Your unique fertility needs

The basic factors that affect fertility are common to all women and men, but people differ greatly in how much each factor contributes to their difficulty getting pregnant. That’s why your care starts with understanding you.

How fertility differs from person to person

The ability to conceive declines as reproductive age advances. Ovarian reserve, however, varies widely from one woman to another at any age, and so does the number of good quality, chromosomally normal eggs.

• Ovarian reserve and sperm. We put significant effort into exploring these differences during your workup. Ovarian reserve is assessed through your history, ultrasound and blood markers. Male factor is explored through sperm analysis and other specialized tests.
• Genetics. Women and men also differ in their genetics. We use the widest available genetic screening tests, along with genetic counseling, to minimize the risk of passing a genetic disease to your children. All genetic risk factors are evaluated before treatment begins.

Your goals are your own

People have very different hopes and plans for the family they want to build. A single professional woman may want to freeze her eggs or embryos for later use. One couple may want a baby boy for family balancing and be determined to avoid a twin pregnancy, while another couple having difficulty conceiving their first child may be comfortable with twins. Many women have not succeeded after one or more rounds of treatment and need careful attention to every detail of their treatment history to achieve a pregnancy.

Beyond a healthy baby, the outcome each person wants can be very different.

How treatment is tailored to you

Once treatment starts, women respond to fertility medications differently.

• Some women are very sensitive to medication and need frequent adjustments to their dose and combination of medications to avoid overstimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
• Others don’t respond well to stimulation. When a low response is expected, we use special protocols to improve it, including minimal stimulation and modified natural cycles.
• Men with male factor infertility also need detailed attention. Sometimes no sperm is present in the ejaculate, and obtaining sperm may require a special procedure.

Time to understand your situation

We sit down with you and take the time to study these factors and talk about what you want to achieve. We then give you a realistic perspective on the best way forward and your chances of a successful outcome. You won’t be rushed into any treatment before a full workup and a full discussion of your options.

Learn more about your options

• Choosing your fertility treatment: how to decide on next steps after your initial fertility evaluation.
• Female factor infertility: ovarian reserve, ovulation, the fallopian tubes, the uterus and endometriosis.
• Male factor infertility: sperm analysis, azospermia and other causes, and how they’re treated.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk with your doctor about yours.