Fertility Specialists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is a Fertility Specialist?

A doctor who has special training in helping people who have trouble conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. Fertility specialists may use surgery, medications, or procedures, such as in vitro fertilization, to treat fertility-related conditions. They may also use procedures, such as sperm banking and egg freezing, to help preserve a person’s ability to have children after receiving certain treatments for cancer. Some fertility specialists also perform procedures to help prevent pregnancy, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?

You likely don't need to see a member of your healthcare team about infertility unless you've been trying to get pregnant for at least one year. But women should talk with a healthcare professional sooner if they:

- Are age 35 or older and have been trying to conceive for six months or longer

- Are over age 40

- Have irregular or absent periods

- Have very painful periods

- Have known fertility problems

- Have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease

- Have had multiple miscarriages

- Have undergone treatment for cancer

- Men should talk to a healthcare provider if they have:

- A low sperm count or other problems with sperm

- A history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems

- Undergone treatment for cancer

- Small testicles or swelling in the scrotum

- Others in your family with infertility problems

How Common is Infertility?

Worldwide, 8–12% of couples experience fertility problems. At least 20% of infertility cases happen solely due to a problem with the male reproductive system. In addition, 19% of American females ages 15–49 years experience primary infertility after 1 year of trying. About 6% of married females ages 15–49 years experience secondary infertility. Black American and Latinx females are more likely to have infertility compared with American females who are white.

What are the Factors that Affect Fertility?

There are also several factors that can affect fertility.

These include:

1. age – fertility declines with age

2. weight – being overweight or obese (having a BMI of 30 or over) reduces fertility; in women, being overweight or severely underweight can affect ovulation

3. sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – several STIs, including chlamydia, can affect fertility

4. smoking – can affect fertility: smoking (including passive smoking) affects your chance of conceiving and can reduce semen quality; read more about quitting smoking

5. alcohol – the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. Drinking too much alcohol can also affect the quality of sperm (the chief medical officers for the UK recommend adults should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which should be spread evenly over 3 days or more)

6. environmental factors – exposure to certain pesticides, solvents and metals has been shown to affect fertility, particularly in men

7. stress – can affect your relationship with your partner and cause a loss of sex drive; in severe cases, stress may also affect ovulation and sperm production

There's no evidence to suggest caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee and colas, are associated with fertility problems.

Can PCOS Make You Infertile?

PCOS is the primary cause of hyperandrogenism and oligo-anovulation at the reproductive age and is often associated with infertility and clinical and metabolic disorders. The prevalence of infertility in women with PCOS varies between 70 and 80%. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the evaluation of infertility in women with PCOS or other causes of subfertility should start after six months of attempting pregnancy without success if the couple has regular sexual intercourse (2 to 3 times/week) without using contraceptive methods. To optimize the efficacy of the treatment of infertile women with PCOS, evaluations of tubal patency (hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy with chromotubation) and semen analysis (spermogram) are mandatory before deciding on treatment.

How Long Do Fertility Treatments Take to Work?

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer here. Some couples have success the first month they get medical assistance, while others try for years. The process of fertility treatments can be long and tiring, which can increase stress if you’ve been trying to get pregnant.

To help you choose the best treatment options possible, your doctor will review your health history and look for any potential reproductive problems in both you and your partner.

COH may be tried before ART, depending on the outcomes of your doctor’s investigation. Even if ART is attempted, it can take multiple tries before pregnancy occurs. On top of that, these are done once a month, as a female ovulates only once in a 28-day period on average.

Opting for fertility treatments is no easy task, but your doctor can help you determine the right course for the most successful outcome possible.

What is the Success Rate of Fertility Treatments?

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, between 85 and 90 percent of infertility cases are treatable. This is welcome news to the many families who seek to overcome infertility in America. But aside from age and health, the success rate also depends on the treatment type you select.

For example, IUI can have a 20 percent success rate for pregnancy compared to a 50 percent success rate from an embryo donation. Your doctor can help give you a better idea of your individual chances of success based on different treatments.

What to Ask a Fertility Specialist?

To help you feel confident and prepared as you go into your first fertility consultation, keep in mind the five helpful questions below.

