LAKEWOOD, N.J., April 1, 2011 – Reproductive endocrinologist Allen Morgan, MD, and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association are recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week®, April 24-30, to promote greater awareness about infertility and to educate the community about the numerous resources and treatment options available to couples who are having difficulty conceiving a baby. According to RESOLVE, one in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age is diagnosed with infertility.

“There’s no doubt that a woman’s fertility declines sharply with age, and for the approximately 20 percent of women who wait until after age 35 to start a family, time is critical,” says Dr. Morgan, who is medical director of Shore In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a private infertility practice with offices in Lakewood and Colts Neck, New Jersey.

The first step in diagnosing infertility, notes Dr. Morgan, is a medical evaluation of both partners. “Problems with the male reproductive system are contributing factors in approximately 40 percent of couples who are struggling with infertility. When male factors are involved, infertility can be caused by issues such as low sperm count, insufficient sperm movement, sperm that are too weak to penetrate the wall of the egg, or ejaculatory problems,” he explains.

Common causes of female infertility include irregular ovulation cycles, uterine fibroids, blockages in the fallopian tubes, and endometriosis (small growths on the outside of the uterus).

“Couples do not have to cope alone with their fertility issues or be embarrassed to seek help from a specialist. That’s why we are supporting National Infertility Awareness Week – to promote greater understanding of the medical, emotional, social and economic challenges infertility can present, and to help connect infertile couples with the resources and caring support they need throughout their journey to conceiving a baby,” says Dr. Morgan.

About Allen Morgan, MD, and Shore Area IVF Laboratories

Dr. Allen Morgan is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and in obstetrics and gynecology. He is the founder and medical director of Shore Area IVF Laboratories and Shore IVF and Reproductive Medicine, both located at 475 Route 70 West, Suite 201, Lakewood, New Jersey.

Shore IVF and Reproductive Medicine specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility, endometriosis, fibroids, and other reproductive endocrine issues. Shore IVF has served the Jersey Shore area since 1993, offering a full range of services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination, donor sperm, donor eggs, semen analysis, HSG, and ovulation medications with monitoring. A satellite office is located at 9 Professional Circle, Colts Neck, New Jersey. Appointments can be made by calling 732-363-4777 (Lakewood) or 732-845-0034 (Colts Neck).