Union-Tribune: New Options Give Hope to Prospective Parents

Infertility happens when pregnancy isn’t achieved after a year of regular sexual intercourse without birth control. There are different types — the problem could come from the man, the woman or result from unexplained factors.

Dr. Tina J. Dhillon-Ashley, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Venus Women’s Healthcare Professionals in Vista, said among men, infertility could stem from low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockage that prevents delivery of sperm.

In women, there could be problems with ovulation or irregular periods, or abnormalities of the reproductive organs such as blocked fallopian tubes or issues with the uterus.

However, age is a big factor. If a woman is 35 years or older and hasn’t been able to become pregnant after six months, she may be evaluated for infertility.

Dr. Dhillon-Ashley said a woman begins life with a certain number of eggs, and the number decreases with age. For healthy young couples with no infertility issues, the chance of becoming pregnant in any given month is about 20 percent, she said, and the number starts declining in a woman’s 30s and rapidly after about age 37.

She said 12 percent of women between the ages of 15 to 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term.

And while estimations vary, male infertility is estimated to account for 40 to 50 percent of infertility cases.

“Historically … conversations about sexuality and sexual body parts has traditionally been socially unacceptable,” she said.

“Because fertility issues are so closely connected with sexual functioning, the social stigma of infertility has been complex.”

Meanwhile, for many couples, infertility can be like an emotional roller coaster.

Venus Women’s Healthcare Professionals accepts most insurances and is located at 2067 W. Vista Way, #160, in Vista CA. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. For a full list of services and to learn more about Drs. Adib and Dhillon-Ashley, visit venuswomenshcp.com. To schedule an appointment or for any other questions, call the office at (760) 295-9995.