We all know what infertility is, but what is subfertility? Many people assume these terms mean the same thing, but they don’t. There is a clear difference.
Let’s talk about the differences between infertility and subfertility, how you treat them, and where you can go in North Miami for outstanding gynecological and obstetrical care.
Definitions of Subfertility and Infertility
Infertility is when the male and/or female partner isn’t able to conceive successfully without medical intervention. This also includes couples who are having trouble maintaining a pregnancy after conception – having miscarriages or stillborn births is considered being infertile.
However, subfertility refers to an unusually long delay in conceiving when trying to conceive. This means the possibility to conceive naturally exists, but it takes a longer period of time.
Most couples are able to conceive within an average of 12 months once they start trying. In subfertility, a couple has trouble getting pregnant after a year of trying. That said, if you are over 35, the timeframe considered for infertility or subfertility drops to 6 months.
Treatments for Subfertility
Some of the treatments for subfertility involve lifestyle changes. Some of the positive changes you can make are:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stop smoking.
- Manage your stress.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid excessive heat, like saunas.
- Cut back on caffeine.
- Use ovulation kits to determine when you are most fertile.
There are other treatments that include medications. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 10% – or 6.1 million people – between the ages of 15 and 44 in the U.S. have trouble conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. If the treatments for subfertility aren’t solving the problem, treatments for infertility may help.
Treatments for Infertility
Infertility requires a different approach. There are surgeries that can help to reverse issues that are causing infertility, such as blockages of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and testes.
Congenital anomalies in women, especially in the uterus, can also be surgically treated. Some women have a double uterus, where there are actually two uteruses each with its own opening.
Other medical treatments are geared toward assisting the fertilization of an egg or implantation of an embryo. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is needed to help infertile couples conceive. ART treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, which is a technique where the sperm is injected directly into the egg for fertilization.
Surrogacy is also an option for those suffering from infertility. Having a sperm donor or another woman carry the embryo through to birth are two options for surrogacy. Having a surrogate isn’t for everyone, but it does allow many couples to experience the joys of pregnancy.
Fertility Treatment in North Miami, Florida
The physicians at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center in North Miami have many years of experience in diagnosing and treating women who are dealing with issues of subfertility or infertility. If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving a baby, Dr. Daniel Levin and our medical staff are ready to help you.
Call (305) 981-0231 to schedule your appointment for a consultation and evaluation, or fill out our convenient online request form. The Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center also offers telemedicine visits for your convenience.
Let the OB/GYN team at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center help you today. We look forward to serving you!