When you’re struggling to get pregnant, you may think you’re the only one. But infertility is common and affects more than six million women of childbearing age in the United States. Board-certified OB/GYN and functional medicine physician, Leon Baginski, MD, FACOG, in Mission Viejo, California, is an infertility specialist and works closely with each couple to identify the underlying cause of infertility and then develops a personalized plan to address the issue. To schedule a consultation with this experienced and compassionate physician, call the office or book online today.

(949) 276-6266

What is infertility?

Infertility is medically defined as the inability to conceive a baby after a year of trying (or six months for women 35 and above). You may also be considered to be suffering from infertility if your pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Infertility is very common. Though women often carry a lot of the guilt, infertility affects both sexes equally.

What causes infertility?

For women, infertility is most often due to an issue related to ovulation, which is the time during your menstrual cycle when your ovaries release an egg. You can’t conceive a baby if you’re not ovulating.

Common gynecological conditions that affect ovulation and lead to infertility include:

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis
  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Fibroids
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

Certain lifestyle factors may also make it more difficult for you to conceive, such as smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake, being overweight or underweight, or too much physical activity.

For men, changes in the shape or quantity of sperm most often cause infertility.

What can I expect during an infertility evaluation?

Dr. Baginski is a compassionate physician and understands the emotional strain infertility places on a couple and conducts thorough evaluations to find the underlying cause so you can get the most effective treatment.

During your evaluation, Dr. Baginski obtains detailed information about your medical and gynecological history, as well as your family history. He then conducts a physical and pelvic exam and may request additional testing, such as:

  • Ultrasound
  • Blood work
  • Urinalysis
  • X-ray
  • MRI

He may also talk to your partner and request a semen sample.

What are infertility treatments?

Dr. Baginski works one-on-one with you to develop an individualized treatment plan for your infertility based on the underlying cause. Your infertility treatment may include prescription medications that stimulate ovulation or intrauterine artificial insemination.

If there’s a structural issue affecting your ability to conceive (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes), Dr. Baginski may suggest surgery to repair the issue. He is an expert surgeon and uses minimally invasive techniques when possible, including the removal of endometrial tissue in those suffering from infertility caused by endometriosis.

Infertility is common, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a baby. For expert care, from an OB/GYN who places you first, contact the office of Leon Baginski, MD FACOG, by phone or online today.