Here is a sampling of the questions we receive frequently. We hold free Informational Events, at least once a month, where you can meet our physicians, ask questions, and learn about the wide range of treatment and mind-body options we offer to help you become a parent.
- How is infertility defined?
- How does age affect fertility?
- If my partner and I have had trouble conceiving, what's our first step?
- What are the factors that contribute to infertility?
- What costs are involved and how much does insurance cover?
- Isn’t infertility mainly a woman’s problem?
- Will relaxing help me conceive?
- Will adopting a baby help me conceive?
- Is it best to take breaks from treatment, or continue without interruption?
- If I go through infertility treatment, will I end up with triplets or more?
- Do babies born from assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, have a higher risk of birth defects and health problems?
How is infertility defined?
Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive within a year of unprotected sexual intercourse. For women over the age of 35, the timeframe is 6 months, as the chances of having a healthy baby drop markedly for women beginning in their 30s.
How does age affect fertility?
Age affects fertility of both men and women. Although men who are in advanced years may father children, fertility rates drop for men beginning at about age 40. For women, the chances of having a healthy baby begin to drop for women beginning in their 30s, and after age 35 markedly so.
If my partner and I have had trouble conceiving, what's our first step?
Understanding what may cause your infertility and the range of options that can help, will help you formulate a treatment plan. Our new patient consultations will get you started. You can schedule a new patient appointment for individualized attention and/or attend a free Informational event, where you can meet our physicians, ask questions, and learn about the wide range of services and treatment options we offer to help you become a parent. There are a variety of implications for people facing this disease, including emotional, health and financial concerns. There are many support organizations available to help with these concerns. For the list we recommend see Resources.
What are the factors that contribute to infertility?
Although it is impossible on a website to fully delineate every factor affecting infertility, we can start with the basics. For men, a medical history of sexually transmitted disease, prostate inflammation, or other testicular and genital disorders can affect the viability of a man's sperm. It is not uncommon, however, for men with no prior medical history or any obvious sign of physical dysfunction to have low sperm counts. For women, a medical history of endometriosis or other pelvic disorders can affect the viability of a woman's ovaries, tubes, and uterus. Some female patients, however, have no prior medical history of pelvic difficulties. Hormonal factors can cause irregularities in the ovulatory cycle. A medical history of sexually transmitted disease can also affect female fertility. However, the largest single factor affecting a woman's fertility is her age. After age 35, time is very precious.
What costs are involved and how much does insurance cover?
Insurance coverage varies widely depending upon your individual plan. We have insurance specialists available to help you determine your coverage, explain the costs involved, and discuss options (including money back guarantees) that will help make treatment more affordable.
Isn’t infertility mainly a woman’s problem?
Infertility is a couple’s issue. Infertility is a medical problem with 35-45% of the cases attributed to the female, 15-35% to the male, 15-25% a combination of male and female, and 10-20% identified as unexplained.
Will relaxing help me conceive?
Infertility is caused by changes in the normal reproductive process. If you are concerned about your inability to conceive, you should consider getting a thorough evaluation. Feelings of stress associated with the pain of infertility are understandable. Stress doesn’t typically cause infertility, but infertility almost always causes stress. There are ways to help manage the stress. We offer many mind-body solutions.
Will adopting a baby help me conceive?
This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First, it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not a happy and successful end in itself. Secondly, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate of achieving pregnancy for those couples who adopt a baby is the same as for those who do not.
Is it best to take breaks from treatment, or continue without interruption?
Taking breaks from treatment can be emotionally healthy and important to your relationship. Allowing yourself/ves time periodically to assess your treatment and parenting goals may offer rest and renewal for the next steps.
If I go through infertility treatment, will I end up with triplets or more?
Most cases of successful fertility treatments result in the birth of a single baby. The actual risk of having more than twins is less than 1 percent for ovulation induction and less than 5 percent for IVF. Chances can be minimized with careful monitoring of fertility medications. Infertility programs are transferring fewer embryos into the uterus to reduce the risk of multiples while maintaining excellent pregnancy rates.
Do babies born from assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF, have a higher risk of birth defects and health problems?
Pregnancy outcomes from ART have been well-studied, and the news is encouraging. These studies do not show an increase in genetic problems or congenital malformations with these procedures. A couple’s personal risk is related to their age at the time of conception and their family history.
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