1. What types of tests do you recommend?

Before treatment options are discussed, your doctor will recommend diagnostic tests to determine the potential causes of your infertility. In many cases, multiple factors are involved. Diagnostic tests can provide insight into both female and male infertility. However, be aware that about one in five cases of infertility cannot be explained. Although this can be stressful and confusing, your doctor will still be able to gain valuable information from the completed tests in order to create a plan of action. Be sure to get details about what each test entails and what information it will provide.

2. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?

In addition to asking your doctor whether your age—or, if applicable, your partner’s age—could be affecting your ability to grow your family, inquire about any lifestyle or medical factors that could be affecting your fertility. Mention any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, and ask about changes you could make in your day-to-day activities to improve fertility and reduce the chances of complications.

3. What types of fertility treatment does your clinic offer?

Be sure to ask what types of fertility treatments the clinic offers. Some clinics specialize in one kind of treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), while others offer a range of options including intrauterine insemination, gestational surrogacy, egg donation, and sperm donation. Obtain details on the clinic’s areas of specialization, and ask about any regulations you should be made aware of. Some states have regulations or bans on surrogacy contracts, for example.

4. What is the general timeline going forward?

To get an idea of what’s ahead, ask your doctor about the general timeline for your specific case—how long it will take for any needed tests to be completed, how long it will take for the tests to be analyzed, and when treatment plans will be recommended and discussed in detail. Ask about how to schedule your tests, how you can best prepare for the road ahead, and how long it typically takes to begin treatments after tests have been analyzed and a plan of action created.

5. What are your payment and insurance options?

Before you move ahead with a particular clinic, you’ll want to be sure their insurance and payment options work for you. Confirm that they accept your insurance for the diagnostic tests recommended, and ask whether they offer any kind of payment plan. Fertility treatments are a big investment for most individuals and couples looking to grow their families, so getting a handle on the finances involved is paramount.

Does Insurance Cover Infertility Treatment?

Health insurance policies vary, so you should always check with your insurance provider. Most insurers cover medically necessary procedures, such as surgeries to treat endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Some policies cover fertility procedures like IUI, but may not cover ovulation-stimulating medications or IVF.

Certain states have laws that require employers to provide infertility coverage as part of their health insurance policy for employees. As of June 2022, The National Infertility Association (Resolve) states:

- Twenty states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws; 14 of those laws include IVF coverage; and 12 states have fertility preservation laws for iatrogenic (medically induced) infertility.

- If you live or work in a state that has an infertility coverage law in place and wants to know your coverage details, you should contact your employer.

How Much Does Fertility Treatment Generally Cost? 

It depends on what you’re being treated for and your insurance coverage. Oftentimes, inexpensive medicine or simple surgery that is covered by insurance, depending on your state, will correct many problems. From there, the costs vary. Here are some average national U.S. costs they shared:

- Ovulation induction oral medications: $10–$100

- New patient appointment: $200–$500

- A single IVF cycle: $15,000–$30,000

- IVF hormonal medications: $3,000–$5,000

- Egg freezing cycle: $8000–$15,000

- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment: $2,500–$4,000

- Egg, embryo, or sperm storage: $500–$1,000 per year

You might also have some additional costs, including:

- cost of medications

- costs of anesthesia

- preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), if necessary

What is Infertility?

In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. Because fertility in women is known to decline steadily with age, some providers evaluate and treat women aged 35 years or older after 6 months of unprotected sex. Individuals and couples who are unable to conceive a child should consider making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist—a doctor who specializes in managing infertility. Reproductive endocrinologists may also be able to help women with recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as having two or more spontaneous miscarriages.

Types of Infertility

Types of infertility include:

Primary infertility: You’ve never been pregnant and can’t conceive after one year (or six months if you’re 35 or older) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

Secondary infertility: You can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.

Unexplained infertility: Fertility testing hasn’t found a reason that a person or couple is unable to get pregnant.

Infertility Causes for Women

Ovulation disorders are the most common cause of infertility in people with ovaries. Ovulation is the process in which your ovary releases an egg to meet sperm for fertilization.

These factors can contribute to female infertility:

- Endometriosis.

- Structural abnormalities of your vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes.

