MeritCare Health System

The decision to have a baby is an exciting one, filled with wonder and anticipation. But if you’re one of the five million Americans who have experienced trouble conceiving, you know the wonder may slowly turn to worry. Scientific advances over the past few decades have helped millions of couples overcome fertility problems. Reproductive medicine specialists at MeritCare seek to offer hope, compassion and success for many couples.

In general, a couple's inability to achieve pregnancy despite having intercourse for a year or six months if the woman is over 35 without birth control, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth, may mean a fertility problem exists. There are numerous causes of fertility issues.

If you have tried to conceive for a year (or six months if the woman is 35 and older), you should consider seeking help. Both partners are included in the process as the cause may be linked to factors affecting the man or woman.

Reproductive endocrinologists are obstetricians/gynecologists with fellowship training in reproductive medicine. You should seek the care of a physician who is board certified in reproductive endocrinology, which means that he/she has passed the examinations that accredit him/her in diagnosing and treating reproductive issues. A referral from a gynecologist or obstetrician is not required to make an appointment for a reproductive endocrinologist. Learn more about MeritCare's Reproductive Medicine Team.

Identifying a cause for a couple's fertility issues is key to recommending treatment when a couple chooses to seek reproductive medicine.

If you or your partner are concerned about your fertility, our doctors can help you find out if there's a problem and investigate possible treatment options.