Infertility issues can be confusing and frustrating, leaving many hopeful parents unsure of where to turn. The doctors at Heartland Center for Reproduction are here to answer your questions and help you find the best way to grow your family. Our Lincoln, NE, location provides the latest and most effective fertility treatments, including IVF.
What Defines Infertility?
Infertility is typically defined by difficulty getting pregnant after a year of having unprotected sex. However, this definition can change based on age and medical factors.
Often, women over 35 who have not become pregnant after six months of unprotected sex are candidates for infertility treatments since fertility will decrease with age. Recurrent miscarriages can also be indicative of infertility. If you are having difficulty becoming pregnant, wish to grow your family with your same-sex partner, or want to have a child without a partner, we recommend contacting our Lincoln, NE, practice now to promote a healthy pregnancy.
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Infertility Can Occur At Many Different Stages
Pregnancy is a complicated process in which infertility can occur at several points. Our clinic will first identify what part of the pregnancy process is affected by infertility so we can best provide treatments.
About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. CDC
About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. CDC
Ovulation
During ovulation, an egg is released to start the pregnancy process. Irregular periods are often a clear sign that the patient is experiencing anovulation, in which the egg does not release from the ovary.
Also, blockages in the fallopian tubes from endometriosis can prevent a successful ovulation.
Fertilization
The next step is fertilization, where the man's sperm meets the egg. Low sperm production, blockage of sperm delivery, or abnormal sperm function can interrupt fertilization. Male infertility may be one of the causes of infertility at this stage.
Travel
Once the egg is fertilized, it travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus.
From the egg moving too quickly before it has matured to damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes, several factors can interrupt the egg's journey to the womb.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help if you are experiencing complications during this phase.
Implantation
Lastly, infertility can occur during the implantation process. Abnormally shaped uteruses, uteruses with benign tumors, and other factors can cause difficulty during the implantation phase.
- About one-third of infertility cases result from female infertility
- About one-third of cases result from male infertility
- About one-third of infertility causes are unknown
The cause of infertility is not always known, but several factors can increase the risk of fertility complications in female and male patients.
Female Risk Factors
Environmental factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, stress, poor diet and health, being overweight or underweight, excessive exercise, and the following factors may increase your risk of infertility:
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Medical conditions and medications that cause hormonal changes
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Age
Endometriosis
Male Risk Factors
Environmental factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use, poor diet and health, physical activity levels, exposure to environmental toxins, and the following factors may increase a man's risk of infertility:
Surgery on the genitals
Age
Genetic conditions
Medical conditions like kidney disease
Prior radiation and chemotherapy treatments
You're Not Alone Our Clinic Is Here to Help You
Our clinic offers advanced assisted reproductive technology to help you and your family have the best chance of a successful pregnancy.
We offer several treatments, including IVF, and tailor our care to you. We also accept financing from third-party lenders, which can make infertility treatment affordable on virtually any budget. For more information about IVF or our other infertility treatments, request a consultation at our Lincoln, NE, office:
(402) 717-4200
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"We can’t thank Heartland enough." Lincoln, NE, Patients Share Their Stories
They were on the ball through our entire IVF journey, with insanely fast calls back when it came to my questions, test results or even when I was just afraid and needed reassurance, and I was so sad to leave them when we switched to our OB. After nearly an 8 year infertility journey, we decided to go in for IVF, and after our second transfer we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy.
Christy Barge
2022
Our experience with Heartland was great! From day one through “graduation day” we felt comfortable and taken care of! :) Now we have a baby on board and we will move to the OB who will deliver the baby. It’s almost bittersweet to leave a place you’ve become so comfortable with… but it’s for the best reason :) we can’t thank Heartland enough for all of their help!
The First Step to Treating Infertility is a Diagnosis
Our doctors understand that when facing infertility issues, you want answers as to why you're having trouble conceiving and what treatment can help you on your pregnancy journey. We aim to help you find these answers through a precise diagnosis and treatment process. We may perform the following tests to gain clarity regarding your infertility:
Sperm Analysis
Our doctors will analyze the man's sperm to determine if male fertility issues are a factor. Your doctor will assess at the following to determine the sperm's quality:
- Sperm Count
- Sperm Concentration
- Sperm Movement
- Sperm Thickness
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam is often the initial step in testing for female infertility. The doctor often checks the following during a pelvic exam and Pap smear:
- Abnormal growths
- Tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Abnormal shape and size of the uterus
- Changes in the cells of your cervix
Blood Tests
Our doctors can perform blood tests for female and male patients to measure hormone imbalances, ovarian function, the quality of the female's eggs, and other factors that may point to the cause of infertility.
Ultrasound Imaging
An ultrasound scan is another initial test that can identify if the uterus and both ovaries are present and the uterus's size, shape, and position to spot any abnormalities. An ultrasound can also find ovarian cysts that may cause infertility.
We use advanced technology to get the most accurate diagnosis of the cause of your infertility and recommend the right solution. However, sometimes the cause of infertility is unknown.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, approximately five to ten percent of couples are diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Even if we can't diagnose why you are experiencing infertility problems, we have solutions that can help you achieve your goal.
Treatment Options We Offer
If you are struggling to conceive, our doctors offer advanced treatment methods, such as assisted reproductive technology and artificial insemination methods, to give you the best possibility of a successful pregnancy. We offer the following treatments to promote fertility:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an artificial insemination method. With this method, concentrations of sperm are placed directly into the woman's uterus during ovulation.
Learn More About IUI
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
After taking medication to stimulate the ovaries, the doctor will perform an egg retrieval, and combine the egg with sperm in a lab. IVF involves placing fertilized eggs directly into the uterus.
Explore IVF
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used in IVF instead of mixing the egg and sperm. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into the egg to treat severe male infertility.
See if ICSI is Right For You
Surgery
In cases where infertility problems lie in the uterus, such as the presence of endometrial polyps, surgery can be an effective method to remove these tumors, scars, or adhesions that are interfering with the pregnancy process.
Call to Ask Us a Question
Fertility Medication
If infertility problems are identified in the ovulation stage, fertility medication can be an effective initial treatment to stimulate hormones and ovulation.
Call to Learn More
Lincoln, NE, Patients Love Our Staff
Ayden Hodge
2022
I can not give Heartland Reproduction enough praise! We worked with both Dr. Constance and Dr. Weedin and they were equally phenomenal. We had no issues getting scheduled and the office was very responsive every step of the way. We called almost every day with questions and all calls were either answered straight away or we were called back the same day.
Brittney McCarthy
2022
Dr. Weedin is the most compassionate and caring human being and outstanding medical professional. She goes above and beyond to address your anxieties fears in moments you feel like you’re spiraling. Her way of explaining things with facts and logic and science while remaining empathetic makes her a truly gifted doctor and friend.