- Autoimmune conditions like celiac disease or lupus.

- Kidney disease.

- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

- Hypothalamic and pituitary gland disorders.

- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

- Primary ovarian insufficiency or poor egg quality.

- Sickle cell anemia.

- Uterine fibroids or uterine polyps.

- Thyroid disease.

- Prior surgical sterilization (tubal ligation or salpingectomy).

- Genetic or chromosomal disorders.

- Sexual dysfunction.

- Surgical or congenital absence of your ovaries.

- Infrequent or absent menstrual periods.

Infertility Causes for Men

The most common cause of male infertility involves problems with the shape, movement (motility), or amount (low sperm count) of sperm.

Other causes of male infertility include:

- Enlarged veins (varicocele) in your scrotum, the sac that holds your testicles.

- Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.

- Chromosomal disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome.

- High heat exposure to your testicles from tight clothing, frequent use of hot tubs and saunas, and holding laptops or heating pads on or near your testes.

- Injury to your scrotum or testicles.

- Low testosterone (hypogonadism).

- Misuse of anabolic steroids.

- Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation.

- Undescended testicles.

- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

- Surgical or congenital absence of testes.

- Prior surgical sterilization (vasectomy).

7 Things to Know Before Seeing a Fertility Specialist

You've been trying to have a baby for some time with no success. Should you see a fertility doctor? If you're under 35 and have been actively trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success, make an appointment with a fertility doctor, or reproductive endocrinologist. If you're over 35, wait only six months before getting help. Either way, expect to go through an array of evaluations and tests to determine what may be interfering with your efforts to get pregnant. Here's an overview of things it will be useful to know before you see a fertility doctor.

1. Are You Ovulating?

One of the initial things the doctor will want to know is whether or not you're ovulating (releasing an egg every month). This is something you may be able to figure out on your own before your appointment by charting your basal body temperature (BBT) for several months.

2. You Will Need Fertility Testing

At your first meeting with the fertility specialist, they will go over your medical history and then outline the fertility tests you (and your partner, if you have one) will need to have. These will include blood work, physical examinations, and a semen analysis. Typically, the doctor will order an ultrasound and a specialized X-ray to examine the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

3. What to Expect From Semen Analysis

One basic test for infertility is a semen analysis (SA), in which a sample taken after ejaculation is evaluated in a lab. A semen analysis looks at sperm count, semen volume, the shape and movement of sperm cells, the presence of white blood cells, and other factors.

4. The Basics of Fertility Treatment

After all the testing has been completed and you have a diagnosis and a reason you are having trouble conceiving your infertility doctor can put together a treatment plan. In either case, expect to have options ranging from lifestyle modifications to fertility medications to surgical interventions or even intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

5. Fertility Drugs Have Side Effects

Medication to stimulate ovulation is integral to most infertility treatments. In some cases, drugs alone are used. Fertility drugs also are part of more involved treatments such as IVF. There are certain risks of fertility drugs, which your doctor will go over with you. So you're prepared, know that they include the possibility of conceiving twins or higher-order multiples, which can lead to complications with the pregnancy. Another side effect associated with fertility drugs is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

6. Fertility Treatment Is Expensive

Fertility treatment is expensive. In fact, according to one study, the median per-person costs ranged from more than $24,000 to roughly $38,000 for IVF and IVF with donor eggs.

7. Fertility Treatment Is Challenging

Along with drug side effects, people undergoing fertility treatments face many challenges: the vigilance required for drug treatments, the frequent (sometimes daily) trips to the doctor's office or clinic for blood work and ultrasounds, the expense, and the disappointment of a treatment that doesn't work. It's vital to talk about what you're feeling, whether you are undergoing treatment yourself or supporting a partner who is. If you find this hard to do, consider seeing an infertility counselor who is specially trained to guide people through the emotional minefields of fertility treatment.

7 Reasons You May Want to See a Fertility Doctor

Planning for pregnancy can be challenging. If you are ready for a baby but seem to be having trouble getting pregnant, it might be time to explore your options. Many people forget that infertility affects both men and women equally. In all couples, there's a 50/50 chance that a man or woman will have fertility problems. Here are seven reasons you may want to see a fertility specialist.

