulate egg production. We look for any hormone disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We also measure:
  
  • Estrogen
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Prolactin
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Ultrasound, X-rays, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy: These exams help look for any blockages or abnormalities in the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Tests for diabetes, thyroid function, genetics and immune system: The infertility specialist may want to check for conditions that could impact reproduction.

Male infertility evaluation

For a complete picture of potential infertility, the specialist will want to test the male partner when relevant. We understand some men find it hard to discuss fertility, let alone undergo testing. Our experts help you understand the process and feel comfortable talking about it.

Specific tests to determine male infertility include:

• Semen count: The amount of sperm matters when it comes to fertilizing the egg. Movement (motility) and shape also play a role in the process.
• Hormone tests: Like women, men have hormones that aid in reproduction. Specific hormones the infertility specialist will check include:
  
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Prolactin
  • Testosterone
• Ultrasound: The infertility specialist may want to have an ultrasound done on your testicles and other supporting structures. The purpose is to find any blockages or abnormalities in reproductive organs. The scan is pain free and relatively quick.
• Tests of genetics and immune system: These tests help the specialist rule out any other potential conditions causing infertility issues.
  
  

Contact us

Getting to the bottom of infertility issues starts by reaching out.