Fertility Services
When trying to conceive, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking when things don’t happen the way you planned. To learn about fertility testing and the treatments we offer at Valley View's Women’s Health, we invite you to contact us in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, or Silt, CO. We can help you learn more about your fertility options.
What to Expect
There may be several reasons why a person may have difficulty conceiving. We work with patients during fertility consultations and testing at our Glenwood Springs, Basalt, and Silt, CO locations, to help patients of all ages understand their fertility options and hopefully help guide them toward a positive pregnancy test. After a fertility evaluation is completed, our skilled team will work with you to create a plan of care, including additional testing options, based on your specific needs and desires for treatment. We will be with you every step of the way and can answer any questions that you may have about the process.
Contact Women’s Health today to learn more about fertility care and to schedule your initial evaluation.
Fertility Testing
Indicators of Infertility
Infertility in women may be caused by a variety of factors and have several indicators, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): an endocrine condition in which a woman’s eggs do not mature
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): caused by an infection in the reproductive organs that can lead to damage to the ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes
- Fibroids or polyps: noncancerous tumors in the uterus that can alter the shape of the womb or change the responsiveness of the endometrium
- Hormone imbalance: when the body creates too little or too much of a reproductive hormone
- Female aging: the chances of infertility can increase as a woman ages due to the decline in quality and quantity of eggs
- Ovulatory dysfunction: a condition in which the ovaries do not create or release an egg throughout the menstrual cycle
- Menopause: this indicates that a woman’s supply of eggs is depleted
- Recurrent miscarriages: can be an indication of an existing fertility condition
- Endometriosis: affects the tissue lining of the womb (uterus) and can cause several symptoms, including infertility
- Unexplained infertility: in some cases, the cause of infertility may remain unknown even after testing
Testing Options
At Women’s Health at Valley View, we offer several types of fertility testing based on existing symptoms/conditions that may be causing difficulty conceiving. Among these tests are:
- Ovulation tests: During this testing process, our OB/GYN specialists evaluate if an egg is being released during ovulation. Typically, a blood sample is taken to determine if hormone levels are in the normal range. We may also identify the quality and amount of eggs in your ovarian reserve by testing hormone levels among certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
- Ultrasounds: An ultrasound creates a sonogram image of the reproductive system. This allows our team of OB/GYNs to identify any abnormalities, such as growths, cysts, or an irregularly shaped uterus.
- Transvaginal ultrasounds: A transvaginal ultrasound offers a thorough view of the uterus and ovaries. Similar to an ultrasound performed on the abdomen, this allows our team to check for any fibroids, growths, or additional abnormalities that may be present on the fallopian tubes, uterus, or ovaries.
Infertility Treatments
Treatment Options
Depending on your specific needs there are several treatment options that are available at Women’s Health at Valley View. Our OB/Gyns also collaborate with fertility specialists outside of the Roaring Fork Valley allowing certain testing to be done locally. Along with certain lifestyle changes, some treatments include:
- Clomid/Letrozole: This medication works by utilizing hormones to stimulate the release of mature eggs from the ovaries.
- Progesterone: As a hormone that naturally occurs in the body, progesterone is released by the ovaries and is essential for the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. It can also be provided as a medication (as a gel, pill, or injection) to effectively treat infertility.
- HCG: Typically administered through injections, HCG can be used to stimulate ovulation. HCG may be used on its own to help aid in fertility or alongside additional fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): As an in-office procedure, IUI only takes a few minutes to perform. Prior to the procedure, sperm will be collected from the male and washed in order to remove seminal fluid and concentrate the sperm. The washing process is done immediately prior to the insemination procedure and typically takes about 30-45 minutes. This prepared sperm is then inserted into the uterus by a thin catheter that is attached to a syringe, bypassing the cervix in order to place the sperm closer to the fallopian tubes. This raises the chances that the sperm will come in contact with the egg. An IUI visit typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
We Can Help
Learn more by contacting us in Glenwood Springs, Basalt, or Silt, CO to schedule a consultation.