Ask the Doctor

Question: My husband and I are planning to start a family. My sisters both had trouble getting pregnant. Is infertility hereditary?

Dr. Zimmerman, M.D.

Answer: No. Infertility is not hereditary. However, there are medical conditions that are hereditary which may interfere with your ability to get pregnant. Such conditions are polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and thyroid/hormone disorders.
My recommendation is to have a preconceptual counseling and evaluation visit with your gynecologist. By providing a thorough personal and family medical history to your physician, it may identify any potential problems. Generally, for most healthy, low-risk women it may take up to one year to get pregnant. If pregnancy does not occur in that time, further investigation is advised.

Dr. Zimmerman is an OB/GYN at Good Shepherd Hospital

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