Frequently Asked Questions
How common is infertility?
The most recent estimates indicate that infertility affects over six million American women and men, which stands for nearly 10 percent of the population in their childbearing years.
Does a diagnosis of infertility mean I am sterile?
Infertility and sterility are two different problems. Just about 90 percent of all diagnosed infertility cases can be traced to specific causes, which allows the majority of couples to receive proper treatment to achieve pregnancy.
Does infertility only happen to women?
While many people associate infertility with women, it actually occurs evenly among both women and men.
How often should we have intercourse while trying to conceive?
A man's sperm can live between 48 and 72 hours in his partner's reproductive tract and can fertilize an egg at any time during that period of time. Sexual intercourse is appropriate every two to three days around the time of ovulation.
What affects the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg?
A man's semen quality and quantity may impact the ability of sperm to effectively fertilize a women's egg. While the movement of sperm plays an important role in fertilization, men with a low sperm count may have highly mobile sperm that may be fertile.
Do all infertility treatments involve "high-tech" or experimental procedures?
No. Most couples who undergo treatment for infertility use simple or "low-tech" procedures. Less then five percent of all couples that seek infertility treatment will undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and most of the major ART procedures, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), are common medical treatments.
How successful are treatments for infertility?
Advances in treatments have made pregnancy a reality for a majority of couples that are pursuing treatment for infertility. The success rate for couples who need assisted reproductive technology had dramatically improved over the years. In fact, the pregnancy rate for an ART series may surpass the monthly fertility rate for a majority of couples trying to conceive. While success rates vary from case to case, you should talk with your doctor more about treatment for your specific case.
Are there side effects associated with the use of hormonal therapies?
Studies have shown that hormonal therapies are effective and safe. Like any other prescribed medication, you may encounter some possible side effects. You should discuss with your physician the prescribed treatment and what, if any, side effects you may encounter. It is important to report all symptoms to your doctor as they will observe your response to the treatment.
How can I find out if my insurance plan will cover infertility treatment?
Many options of infertility treatment are simple, effective and reasonably inexpensive. If you are faced with fertility problems, you have a right to receive the benefits that your insurance carrier provides in your policy. It is a good idea to review your policy and request the proper information about your coverage options and limitations in writing from your insurance provider.
Some insurance carriers do not recognize infertility as a disease, while others classify it as medically acceptable and successful therapy is classified as "experimental." Then there are other companies that distinguish the workup and treatment course of action as "medically unnecessary." Taking the time to read over your policy and talking to your insurance company can help capitalize on the full coverage of your plan.
Each physician at Fertility Specialists of Houston has a designated financial specialist who is available to review the financial aspects of any treatment plan, and alternative financing opinions.
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