1. You Have Had Sex Without Birth Control for 12+ Months & No Conception

The average rule of thumb is that it takes a couple five to six months to conceive. If you are under 35 and have been having unprotected sex (sex without any form of birth control) for 12 months, you may want to see a fertility specialist.

2. You Are 35+

As women get older the quality and number of our eggs drop. If you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months to get pregnant without birth control, you may want to see a fertility specialist. If you are 40 or older, you are technically in the high risk-pregnancy category, and you might want to start by seeing a fertility specialist. Your risk of miscarriage is greater at this time.

3. You Have Had Three or More Miscarriages

Miscarriage is when you lose the pregnancy within 20 weeks of getting pregnant. Most often, miscarriage happens because the egg or sperm had the wrong number of chromosomes so the fertilized egg can’t develop normally. Miscarriage can also be caused by early development problems: the egg doesn’t implant properly in the uterus or has structural defects. If you have had two or more miscarriages, you should consider working with a specialist to monitor your health while you are trying to conceive. If there is a larger condition causing these miscarriages, you want to be aware of it.

4. Your Partner Has Trouble Achieving or Maintaining an Erection

It’s easy to make an appointment with a male fertility specialist. Called urologists or andrologists, these specialists are experts in the male reproductive system. They can guide you to finding a solution for these conditions.

5. You Have No Period, Irregular Periods, or Heavy Bleeding

Any of these symptoms could be caused by a fertility issue:

1. No period: It’s possible that you are not ovulating

Irregular periods: Your brain could be sending the wrong hormone signals, or this could be caused by an ovulation disorder.

2. Bleeding between periods: Bleeding between your periods or after sex could be caused by a uterine polyp or fibroid, or cervical lesion.

3. Very heavy periods: If you bleed for more than seven days, go through more than one pad or tampon an hour for several hours, or pass blood clots larger than the size of a quarter, your period is unusually heavy. This can be caused by a uterine fibroid or an endocrine abnormality. We highly recommend you see your doctor.

6. You or Your Partner Have a History of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through sexual contact. They can cause inflammation and infection. For women, they can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, which may prevent the egg and sperm from ever meeting. For men, they can cause reoccurring infections, which can damage sperm mobility, function, and sperm count.

7. You Have a Chronic Medical Condition

As you already know if you have a chronic or long-lasting medical condition, you pretty much are on first-name terms with your care provider/specialist. It’s no different with fertility. If you have any of these conditions or diseases, we recommend you see a fertility specialist:

- Diabetes

- Genetic disorders

- Heart disease

- Hypertension

- Kidney disease

- Thyroid condition

You may also want to see a specialist if you have had cancer (chemotherapy treatment) or if your mother had early menopause.

While this process can seem overwhelming, there are many caring providers who will help you navigate it. By seeing a specialist if you identify with any of the above reasons, you can get answers to your questions about fertility.

Doctors Who Specialize in Fertility

There are a variety of doctors who specialize in fertility. The best one for you will depend on your particular medical history and needs.

Reproductive Endocrinologists

Reproductive endocrinologists (sometimes referred to as REs) are what most people think of as fertility specialists. A reproductive endocrinologist is a gynecologist who has additional training in infertility and fertility treatment; they treat both male and female fertility issues. Reproductive endocrinologists manage, carry out, and prescribe a variety of fertility tests and treatments, including IUI and IVF. When outside specialists are needed in a particular case, the reproductive endocrinologist is usually the primary consultant. They can also help cancer patients with fertility preservation, working with an oncologist to coordinate fertility preservation prior to the start of fertility-threatening cancer treatments.

Andrologists

Andrologists are urologists who have completed additional training in male fertility. Andrologists may evaluate and treat male fertility issues alone, or along with a reproductive endocrinologist. They may look further to find the cause for low or absent sperm counts and—if possible—treat the problem, so the couple can conceive without IVF. An andrologist can also perform a testicular biopsy for use in testicular sperm extraction (TESE). They also treat reproductive infections, erectile dysfunction, testicular torsion, and undescended testes.

