Question 1

When should I see a doctor about trouble getting pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Infertility is generally defined as not being able to conceive after a year or more of trying (or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term). If you've been trying for about a year without success — or sooner if you're 35 or older, have irregular periods, or a known issue like PCOS or endometriosis — it's a good time for an evaluation. Call or text 903-957-0275 to schedule your initial consultation.

Question 2

What does an infertility workup involve?

Accepted Answer

It starts with an initial consultation to review your history — medical, surgical, and reproductive. From there, testing is tailored to you and may look at whether you're ovulating and your hormone levels, the shape of your uterus and whether your fallopian tubes are open (often with an X-ray test called a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG), and a semen analysis for your partner. Not everyone needs every test.

Question 3

Is infertility always a "female" problem?

Accepted Answer

No — it's a shared concern, which is why evaluating only one partner is rarely successful. A male-factor component is involved in up to 40% of cases. Overall, causes split fairly evenly between female factors, male factors, a combination of the two, and unexplained causes. A good workup looks at both partners from the start.

Question 4

What are the most common causes of infertility?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include problems with ovulation (often linked to conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues), blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine conditions such as fibroids or polyps, and male-factor issues with sperm. Age can affect egg quality over time, too. In some couples everything tests normal — called unexplained infertility — and there are still options. Finding the cause is the first step toward a plan.

Question 5

Do you treat infertility here, or refer me to a specialist?

Accepted Answer

We handle the evaluation and many first-line steps right here — confirming and supporting ovulation, medication to help you ovulate, and treating underlying conditions like PCOS, thyroid problems, or endometriosis. If testing points to something that needs specialized care (for example, a male-factor finding), we'll refer you to a urologist or fertility specialist and stay involved. One practical note: infertility testing and treatment are often not covered by insurance, so we'll walk you through what to expect. Call or text 903-957-0275.

Question 6

What is an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), and why might I need one?

Accepted Answer

An HSG is a quick X-ray test that checks whether your fallopian tubes are open and looks at the shape of your uterus. A thin tube passes a small amount of dye through the cervix, and the X-ray shows whether it flows freely through the tubes. It's usually done in the first half of your cycle (after your period, before ovulation), takes only a few minutes, and can cause some cramping. Because blocked tubes are a common and treatable cause of infertility, an HSG is often one of the first tests we consider.

Question 7

What does a semen analysis check, and how is it done?

Accepted Answer

A semen analysis looks at the number of sperm, how well they move (motility), and their shape (morphology), along with the semen volume. Since a male-factor component is involved in up to 40% of cases, it's one of the most important early tests — and it's simple and non-invasive. Your partner provides a sample (usually after 2–5 days without ejaculation) that the lab examines. If something looks off, we may repeat the test or refer to a urologist or fertility specialist.

Question 8

Will I be tested for STIs or other infections?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Some infections — such as chlamydia and gonorrhea — can quietly scar or block the fallopian tubes and affect fertility, so screening for them is a sensible part of a workup. We may also confirm your immunity to infections that matter for a healthy pregnancy, like rubella (German measles). Finding and treating an infection early helps protect both your fertility and a future pregnancy.

Question 9

What blood tests or labs might be part of my workup?

Accepted Answer

Lab work is tailored to you, but it often includes hormones that regulate your cycle and ovulation — such as FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone (to confirm you're ovulating), prolactin, and thyroid (TSH). We may check AMH, which reflects your ovarian reserve (egg supply), and look at blood sugar, insulin, or androgen levels if PCOS is a possibility. General pre-pregnancy labs — like blood type and Rh, a blood count, and rubella immunity — round things out, along with your partner's semen analysis.

INFERTILITY WORKUP

Infertility Evaluation & Fertility Workup for Women in Sherman, TX

Understanding the infertility evaluation process

Frequently asked questions