We’re excited to introduce Dr. Emily Carter to our team at the Indiana Fertility Institute! We are also proud to announce that we’ve been recognized as Inception Fertility’s Clinic of the Year for 2025!
What is infertility?
Infertility is generally described as the inability to conceive after one year of trying. If you’re a woman over 35 and haven’t achieved pregnancy after six months of unprotected intercourse, it’s advisable to consult a fertility specialist. Women with irregular menstrual cycles should also consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, as ovulation issues are a common cause of infertility in females.
What factors contribute to infertility?
Infertility can stem from male factors in about 40% of cases, while female-related issues account for another 40%. In 10% of couples, infertility arises from a mix of issues in both partners, and the remaining 10% may have unexplained infertility. In women, ovulation disorders, such as anovulation and oligo-ovulation, are prevalent causes. Men may face infertility due to issues with sperm quality, such as oligospermia or azoospermia, as well as medical conditions like low testosterone.
When should a woman reach out to her doctor about conceiving?
Most experts recommend that women try to conceive for at least a year. However, those over 35 should consult a specialist after six months of unsuccessful attempts. Women with health issues like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease should also seek help sooner.
How is infertility diagnosed?
A reproductive endocrinologist will perform a thorough examination of both partners to assess their health and identify potential physical disorders. If no clear cause is found, specific tests may be conducted, including imaging studies for women and semen analysis for men.
What treatments are available for infertility?
Infertility can be treated using medications, surgical procedures, or assisted reproductive techniques (ART), depending on the underlying factors and the woman’s age. Treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended.
What is ART?
Assisted reproductive technology encompasses all fertility treatments where both eggs and sperm are handled outside the body. The most common form is IVF, which involves fertilizing eggs in a lab and transferring embryos back into the woman’s uterus.
What should I expect during IVF?
IVF involves retrieving a woman’s eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus after a few days.
Is infertility treatment covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for fertility treatments varies widely. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider or employer for specific details. Our financial counselors are available to discuss costs and payment options tailored to your treatment plan.
What financing options does IFI offer?
Recognizing that many patients may require multiple IVF cycles, we provide financing options through BUNDL, which may offer refunds on your investment.
How can I contact someone about financial questions?
For financial inquiries, please reach out to our office directly.
How are success rates determined?
Fertility clinics submit their success rate data to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is then published if they are members of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).
How long does it take to start treatment?
Typically, it takes about a month to complete all necessary tests before beginning treatment.
Do my partner or spouse need to attend appointments?
While we encourage partners to join appointments for support, their presence is not mandatory.
What if I feel uncomfortable providing a semen sample in-office?
We understand that comfort is key. You can provide a sample at home and bring it to the lab within an hour. If that’s not feasible, our doctors can perform a pain-free sperm aspiration procedure.
What are my chances of conceiving?
Every infertility case is unique, and our doctors will work closely with you to develop the best treatment plan based on your circumstances. They’ll provide statistical data relevant to your situation.
Should we consider genetic testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing involves analyzing cells from a fertilized egg to assess genetic health. This testing is recommended for couples with a history of genetic disorders, recurrent pregnancy loss, or advanced reproductive age.
In summary, the Indiana Fertility Institute is dedicated to providing personalized fertility care with a compassionate touch. Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking advanced treatment options, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For more on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. Additionally, if you’re looking for home insemination kits, BabyMaker offers great options. And don’t miss our tips on traveling while expecting.