Fertility Library Summary & Frequently Asked Questions

Fertility FAQs

Read our most frequently asked questions about specific fertility treatments, cost, recovery time and donating eggs or sperm.

A little knowledge goes a long way. We encourage you to use our medical library as a helpful resource. It covers a wide range of topics, including defining infertility in women and men, conditions that affect fertility, explaining treatment options, fertility tests, preserving fertility before cancer treatment, and other information that will equip you for the road ahead.

And of course, our doctor and staff here at Servy Institute for Reproductive Endocrinology (S.I.R.E.) are always available to answer any questions you may have, and can help you make informed decisions about your fertility future.

Q: What defines infertility?

A: Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. One in seven couples has trouble conceiving, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). After one year of trying, a couple may need to have an infertility evaluation to evaluate a variety of factors for both the male and female partners.

Q: What is Female Infertility?

Female infertility is when a woman has fertility problems that may prevent pregnancy. Ovulation conditions and structural problems in the reproductive organs are two types of conditions that can contribute to infertility in women. Click Here to learn about how we treat female infertility.

Q: Does Intralipid or Hyaluronic Acid aid Implantation?

A: The functions of these uterine NK (uNK) cells are essentially unknown but available data point to a role in regulating placentation in concert with other elements of the decidua and invading trophoblast cells. Read Dr. Servy’s blog HERE to find out about why we aren’t using Hyaluronic Acid or Intralipid to aid implantation.

Q: Can Genes be Tested?

A: Genes carry instructions that control the development and function of the human body. A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a mutation in one gene, by mutations in multiple genes, by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors, or by damage to chromosomes (the structures that carry genes). Click HERE to learn about genetic testing.

Q: How does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause work?

Hormone replacement therapies, including hormone pellets, treat menopause symptoms, such as loss of energy, hot flashes and forgetfulness, by replacing female hormones. Click Here to learn more about hormone replacement treatments.

Q: What is Male Infertility?

A: Male infertility is more common than most people suspect and is almost as likely to be involved in a couple’s inability to achieve pregnancy as female infertility. Male infertility may be caused by genetics, lifestyle factors or a problem with the testes. Click here to learn about how to treat male infertility.

Q: Unexplained Infertility & Effective Fertility Treatments?

A: Unexplained infertility means a cause cannot be determined, a diagnosis up to 30% of infertile couples face. Learn about effectiveness of IVF in treating infertility.