Infertility FAQs

How common is infertility?

The most recent estimates indicate infertility affects over 6 million American women and men, which represents 10% of the population in their childbearing years.^[1]

Does a diagnosis of infertility mean I am sterile?

Infertility is not the same thing as sterility. About 90% of all diagnosed infertility cases can be traced to specific causes, which allows the majority of couples to receive appropriate treatment and achieve pregnancy.

Does infertility only happen to women?

While many people associate infertility with women, it actually occurs equally among both women and men.

When should I be worried about infertility?

For most couples attempting to become pregnant, the chance of achieving a successful pregnancy is about 25% during the first month of trying. By the end of the first year of trying, about 85-90% of couples will conceive. Couples should seek medical help if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse (6 months if the woman is over 35 years old). Women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, miscarriage, or irregular or painful menstrual cycles, or men with a known low sperm count, should also consult with their doctors.

What treatments are available for infertility?

Thanks to developments during the past decade, the majority of couples who seek medical attention for infertility are able to conceive. Treatments include hormonal therapies, surgical procedures, and assisited reproductive technology (ART), depending on the individual situation. Only your doctor can determine which treatment options are best for you and your partner.

Do infertility treatments result in the birth of more than one baby?

Most cases of successful treatment with either ovulation induction (OI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) result in the birth of a single baby. However, the chance for multiple births does increase in women who receive fertility treatments. Among pregnancies associated with the use of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction, 10% or less result in twins and less than 1% result in triplets or other multiple births. Out of all births achieved with IVF, approximately 25% are twins and approximately 5% are triplets or more. A couple should discuss concerns about multiple births with their fertility specialist who will be able to provide more detailed data on this issue and ways to minimize the risks of multiple births.

How often should we have intercourse while trying to conceive?

Sperm can live 48 to 72 hours in a woman's reproductive tract and can fertilize an egg at any time during this period. This is why sexual intercourse every two to three days around the time of ovulation is adequate.

What affects the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg?

Semen quality and quantity may impact the ability of sperm to successfully fertilize the egg. Sperm movement, or motility, is an important factor. Even with a low sperm count, men who have highly mobile sperm may still be fertile.

How long should I remain on clomiphene citrate therapy?

The majority of patients who respond to clomiphene citrate therapy do so during the first month of therapy. Experts recommend trying no more than six cycles of clomiphene citrate before reevaluating the diagnosis and considering other treatment options.^[2]

Do all treatments for infertility involve "high-tech" experimental procedures?

No. Many couples are successful in their attempts to conceive using relatively simple and "low-tech" procedures. Less than 5% of all couples seeking treatment will undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART).^[1] Most of the major ART procedures, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), are now established medical treatments and are no longer considered investigational or experimental.

How successful are treatments for infertility?

Improvements in medication, microsurgery, and in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) make pregnancy possible for a majority of the couples pursuing treatments. In particular, success rates have dramatically improved for couples who require ART. The pregnancy rate for an ART cycle approaches the monthly fertility rate for most couples. Talk to your doctor about your specific case. Success rates vary from patient to patient and from situation to situation.

How can I find out if my insurance plan will cover infertility treatment?

Today, many options for infertility treatment are effective, simple, and relatively inexpensive. If you are faced with fertility problems, keep in mind that you have a right to receive the benefits that your carrier provides in your policy. Whatever your policy states, there is often room for interpretation. What is not written into your policy is just as important as what is. It is a good idea to review your policy and request information about coverage options and limitations in writing from your insurance carrier.
Insurance coverage for infertility treatment has traditionally fallen into a "gray" area. Some insurance carriers do not recognize infertility as a disease. Others classify medically accepted and successful therapy as "experimental." Still others perceive the workup and treatment process as "medically unnecessary." Taking personal responsibility for evaluating your policy and questioning the contents will help you maximize your coverage.

Is ART considered experimental therapy?

No. For well over a decade, IVF, GIFT, donor oocytes, embryo cryopreservation, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have been considered nonexperimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the leading professional organization for reproductive endocrinologists and biologists in the U.S. Success rates are continually improving, and in many cases exceed the pregnancy rates expected for normally fertile couples.

Are there side effects associated with the use of hormonal therapies?

Clinical studies have shown that hormonal therapies are safe and effective. However, as with all prescription medications, there are possible side effects. Your doctor will discuss potential side effects as well as monitor your response to therapy. Remember, too, that it is important to report all symptoms to your physician.

[1] American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Frequently asked questions about infertility: A fact sheet. Available at www.asrm.org/Patients/faqs.html. Accessed May 6, 2003.

[2] The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Use of clomiphene citrate in women. Fertil Steril 2003;80:1302-1308.