Reproductive Surgeons

Another kind of fertility specialist is a reproductive surgeon. While reproductive endocrinologists also perform surgery, reproductive surgeons have even more training in surgical procedures and may treat patients for issues beyond trying to have a baby. Their primary training may be in gynecology or urology.

Reproductive Immunologists

Reproductive immunologists combine the knowledge of immunology and reproductive medicine. A reproductive immunologist may be consulted in cases of recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, or unexplained repeated IVF failure. You might also consult a reproductive immunologist if you have endometriosis or an autoimmune disease, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Reproductive immunologists may be physicians or scientists and usually work with a reproductive endocrinologist to treat infertile couples.

Treatments Used By Fertility Specialists

After testing is completed, which can differ per patient, your doctor will have a better understanding of the underlying issues and can guide you toward treatment that best addresses your needs. Some of these treatments include:

Ovulation induction therapy: A procedure in which ovulation is medically induced, using either oral or injectable medication, to help a female patient produce eggs and increase her chance of pregnancy.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): For this procedure, sperm are separated from the seminal fluid and placed into the uterus with a catheter. This maximizes the number of sperm cells that are introduced and helps improve the chances of conception. Ovulation-stimulating medications may also be used.

In vitro fertilization (IVF): After medications are prescribed to encourage egg production, eggs are removed during a minor surgical procedure. The eggs are then manually combined with sperm cells in a lab. The resulting embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

Tubal reversal: A surgical procedure that can restore fertility to a woman who had previously undergone tubal ligation.

Testicular sperm extraction (TESE): A fertility treatment in which sperm is retrieved from a man’s testicles if they have little to no sperm in their ejaculate.

Fertility Tests for Women

Tests to find out the cause of infertility in women include:

1. Blood tests

Samples of your blood can be tested for a hormone called progesterone to check whether you're ovulating. The timing of the test is based on how regular your periods are. If you have irregular periods, you'll be offered a test to measure hormones called gonadotrophins, which stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs.

2. Chlamydia test

Chlamydia is an STI that can affect fertility. A swab is similar to a cotton bud, but smaller, soft, and rounded – is used to collect some cells from your cervix to test for chlamydia. A urine test may be used as an alternative. You'll be prescribed antibiotics if you have chlamydia.

3. Ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan can be used to check your ovaries, womb (uterus), and fallopian tubes. Certain conditions that can affect the womb, such as endometriosis and fibroids, can prevent pregnancy.  A scan can also be used to look for signs that your fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries and the womb) may be blocked, which may be stopping eggs from traveling along the tubes and into the womb.  If the ultrasound suggests a possible blockage, your doctor will refer you to a specialist to discuss further checks, such as a laparoscopy.

During a transvaginal ultrasound scan, an ultrasound probe is placed in your vagina. The scan can be used to check the health of your womb and ovaries and for any blockages in your fallopian tubes. A hysterosalpingo-contrast-ultrasonography is a special type of ultrasound scan sometimes used to check the fallopian tubes. A small amount of fluid is injected into your womb through a tube put into the neck of your womb (the cervix). 

Ultrasound is used to look at the fluid as it passes through the fallopian tubes to check for any blockages or abnormalities. If the test suggests a possible blockage, your doctor will refer you to a specialist to discuss further checks, such as laparoscopy.

4. X-ray

A hysterosalpingogram is an X-ray of your womb and fallopian tubes after a special dye has been injected. It can be used to find blockages in your fallopian tubes, which may be stopping eggs from traveling along the tubes and into your womb.

5. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) involves making a small cut in your lower tummy so a thin tube with a camera at the end (a laparoscope) can be inserted to examine your womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A dye may be injected into your fallopian tubes through your cervix to highlight any blockages in them. Laparoscopy is usually only used if it's likely that you have a problem – for example, if you've had an episode of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the past, or if scans suggest a possible blockage of one or both of your tubes.

Fertility Tests for Men

Tests to find out the cause of infertility in men include:

1. Semen Analysis

This is to check for problems with sperm, such as a low sperm count or sperm that are not moving properly.

2. Chlamydia Test

A sample of your urine will be tested to check for chlamydia, as it can affect fertility. Your GP will prescribe antibiotics if you have chlamydia.

