Understanding fertility issues and treatments

If you are experiencing difficulty starting or building your family, please know that you are not alone. Infertility is a common problem for many people who are trying to become parents. You can use support and resources to take steps along this journey:

  1. Understand your fertility issue.1,2 There are many types of fertility issues and causes for them. Both women and men can have fertility issues. A reproductive endocrinologist can help you learn why you are having trouble getting pregnant. This type of health care provider specializes in managing infertility. They can discuss your and your partner’s health historiesto determine what issues could affect your ability to get pregnant. They can also help if you have had recurrent pregnancy losses.

    These issues can contribute to fertility issues in women:
    • Conditions affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus
    • Being 30 or older
    • Tobacco and/or excessive alcohol or drug use
    • Being overweight or obese, or having a low body weight
    • Gaining or losing a lot of weight
    • Missing your period due to being under a lot of physical or emotional stress

    These issues can contribute to fertility issues in men:

    • Testicular or ejaculatory function disruption
    • Hormonal and genetic disorders
    • Being 40 or older
    • Being overweight or obese
    • Tobacco and/or excessive alcohol or drug use
    • A history of trauma to the testes
    • Exposure to testosterone, radiation, certain medicines, or certain environmental toxins
    • Frequently exposing the testes to high temperatures

  2. Get recommended fertility testing. Discussing possible issues with a fertility specialist is a good first step.

    They may recommend these or other tests for women:

    • Ovulation test
    • Ovarian function test
    • X-ray of the uterus or fallopian tubes
    • Ultrasound of the uterus or fallopian tubes
    • Hormone testing
    • Genetic testing

    They may recommend these and other fertility tests for men:

    • Semen analysis
    • Hormone testing
    • Genetic testing
    • Testicular biopsy
    • Scrotal ultrasound

     

  3. Take recommended treatment steps. The steps your care provider advises you to take will depend on your situation. They may base their recommendations on the cause of infertility, its duration, and the results of fertility tests (if you had them). Options they may suggest include:2
    • Timed intercourse. This is when a couple tracks and has intercourse around the time of ovulation. In some cases, medication may be needed to stimulate ovulation.  
    • Fertility medications. There are different medications to treat infertility in women. These medications can increase the risk of multiple births. You and your fertility specialist can discuss which option is right for you.
    • Intrauterine insertion. This fertility treatment is also called artificial insemination. A fertility specialist inserts specially prepared semen into the woman’s uterus during this procedure.
    • In vitro fertilization (IVF). A fertility specialist removes eggs from a woman’s ovaries and combines them with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos that can be returned to the woman’s body. They can also be frozen for future use.

Infertility can be frustrating. Help is available to support you throughout your journey. If you are a UPMC Health Plan member, our maternity care managers can help you find a fertility provider, access resources, and answer any questions you many have.

 

Sources

1 Diagnosis of birth defects. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nov. 22, 2024. Accessed Jan. 10, 2025. cdc.gov/birth-defects/screening/diagnosis.html

2 Infertility: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. Accessed Jan. 10, 2025. cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
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