Infertility FAQs

Infertility is a common and upsetting medical diagnosis of not being able to conceive after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex.
Infertility is not your stopping point, there is hope for conception no matter the challenge you are facing.

Infertility is the medical diagnosis of not being able to conceive (become pregnant) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex (sexual intercourse) between male and female partners.

Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting or staying pregnant. Add  1 in 3 couples who are over the age of 35 experience a challenge. The good news is, reproductive healthcare can significantly improve your chances of conception. The bottom line – if you are experiencing infertility, you are not alone.

No. While published statistics tend to focus the ladies, it is important to note that infertility diagnoses are split evenly between men and women.

Yes. The CDC, Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) all classify infertility as a medical diagnosis.

Risk factors relevant to all genders:

  • Age (over age 35 for women or over 40 for men)
  • Diabetes
  • Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides
  • Overexercising 
  • Radiation therapy or other cancer treatments
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Smoking
  • Stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Weight problems (obesity or underweight)

Risk factors specific to women include:

  • Abnormal menstruation
  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Past or recurrent miscarriage  
  • Past ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
  • Pituitary gland disorders
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, and primary ovarian insufficiency
  • Uterine conditions, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and uterine polyps

Below are some of the most common causes of infertility 

  • Ovulatory Disorders are when an egg doesn’t properly develop or release during a woman’s menstrual cycle and are one of the most common causes of infertility.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine system disorders among women of reproductive age. In women with PCOS, the hormones needed to develop and release a mature egg are not present.
  • Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Causes of miscarriages can include genetic abnormalities, hormone imbalance, undiagnosed medical conditions, and unexplained miscarriages when no clear reason can be pinpointed.
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) refers to a significantly diminished or absent ovarian function before age 40.
  • Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a decrease in the quality and quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries or a poor response to ovarian stimulation.
  • Male Infertility is diagnosed when a man’s semen analysis returns abnormal results concerning count, motility (movement) and morphology (shape).
  • Endometriosis can be frustrating, painful, and may make it harder to become pregnant.
  • Tubal factor infertility occurs when a woman’s fallopian tube(s) are blocked due to diseases, damage, or scarring.
  • Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or have a full-term pregnancy despite having had children previously without difficulty.
  • Fibroids don’t always lead to infertility, but when they become very large or enter into the uterine cavity, they can affect your ability to become pregnant.

The causes of infertility vary widely, so it’s important to schedule an assessment with a fertility specialist in order to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

15-30 percent of couples experiencing infertility are diagnosed as having unexplained infertility, which is a non-diagnosis associated with a patient when standard infertility testing has not been successful in identifying the direct cause for a woman, man, or couple’s inability to become pregnant.

Yes. Individuals and couples can experience one or a combination of diagnoses that play a role in their infertility.

Absolutely. Having an infertility diagnosis does not mean that you will never have children. It may take more deliberate effort, time, and the assistance of medical professionals, but advancements in fertility medicine have made pregnancy possible for hundreds of thousands who experience infertility

The most common type of artificial reproductive technology treatment is in vitro fertilization or IVF but it is not the only treatment. Other treatments include:

  • Clinically assisted, timed intercourse
  • Ovulation induction
  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or have a full-term pregnancy despite having had a child(ren) previously without difficulty.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 11% of couples experience secondary infertility.

For couples in which the woman is under the age of 35, the recommendation is to try for one year. For couples in which the woman is over 35, the recommendation is to try for six months, after which, to seek the assistance of a fertility specialist.

If a couple is navigating any of the factors below:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Prior surgical history on the tubes, ovaries or uterus
  • Prior surgical history on the testes
  • Issues with erection or ejaculation
  • Family history of genetic disease
  • Male partner undergoing testosterone treatment
  • Prior fibroid diagnosis
  • Repeated pregnancy loss or miscarriage
  • A vasectomy or tubal ligation has been performed

At Kindbody, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to start a family. We offer a variety of transparent pricing options to make testing, treatment, and family planning more affordable, so you can worry less about cost and focus on your future family.

Kindbody provides each of our patients a personalized experience coupled with our innovative, evidence-based, cutting-edge treatment options along with an unparalleled patient experience. We have integrated technologies throughout the entire treatment journey to optimize your chances of success.

If you are ready to move forward in your family-building process,
schedule your assessment today.