CWC Howard

Office Address

8171 Maple Lawn Boulevard Suite 100 Fulton, MD 20759

Phone Number

(410) 531-7557

Dr. Mokerrum Malik, MD, FACOG Dr. Meghan Lynch Laura Burnham, CRNP

Infertility

Infertility is more common than many people realize, affecting about 1 in 6 couples. If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you’re not alone—and there are many effective options available to help.

At Capital Women’s Care in Howard County, Maryland, we understand that this journey can feel emotional and uncertain. Our team is here to listen, guide you, and support you every step of the way with personalized care and compassion.

When Should You Seek Evaluation?

Infertility is generally defined as not becoming pregnant after:

You may benefit from earlier evaluation if you have irregular periods, known medical conditions, or a history of pelvic infections or endometriosis.

Maximizing Your Chances of Pregnancy

If you’re just beginning your journey, there are ways to improve your chances of conceiving naturally.

Timing Intercourse

Pregnancy is most likely to occur during the “fertile window”—the few days leading up to and including ovulation.

Once you know your cycle interval, subtract 14 from that number to determine when in your cycle you will likely ovulate. For example, if you have a typical 28-day cycle, by subtracting 14 from 28 you can feel confident that you ovulate around the 14th day of each cycle. If cycle is not 28 days, i.e., 30 day cycle, day 16 is ovulation.

Ways to Track Ovulation

Understanding your cycle can be very helpful:

Ovulation predictor kits are often the most practical way to identify your fertile window in real time.

What Causes Infertility?

Infertility can involve one partner or both—and sometimes no clear cause is found.


Female factors include:

Ovulation Predictor Kits

Male factors include:

Male and female factors contribute about equally, which is why evaluating both partners is important.

The Infertility Evaluation

We take a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to understand what may be affecting your ability to conceive.

For Both Partners:

For the Male Partner:

For the Female Partner:

Additional tests may be recommended based on your individual needs.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause—and your personal goals. Many couples benefit from a combination of approaches.

 

Lifestyle Changes

Small changes can sometimes make a meaningful difference:

Medications (Ovulation Induction)

If ovulation is irregular, medications may help your body release eggs more predictably. These are often very effective, especially when combined with timing or other treatments.

Surgical Options

In some cases, surgery may help by:

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Art) Referral to a Reproductive Endocrinology Specialist

These advanced treatments can significantly improve your chances of pregnancy:

IVF success rates vary based on age and other factors, and your provider will help you understand what to expect.

Emotional Support Matters

Infertility can be physically and emotionally challenging. It’s normal to feel a mix of hope, frustration, and uncertainty.

 

Support—whether through counseling, support groups, or simply having open conversations—can make a meaningful difference during this time.

We’re Here for You

At Capital Women’s Care, we’re committed to helping you navigate this journey with clarity, compassion, and personalized care. Whether you’re just starting to try or ready to explore treatment options, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence and support.

 

You don’t have to go through this alone.