Olympia Women's Health provides the most complete and sophisticated infertility care available in Southwest Washington. The guiding principle of our care is to first localize the problem (egg production, sperm production, or the path between). Specifically treating that problem usually results in the desired outcome. Diagnosis and treatment at our facility are done in a cost efficient manner.

General

    Infertility care begins with a consultation. The couple desiring children meet with Dr. Cai, our embryologist, and Dr. Moruzzi, the obstetrician-gynecologist. A complete medical, gynecologic, and infertility history is obtained. Past attempts at fertility are discussed. By the end of the consultation, a preliminary approach to solving the fertility problem is outlined for the patient. Past medical records, operative reports, procedure reports and videotapes are reviewed in detail after the consultation. 

    Treatment usually begins utilizing simple and less expensive procedures. Ovulation is usually followed with home urinary-LH detection kits, serial ultrasounds, and a confirmatory luteal phase progesterone test. Blood tests for FSH, LH and estradiol on the third day of menstruation give some idea of ovarian reserve. Most ovulatory problems can be remedied with hormone therapy. 

    A semen analysis after three days of abstinence will give a good idea of the male partner's fertilizing ability. Male factor infertility is treated with sperm washing techniques and artificial inseminations. Severe male factor may require in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donor sperm. We can freeze sperm. Our clinic can assist couples in locating appropriate donor sperm samples, and can cryostore samples until they are ready to use.

    A clear passage for the sperm requires a receptive cervix, open tubes, and a normal abdomen (no endometriosis or adhesions). A post-coital test is routinely performed around the time of ovulation. Tubal patency and peritoneal factors are only investigated if the history or ultrasound suggest a problem. Patients who have not conceived after several months of optimal therapy will require hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy.