Family Planning And Infertility Specialist

What is family planning?

Family planning services allow you to take charge of your reproductive future. With the right family planning tools, you can decide when to have a family, how to space the births of your children, and methods to prevent children at all.

Birth control methods come in so many varieties today that the choices can feel overwhelming. That's why Dr. Harrison consults with you to help you select the right birth control. She evaluates your health and considers how smoking and certain medical conditions influence your family planning options. 

You can expect her to ask questions about:

• When do you want to have children?
• Do you need protection against STDs?
• Can you remember to take a daily pill?
• Will your partner support your method?

Together you discuss the benefits and risks of different contraceptive methods to help you make an appropriate choice.

How common is infertility?

About 12% of married couples have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Infertility increases with age, but even couples with no fertility issues may not conceive right away. Only 20-25% of healthy couples between the ages of 29 and 33 become pregnant in any given month.

What causes infertility?

Experts believe that about one-third of infertility issues are female-related, one-third are male-related, and one-third are due to both partners or unknown reasons. 

Women's fertility declines with age, making it an essential factor in achieving pregnancy. 

Female-related infertility also may be caused by: 

• Lack of ovulation
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Blocked Fallopian tubes
• Irregular ovulation
• Thyroid gland problems
• Pituitary gland issues

Among men, infertility is typically due to a low sperm count or a problem with the sperm's movement. 

What are the tests for infertility?

An infertility workup helps to diagnose the reason you're not conceiving by testing both partners. Women's tests typically assess:

• Progesterone and prolactin levels
• Thyroid function test
• Ovarian reserve

Men provide a semen sample to determine whether their sperm are healthy and mobile enough to fertilize an egg.

How is infertility treated?

Dr. Harrison recommends infertility treatment based on several factors. Some considerations may include your age, your partner's age, how long you've tried to start a family, and the underlying reason or reasons for infertility. In some cases, she refers you to a specialist for additional tests or treatment.

Find out more about family planning and infertility services at Sovereign Women's Healthcare by calling today or booking a consultation online.