Common Fertility FAQs

Fertility can seem like a given–until it’s not. Once you have trouble conceiving, experience miscarriages, worry about your biological clock running out, or need to build your family in a non-traditional way, fertility may start to feel like the most out of reach and complicated thing in the world. 

At Reproductive Health & Wellness Center (RHWC), we’re always happy to answer your questions about fertility. Let’s discuss some of the most common fertility FAQs.

What Is “Normal” Fertility?

One of the most common fertility questions is what’s normal when it comes to fertility and how do you know whether you meet the criteria? Simply put, you are considered to have normal fertility if you’re able to conceive within one year, assuming you’re having regular unprotected sex. 

What Is Infertility?

Another common question: What is infertility? Infertility is defined as being unable to conceive after 12 months of having unprotected sex if you are under 35 years old or after six months if you’re over age 35. You may also be considered infertile if you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages or have known genetic or structural problems that could prevent you from conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. 

Is Infertility Common?

Yes, infertility is quite common. In fact, approximately one out of every six people and up to 15% of couples experience infertility. Additionally, you’re more likely to experience infertility as you age. While it’s common to delay having children in order to focus on your career, achieve financial stability, or find the right partner, individuals and couples who first try to conceive later in life experience higher rates of infertility. 

Is Infertility More Likely to Be Linked to Men or Women?

Infertility can be linked to both men and women. With couples, infertility may be male-factor, female-factor, a combination of both partners, or unexplained. Remember, it’s never helpful to look for someone to blame for infertility. Instead, infertility should be approached with empathy and as a problem you share together. 

What Causes Infertility?

Infertility can be caused by a wide wide variety of factors, including (but not limited to):

• Hormonal problems
• Structural problems
• Trauma
• Medical conditions
• Cancer treatment
• Environmental toxins or excessive heat exposure
• Ovulatory disorders
• Problems with the sperm
• Endometriosis
• Age
• Tobacco, alcohol, recreational (and other) drugs
• Being obese or underweight
• Intense exercise

What Should I Do If I’m Having Fertility Issues?

In general, you should see a fertility specialist if you’ve been unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying (6 months if you are over 35). However, it’s always acceptable to talk to your doctor or a fertility specialist any time you have concerns about your fertility. If you think you may be having issues, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns. We’re also happy to help you explore avenues to protect your fertility. 

How Will a Doctor Check My Fertility?

Depending on your medical history and personal situation, there are a number of tests your doctor may order to check your fertility, including:

• Hormone analysis
• Sperm analysis
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Sonohysterogram
• Hysterosalpingogram
• Trans-scrotal ultrasound
• Screening for diabetes, anemia, and vitamin deficiencies
• Antral follicle count
• Checking your ovarian reserve

What Treatments Are Available for Infertility?

Many treatments are available for infertility, but your exact treatments will depend on the cause of your specific fertility problems. Treatments include:

• Surgery
• Medicine to balance your hormones 
• Medicine to stimulate ovulation
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
• Use of donor eggs or sperm
• Surrogacy

Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My Fertility?

Many lifestyle factors impact your fertility, so making any of these positive lifestyle changes could help boost your fertility: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing chronic health conditions
• Eating a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking 
• Limiting or abstaining from alcohol consumption
• Avoiding environmental toxins 
• Getting moderate exercise
• Protecting your testicles from heat exposure

How Can I Preserve My Fertility for the Future?

Egg freezing and sperm freezing are excellent ways to preserve your future fertility. Whether you’re not ready to have children, don’t yet have a partner, are facing cancer treatment, or are planning a gender transition, freezing your eggs or sperm gives you the option to have children on your timeline. 

What Fertility Options Are Available for LGBTQ+ Families?

Today there are more options today than ever to help LGBTQ+ partners build families. Your doctor will help you decide which option is best for your family based on your physical health, desire for a biological connection to your child, and other factors. Some LGBTQ+ fertility treatment options include:

• Sperm donation
• Egg donation
• Surrogacy
• IUI
• IVF
• Reciprocal IVF

Will My Insurance Cover Fertility Treatment?

Although this is one of the most common fertility FAQs, there’s no simple answer. While efforts are being made to raise awareness of the need for insurance companies to cover fertility treatments, only a few states currently have laws requiring them to do so. As a result, you’ll need to check with your insurance company to see which treatments, if any, are covered. 

How Can I Pay for Fertility Treatments if My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Them? 

At RHWC, we understand that financial concerns are often a barrier to treatment, and offer   in-house fertility financing to help you afford the fertility treatments you need. We’re also currently offering special 12-month, interest-free financing for egg freezing and in vitro fertilization during the months of April and May in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week. 

If you have a question that doesn’t appear on this list of common fertility FAQs, we encourage you to check out our longer FAQ page, read our blog posts, or contact us for a consultation to learn more.