What They Didn’t Tell You In School: Getting Pregnant Isn’t Always Easy!
1 in 6 people of reproductive age will experience infertility and need help in order to conceive.
Everyone knows someone who has had trouble conceiving.
An equal number of male and female patients have infertility.
• Infertility affects men as often as women
• ~40% of infertility cases are caused solely by male factor infertility
• An additional 10% of infertility cases are caused by a combination of male and female infertility
• Treatment for infertility should not begin until both partners are tested to avoid unnecessary treatment, cost, and time
Sex
Position Matters You Should Lay Down After Sex
Daily Sex Improves Chances of Conceiving
Time of Day Matters
Birth Control Affects Your Ability to Conceive Infertility is a Female Problem I’m Healthy So Age Doesn’t Matter If You Relax, You Will Get Pregnant
There are options to help almost anyone conceive!
In cases of LGBTQIA+ couples and solo parents by choice, donor options are available!
A person is born with as many eggs as their body will ever create.
This number declines with age. Egg quality also decreases as we age. By mid-to-late-30s, it is more likely to have errors in their genetic material, leading to an increased risk of conditions like Down Syndrome or early miscarriage.
In the mid-30s, the decline accelerates until around the age of 45 when there is nearly a 0% chance of conception.
As Egg Quantity and Quality Decline, So Does The Chance of Getting Pregnant
The Biological Clock Can Be Stressful!
When are you having kids?
Fun Fact: Lifespan of an egg is 12-24 hours and sperm is 3-5 days
Estrogen: It begins to rise in the first half of the cycle and peaks prior to ovulation. It is produced by the growing dominant follicle.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): It stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): When estrogen peaks, it causes an LH surge, which leads to ovulation. The surge means the egg will release within 24-36 hours.
Progesterone: Progesterone is important to prepare the uterus to receive an embryo.
Knowing when you’re ovulating can help you plan or prevent pregnancy and better understand your body’s natural rhythms.
Here’s how to identify when ovulation occurs:
• Track your menstrual cycle: Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your next period.
• Use ovulation predictor kits: These identify hormonal changes that signal ovulation by detecting LH. It’s usually best to catch this rise in urine in the evening (vs checking pregnancy tests in morning).
• Monitor your body's patterns: Subtle changes in temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs can provide clues.
Cycle Tracking Ovulation Tests
Basal Body Temperature
Changes in Cervical Mucus
Tender Breasts Increased Libido Ovulation Pain Cervical Position
Infertility is defined by the inability to conceive for patients having regular, unprotected intercourse in relation to the female partner’s age
It is recommended to see a fertility specialist:
When the female partner is under the age of 35
When female partner is between ages 35-39
When the female partner is 40 or older
Schedule an Fertility Testing Some might be required Goals Discuss your with your doctor for in-person or virtual
Appointment
The goal of the initial consultation is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
• Option for in-person or virtual appointment
• Discuss your medical history
• Review any completed fertility testing
• A meeting with your medical team to work out the details/next steps
• Overview of your insurance benefits and financial options
• Create a personalized action plan
Bloodwork
Ovarian Reserve Ultrasound
Ovarian Reserve
Saline
Sonohysterogram or Hysterosalpingogram Semen Analysis
And Abnormalities in the Uterus Fallopian Tube
Blockage or Abnormalities
Sperm count, Motility, and Morphology
• Every treatment plan is unique based on your individual circumstances.
• Approximately 50% of all treatment is a basic or “low-tech” form of treatment.
• We start with the most basic forms of treatment first, whenever possible.
• As a result, many patients begin with basic treatment, achieve a pregnancy, and never have a need for IVF or more advanced options.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
What is a referral?
• The act of one physician sending a patient to another physician for medical care.
• An actual referral slip that authorizes your visit to see a specialist.
When is a referral needed?
• Only if your insurance requires - such as plans with HMO or through Aetna.
• Can I see a specialist without a referral from my OB/GYN or primary care doctor?
• Yes! Nearly 50% of patients self-refer
Otherwise, a referral is not required.
• 90% of patients have some level of insurance coverage
• Initial consultation – most insurances cover this step
• Diagnostic testing - many insurances cover this step
• Medication
• Full or partial treatment benefits
90% of patients have coverage for the initial consultation
70% of patients have some level of coverage for fertility testing and treatment
Our goal is to offer you caring expertise through every step of your journey.
You will be assigned a financial coordinator who will:
• Navigate and learn what your insurance covers
• Share an estimated cost with you
• Provide resources to supplement costs that insurance doesn’t cover
• Answer all of your questions
There are programs, grants and lending options to assist with covering costs.
• Illinois is a mandated state for fertility coverage
• Not all employees in IL have IL based insurance
• Infertility coverage may include diagnosis only and not treatment
• Things to know:
• Different types of fertility coverage
• Break down of deductible, copays, coverage max
• Some insurers require pre-authorization (up to 15 business days)
