FAQs

No, infertility is a medical problem that affects both men and women. Approximately 35% of infertility is due to a female factor and 35% is due to a male factor. In the balance of cases, infertility results from problems in both partners or in some cases, the cause of infertility cannot be explained.

In general, if you are less than 35 years old and have been trying for more than one year you should schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist.

If you are more than 35 years old we would like to see you after at least six months of properly timed, sexual intercourse. However, if you have a reason to suspect you may have a problem getting pregnant such as a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular menstrual cycles, or if your partner has a low sperm count, you should seek help sooner.

Many couples have a hard time admitting that there may be a fertility issue, but be reassured there are many things we can do to help you build your family.

The most fertile time of a woman’s cycle is just before or on the day of ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs two 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 women with 28-day cycles.

A good indicator that you are ovulating (necessary for becoming pregnant) is getting your menstrual cycle regularly. Counting as day one from the first day that you have a full flow of blood until the next day of full flow will tell you how many days are in your menstrual cycle.

Generally speaking, having a 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 if you do need to see a fertility specialist.

Using an ovulation predictor kit can tell you more accurately whether you are ovulating or not. You can purchase them over the counter at a pharmacy and at major retail drug stores. See above for details regarding ovulation predictors, but please remember that they are not 100% accurate. If your period is irregular, make an appointment to be seen by a fertility specialist.

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, and possibly male hormone levels
• 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 evaluate if the female partner's fallopian tubes are open
• Transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the normal appearance of the uterus and ovaries in the woman

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 and fertility here.

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 thinking about conceiving or already actively trying, start working on the 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
• Create your support system
• Choose the right doctor for you and schedule your consult to get started with the process

• Explore our Learning Center 
• Ask your doctor for recommendations!
• Join support groups at Illume Fertility or your clinic.
• RESOLVE (The National Infertility Association) has many different resources on various topics related to infertility, and support groups in many areas.
• The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Society For Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) all offer resources and information on infertility.

Most OB/GYNs or midwives will want to see you when you are between 8-10 weeks pregnant, so we recommend calling them soon after 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 here.

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, 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.

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

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 the next time on your own without fertility treatment.

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 each 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 be sure 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 appointment, 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 8-13 weeks so that they can offer you first-trimester testing.

Please be sure to sign a record release form at the front desk so that we can send your blood results to your 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 color or bleaching can cause 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, and 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 (also referred to as "advanced maternal age"). 

One very important thing to remember is that this is mainly a 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!

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