Aug
When it’s time to expand a family by having a baby, most couples believe that getting pregnant will be as easy as having sex without contraception. This is a common misconception as the timing must be nearly perfect in order to result in a pregnancy. In fact, most couples have a window of only a couple of days each month. That’s why it often takes couples months, or even up to a year to conceive.
When pregnancy does not occur after a year of unprotected sex, or six months for women over the age of 35, the couple may be dealing with infertility. Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine has been counseling patients in the Katy area who are trying to conceive for many years. He is quick to remind patients that infertility does not equal sterile. In fact, while 15 percent of all couples struggle with infertility, less than 2 percent are sterile.
When discussing infertility, it’s important to note that this can be a very emotional time for both potential parents. While in recent years, more couples have begun to open up and share their struggles, it can still be an isolating time. It’s also important to note that fertility problems can occur in both men and women. In men, infertility problems are caused by low sperm count or motility, abnormally formed sperm, or blocked sperm ducts. Occasionally, there can be a temporary drop in sperm due to injury to the testicles or exposure to chemicals and drugs. In women, infertility is most frequently caused by a lack of ovulation. It can also be caused by problems in the fallopian tubes such as tubes that are blocked by scar tissue.
Smoking and age can affect fertility rates in both men and women. For men, fertility rates decrease beginning at age 40, while women over the age of 35 begin to have a more challenging time becoming pregnant. Drinking alcohol can make it harder to get pregnant. In women, being overweight or underweight can also be a contributing factor.
Dr. Jenkins knows that women who are struggling to become pregnant want to be treated quickly and with respect. There are several treatments available to help a woman increase ovulation; however, the first step is to determine the cause of infertility. To schedule an appointment and learn more, call the office of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.