What to Expect at the First Appointment with a Fertility Doctor

For your first fertility appointment, you’ll meet with your specialist, either in person or through a telehealth visit. There will be a review of your and your partner’s medical history, including any previous fertility testing or treatments and what the outcomes were. 

This review is to help the care team personalize a treatment plan for you. Your provider will go over your medical history in detail and yes, you’ll be asked some personal questions, such as how often you’re having intercourse, or if you’ve ever had a sexually transmitted infection. Even if it feels embarrassing, it’s important to answer these honestly and accurately because it could be important to your treatment plan.

After this review, your fertility specialist will go over what the next steps could look like for your fertility workup. 

Then, you’ll have a chance to meet your nurse. Your nurse will go over any testing your doctor has ordered and will make sure you have a good understanding of what happens next. You will be provided a checklist of the details of your plan going forward. This is a great time to ask more questions if you have any.

How to Prepare for Your First Fertility Clinic Appointment

What to Bring

Copies of medical records. Every piece of background information that you supply could be a vital piece of the puzzle, so having access to your up-to-date medical records is important. You can streamline this process by authorizing and arranging for each office to fax your records to the fertility clinic ahead of your visit. 

1. Your primary care physician

2. Your OBGYN

3. Any previous fertility evaluations or treatments

A list of questions for your doctor. It is a very good idea to have your questions written down or printed out before you go into the visit. Your fertility team will be asking you a lot of questions, but it is just important that you ask yours. Having a list of questions at hand will ensure that you don’t forget or miss your chance to ask them. See below for a list of suggested questions to get you started.

A notebook to write down any instructions or details. With so much ground to cover in the first visit and the possibility of intense emotions surrounding the event, “information overload” is a common experience. Taking notes during the visit can help you process and remember important details.

Your partner, if you like. It is not necessary to bring your partner to your first visit, but they are both invited and encouraged to attend. This visit is an opportunity for your partner to be included in the process and having them there may be helpful for you and your fertility team. They can provide emotional support and will also be able to answer questions with you, offering your team extra insight into the case. They will also be able to ask questions of their own, which can help them feel supported and clear up any fears or misgivings they may have about fertility treatment.

How to Prepare

Your medical records will have a lot of vital information for your fertility specialist, but they are only part of the picture. Your own recollections and facts are also very important. Take some time to write down and organize the following information ahead of your visit.

1. List any medications, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you take.

- Don’t be afraid to get detailed here. List everything, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

- Include the amount of each dose and how often you take them.

2. List key medical information.

- Any medical conditions that you or your partner may have.

- Previous evaluations or treatments for infertility.

- Age of first menstruation.

- Details about your cycle. Is it regular? How long is your average cycle? Is the flow especially heavy/light? Do you suffer from PMS or especially painful periods?

3. List details about your attempts to get pregnant.

- How long you have been actively trying to conceive?

- Frequency of intercourse.

- If you have been keeping records of basal body temperature, results of ovulation predictor kits, or fertility charting, this can be very helpful to bring along.

4. Talk to relatives about a family history of infertility.

Check with both sides of the family. Until recently, infertility struggles were often kept very private, so unless you ask directly you may not know if your relatives experienced infertility.

5. Check into your infertility insurance coverage.

- Talk to your HR representative at work and directly to your insurance company about coverage options.

- If you are near an open enrollment window with your insurance, you may be able to switch to a plan with more coverage.

- Even without insurance, there are many ways to finance fertility treatment. You may want to prepare for a consultation with your clinic’s finance specialist.

Tips for Finding The Right Fertility Specialist

It can be hard to know what to ask when you’re meeting with a fertility expert and how to know whether this doctor is a good fit for you and your partner.

Infertility can be scary and complex, so it is important to ask questions, especially if you don’t understand something. Make sure your doctor can explain things in terms you can understand so you feel empowered to make informed and confident decisions.

At the first visit, ask your doctor what potential issues they think may be going on based on your history and what type of testing they recommend to help with making a diagnosis.

Sources:

NIH

University of Utah

Very Well Family

Reproductive Fertility

NHS

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

CDC

Medical News Today

SCRC

Healthline

CCRM

Chicago IVF

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.