FAQs
Answers to Sensitive Questions on Infertility
Infertility can be a sensitive topic for many people, and it is not unusual for someone to feel embarrassed after receiving their diagnosis, although there is no cause to be. Infertility is something that cannot be helped—there is no reason to feel shame or stop yourself from exploring your options. Even when working with a doctor you trust, it can be difficult asking some of the more personal questions that you may have during this process. Here you can find answers to some of the more sensitive questions regarding infertility treatments from our Atlanta fertility doctors.
If your question was not featured below, please contact your local location for more information.
Can Having Sex Too Often Decrease Our Chances for Success and How Often Should We Have Sex in the Middle of My Cycle?
To maximize a couple's chance of conceiving, intercourse is recommended beginning around cycle day 9 or 10 and continuing in a pattern of every-other-day for the next week. Using ovulation predictor kits can simplify this. Once an ovulation predictor kit indicates the LH surge has occurred, intercourse that day and the following two days will cover the fertile window. Beyond that, further intercourse is not useful for conception as the egg only survives for up to 24 hours in the fallopian tube. If a semen analysis is normal, having intercourse every 24 hours is not a problem, but with lower sperm counts, this may actually be too frequent. Having intercourse more frequently than every 24 hours can decrease the number of mature sperm that are present.
For a Semen Analysis, Can the Spouse or Partner Help With Collection and in What Ways?
When a man is producing a semen specimen for either analysis or to use for intrauterine insemination, a spouse or partner can help with the collection. However, no lubricants or saliva can be used. A semen collection device may be preferred by some couples. This is a special condom that can be worn by the male partner. The specimen can be collected in the condom, placed in a sterile container, and brought into the office. This sometimes produces a less adequate sample for intrauterine insemination. Please note that if you would like your spouse/partner to assist in the process, you will need to schedule a drop off semen analysis appointment by emailing scheduling@acrm.com and the specimen will need to be collected off-site and delivered to the lab. We do not allow spouses/partners in our collection rooms.
Is There Any One Position That Is More Effective Than Another?
There is not any one position that is more favorable for conception than another.
How Could My Husband Be Sterile? He Can Always Get an Erection So This Does Not Seem Possible.
It is possible to achieve an erection and ejaculate even when the sperm concentration is low or absent. The production of sperm from the testicles and semen from the prostate and ejaculatory ducts are separate processes. A man can ejaculate semen without sperm being present. That is why a semen analysis is necessary to determine the true fertility potential of a male partner.
Does Douching Affect Fertility?
It is not recommended to douche after intercourse or at any other time. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and does not require douching. In fact, douching can change the normal pH of the vagina and increase a woman's risk for contracting vaginal infections.
I Have Worn Tampons Forever. Can That Negatively Affect My Chances for Getting Pregnant?
There is no data to show us that tampon use decreases success for pregnancy. It is still recommended that regular changing of a tampon occur in order to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome, but there have been no associated infections or fertility problems with tampon use.
When I Was Younger, I Had an Abortion. Could This Be the Reason We Have Not Conceived?
Abortion has not been shown to lower a woman's success rate for pregnancy in the future. However, if an infection occurred around the time of the procedure, uterine and fallopian tube scarring can result. If no symptoms of fever, prolonged bleeding, or pain occurred after the procedure, then it is extremely unlikely that the past abortion will impact current attempts to conceive.
Should My Husband Stay “In” for a Period of Time After We Have Had Sex?
This should not be necessary. Once ejaculation has occurred, it is not necessary for the penis to remain in the vagina for any length of time. Sperm swim very quickly through the vagina and the cervical mucous into the uterus.
Do I Need to Lie Down After Sex?
Many people recommend resting for a period of time after intercourse. However, as stated previously, sperm swim very quickly and this period of rest is not thought to be necessary. Elevation of the hips, legs, etc. is also not necessary.
If I Do Not Have Orgasm, Can I Still Get Pregnant?
Absolutely. Orgasm is not essential for sperm to travel up into the uterus or for fertilization to subsequently occur.
I Have Read About Changes in Cervical Mucous at Ovulation Time. How Is the Best Way to Check Mine?
A woman may notice cervical mucous changes just from wiping herself at mid-cycle around the time of ovulation. A woman may also insert a finger into the vagina and be able to detect some cervical mucous that is closer to the cervix. In most cases, if mucous is very favorable, some is produced and noticed on either her underwear or on a panty liner. Favorable mucous is very clear and abundant and stretches easily at mid-cycle. This is referred to as 'egg white' mucous. If a woman does not notice these cervical mucous changes, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Studies have shown that women's subjective assessment of their own cervical mucous is not always reliable.
I Contracted a Sexually Transmitted Infection When I Was a Teen. Could This Be the Cause of My Infertility?
Certain sexual transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with fallopian tube damage which can cause infertility. These are most notably chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other sexually transmitted diseases are not associated with infertility. These include herpes, human papilloma virus, and trichomonas. Many women may have been exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea without ever knowing it. During the body's attempt to clear the infection, the fallopian tubes are frequently damaged. An HSG is routinely recommended for patients who have had a known infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia, or for women who have unexplained infertility. This helps identify damage to the fallopian tubes.
I am having trouble paying my bill online. What should I do?
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We are available to answer any further questions you may have. Call us at 678.841.1089 or toll free 877.767.2276.