A couple is considered infertile if they fail to conceive after 12 months of trying. About 14 percent of couples in the United States meet this definition. Infertility may be caused by a problem with the man, the woman, or both partners. This is why couples with fertility problems should be diagnosed together. Thyroid disease, diabetes, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana can lead to infertility in both men and women.
Some conditions require medication, surgery, or both.
In any case, the treatment objective is to ease the woman's discomfort and help her body function more normally. A sample of the lining may later be examined for possible tumors. Laparoscopy is a procedure in which a fiberoptic instrument is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. The doctor uses an eyepiece to look directly at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. During laparoscopy, it is sometimes possible for the doctor to perform a procedure such as draining fluid from an ovarian cyst.