Fertility Services
Exploring your options to build your family.
Facing the challenges of fertility and infertility.
At St. Luke's University Health Network, we understand the emotionally taxing journey surrounding infertility. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting couples in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, working diligently to identify the root causes of infertility and provide personalized, effective treatment plans. We are committed to helping you navigate this path with empathy, respect, and advanced medical expertise.
Understanding infertility: when to seek help
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a certain period of unprotected intercourse. Generally, couples should consider an evaluation for infertility:
- After 12 months of trying to conceive for women under 35.
- After 6 months of trying to conceive for women older than 35.
We are happy to work with couples to not only treat infertility but to understand the cause of the problem.
Comprehensive diagnostic testing
Identifying the cause of infertility often involves a series of tests tailored to each individual or couple. Diagnostic testing may begin with a detailed medical history and pelvic exams to understand overall health and reproductive history. In addition, hormone level blood tests are used to assess ovarian function, ovulation, and ovarian reserve in women, as well as hormone levels in men. For male partners, a semen analysis can evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology. Imaging tests can also help assess the health of the uterus and ovaries.
Advanced treatment options and collaborative care
Once the root cause of infertility is determined, St. Luke's University Health Network works with you to develop a tailored treatment strategy. Our approach may involve:
- Medical management: Addressing hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions with medication.
- Minimally invasive surgery: For conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, or adhesions, which can improve fertility outcomes. Many women achieve pregnancy after the removal of uterine fibroids or pelvic adhesions.
- Partnership with reproductive endocrinologists: St. Luke’s OB/GYNs collaborate with highly skilled reproductive endocrinologists to offer specialized treatments, including advanced reproductive technologies like In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
- Preconception counseling: Guidance to optimize health and address potential risks before attempting conception.
Frequently asked questions about fertility and infertility
Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse for women under 35, or after 6 months for women over 35.
Infertility can stem from various factors affecting either partner, including ovulatory disorders, fallopian tube blockages, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, low sperm count or motility, and unexplained causes.
Diagnostic tests may include physical exams, blood tests to check hormone levels, semen analysis for male partners, pelvic ultrasounds, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) to assess fallopian tube health.
St. Luke’s OB/GYNs partner with well-regarded and skilled reproductive endocrinologists who provide specialized treatments, including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), to offer comprehensive fertility solutions.
For certain conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic adhesions, minimally invasive surgery can be helpful. Limited data suggests that surgical interventions for these conditions may improve fertility outcomes.
Your journey to parenthood starts here.
We understand that the path to parenthood can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy and build a family. Call 484-526-8600 to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist.