Infertility Treatment

At the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility, we believe that personal care is critical when identifying the causes that are preventing a pregnancy. We’ll work closely with you to ensure you know and understand your options, and support you in choosing the best treatment approach.

What is infertility? How do I know if I’m infertile?

People are considered to be infertile if they’re unable to get pregnant after one year of regular sexual intercourse. The timeframe is six months of regular intercourse if the female partner is more than 35 years old. Certain situations, such as women with very irregular periods or pre-existing problems with sperm or fallopian tubes, may justify earlier evaluation.

What causes infertility?

There are many causes of infertility, including blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, hormonal disorders, poor egg quality, abnormal menstrual cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), sexually transmitted infections and poor sperm production and quality. As a fertility center within a larger medical institution, we offer close access to teams of experts who can partner with our fertility specialists to help pinpoint causes of infertility.

How is infertility diagnosed?

Your doctor will recommend a medical work-up and fertility testing to help determine what is affecting your ability to become pregnant.

How is infertility treated?  

Your treatment will depend on what your evaluation reveals about the cause of your infertility. Your doctor will then discuss your treatment options, which may include:

• Medication, to better regulate or increase the number of eggs released by your ovaries
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Surgery, such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, to address abnormalities of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes

Coping with Infertility

An infertility diagnosis can be stressful and is known to increase a person’s likelihood for depression. There are many possible causes of infertility, and each one can feel deeply personal. The University of Chicago Medicine offers numerous resources, including referrals to mental health professionals, to help you process the many emotions you may experience during your effort to build a family.

Additionally, the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fertility is a proud member of Resolve, an infertility advocacy and support organization.