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Fertility Specialist

Jose Medrano, MD

OBGYN located in Burbank, CA

Dr. Jose Medrano is a trusted provider of fertility treatments for women in Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, CA. At his state-of-the-art obstetrics and gynecology practice, Dr. Medrano offers women the individualized care they need to help them overcome infertility issues so they can successfully conceive.

Fertility Q & A

What are the primary causes of infertility?

Infertility is defined as being unable to conceive a child after 12 consecutive months of actively attempting to conceive. Infertility issues can occur in both women and men. In men, fertility problems typically occur as a result of:

  • problems with ejaculation
  • issues affecting sperm motility
  • irregular sperm structure
  • low numbers of sperm in the semen

Most of these issues can be diagnosed with sperm sample evaluation or a physical exam to help determine erectile issues. Fertility issues in women can be far more complex and can include:

  • large, symptomatic uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts
  • structural defects or damage to the uterus, uterine lining, fallopian tubes or other reproductive system structures
  • ovary-related conditions that interfere with the normal release of eggs
  • endometriosis, an often-painful condition that develops when the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus
  • heavy mucus production in the cervical area that prevents sperm from reaching the eggs

Fertility problems also become more common as a woman ages. Certain medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also cause problems with fertility.

How is infertility diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical history, followed by blood work and sometimes diagnostic imaging to look for structural problems. In-depth exams using special instruments may also be performed to see inside the uterus and fallopian tubes.

How is infertility treated?

That depends on the underlying cause of fertility problems. Typically, the first course of fertility treatment uses so-called fertility drugs to help stimulate ovulation. These medications are less costly than other approaches, making them a good first-line approach for most patients. When this approach is not effective or not appropriate, other options include IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination or “artificial” insemination). Dr. Medrano will start patients on hormonal or fertility treatments, but if IVF or IUI is needed, Dr. Medrano will refer you to an IVF/IUI specialist, and then resume prenatal care when pregnancy has occurred. 

How effective are IUI and IVF in helping couples become pregnant?

IVF success rates range from about 20 percent to about 40 percent per cycle; IUI success rates are slightly lower. Success rates decline as a woman ages.