Fertility & Pregnancy FAQs

No, infertility is a medical problem that affects people of all sexes.

Approximately 35% of infertility can be traced to a female factor and 35% traced to a male factor. In the remainder of cases, infertility may result from problems in both partners (or the cause of infertility cannot be explained).

• If you are 35 or younger and have been trying to conceive without success for 1 year or more
• If you are 35 or older and have been trying to conceive without success for 6 months or more
• If you suspect you may have a problem getting pregnant due to a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles
• If the male partner has a low sperm count or known fertility issues
• If you are pursuing single parenthood by choice
• If you are in a same-sex relationship and know you will need help to conceive

It can be hard to admit that you need help to build your family. Know that we are here to meet you with compassion, expertise, and a wide array of treatment options. 

The most fertile time during a woman’s cycle is right before or the day of ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs 2 weeks before a period starts, so it is necessary to count back from the anticipated start of the next period in order to find the most fertile time.

Take the number of days in the usual cycle (from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next) and subtract 14. For example, a woman with a 32-day cycle would likely ovulate around day 18 (32-14=18), while a woman with a 28-day cycle would ovulate around day 14 (28-14=14).

We recommend having intercourse every other day around the day of ovulation. That would mean days 12, 14, and 16 for those with 28-day cycles.

A good indicator that you are ovulating is getting your menstrual cycle regularly. To figure out how many days are in your menstrual cycle, count from Day 1 (the first day of "full flow") until the first day of full flow in your next cycle. 

Generally speaking, a menstrual cycle that is between 24-36 days is considered "normal." Having a longer or shorter cycle does not mean that you have are not ovulating or have a fertility problem, this is just an indicator. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle as a part of your medical history is valuable, especially if you do need to see a fertility specialist.

Using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can provide a more accurate read on whether you are ovulating or not. You can purchase these kits over the counter at pharmacies and major retail drug stores. Note that OPKs are not 100% accurate.

If your period is irregular, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a fertility specialist to rule out any underlying issues.

To get a complete picture of your current fertility, your doctor should perform the following:

• Blood tests to check reproductive hormone levels in the female partner; estradiol (E2), progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid hormone, prolactin.
• Blood tests to check hormone levels in the male partner, if needed.
• A full semen analysis on the male partner
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray to evaluate the uterine cavity and/or a saline infusion ultrasound (also called a sonohysterogram or SHG) to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
• A transvaginal ultrasound to confirm normal appearance of the uterus and ovaries.

Yes. High temperatures can damage sperm. That is why the scrotum is located outside the body – to act as a kind of “refrigerator” to keep the sperm cool. Because of this, it is a good idea for the male partner to avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms while trying to conceive. 

Learn more about men's health or explore resources for partners navigating infertility.

Making changes (even just a few small adjustments) 90 days before conception can have a positive impact on your fertility and overall health. 

Whether you’re planning to start TTC soon or you're already in the trying phase, start working on this 90-Day Preconception Checklist now to get closer to your goal of having a healthy baby.

Here are some action items:

• Make lifestyle changes (ex: quit smoking, limit alcohol, limit exposure to environmental risks)
• Optimize your nutrition
• Focus on mental health
• Do financial and insurance research
• Lock in your support system
• Choose the right doctor for you and schedule a consult to get started with the process

• Explore patient stories, fertility treatment guides, mental health support, and much more on Illume's Learning Center.
• Join support groups at Illume Fertility or your local fertility clinic.
• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association has an excellent library of resources on various topics related to family building, and also offers free support groups in many regions across the U.S.
• AllPaths Family Building (formerly Resolve New England) offers free support groups, advocacy, and more.
• Fertility Within Reach focuses on advocating for increased access to fertility care for all.

LGBTQ+ family building:

• Gay Parents To Be offers LGBTQ+ focused information on fertility and family-building.
• Family Equality has extensive resources to help LGBTQ+ parents and parents-to-be.
• Gays With Kids' mission is to inspire, inform and guide gay, bi and trans men throughout their journey of family building.
• Men Having Babies hosts conferences worldwide to help men pursuing surrogacy, as well as financial grants.

Other trusted resources:

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
• Society For Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Most OB/GYNs or midwives will want to see you when you are between 8-10 weeks pregnant. We recommend calling them as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed to ensure you can schedule your first appointment in a timely manner.

Learn more about the fertility clinic to OB/GYN transition from Dr. Hurwitz and Dr. Ghofrany.

The answer to this will depend on your personal medical history.

To determine whether you need to transition to the care of a high-risk doctor (also known as a maternal fetal medicine specialist), you and your OB/GYN and/or your fertility doctor will assess your needs and have a conversation. If you’ve spent a long time trying to achieve a successful pregnancy and have had to undergo fertility treatment, you may assume that you need a high-risk doctor. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that you likely don’t need one! 

While getting pregnant might have been difficult, try to keep in mind that that was due to fertility struggles. Being pregnant may be a very different experience for you in comparison to your fertility journey.

Depending on your circumstances (i.e. your diagnosis and other factors), you may be able to conceive on your own after having a child with the help of fertility treatment. If you have blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve, or other functional challenges, you’re unlikely to conceive on your own without fertility treatment in the future.

Although around 17% of those who don’t succeed with IVF will conceive on their own within five years, the chances of that happening will depend on your individual situation. Also, keep in mind that five years is a long time in the world of fertility, so playing the "wait and see" game can diminish your chances should you need fertility treatment again.

Our advice? Go back to your fertility clinic for an evaluation if you think you want another child to ensure there aren't any major roadblocks in your way.

We will continue to see you at Illume Fertility until you are 8-9 weeks pregnant. At your last ultrasound with us, your physician will encourage you to make an appointment with your OB/GYN or midwife. Most OB/GYNs or midwives will want you to see you in their office between 8-10 weeks so that they can offer you first-trimester testing and get to know you.

Please be sure to sign a record release form at the front desk so that we can send your records to the OB/GYN or midwife in a timely manner.

Learn more about the fertility clinic to OB/GYN transition here.

Studies done have not shown that hair dying or bleaching causes birth defects. Most salons offer vegetable dyes that do not contain bleach, and some OB/GYNs prefer that you use these in the first trimester.

Ask your doctor for more specific guidance.

You can continue (or start) acupuncture treatment once pregnant. Acupuncture, as well as acupressure, may relieve many of the pregnancy-associated symptoms that people experience, such as joint pain, sciatica, and even nausea.

However, it is important to ensure that your acupuncturist specializes in women’s health, as there are certain acupressure points that may cause uterine cramping.

Ask your Nurse or Patient Navigator if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our acupuncturists at Illume Fertility.

Learn more about acupuncture and fertility here.

In medical terms, anyone over 35 years old is automatically labeled as having a "geriatric" pregnancy. This may also be referred to as "advanced maternal age." 

While this term is admittedly archaic and can feel a bit offensive, the most important thing to remember is that this is just a medical label.

There are a few things that may be done differently throughout your pregnancy because of some increased risks due to your age, including additional monitoring. But after all you’ve been through to get pregnant, you may actually appreciate the extra care!