Building Families

It is not uncommon for a couple to experience difficulties getting pregnant. Since the cause of infertility can be a male and/or female problem, it is very important to complete a thorough evaluation of both partners prior to beginning any treatment. As partners age, the quality of eggs (oocytes) and sperm can be negatively impacted. Egg and sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is an option for preserving the ability to become biological parents in the future, reducing the concern gamete quality issues might pose with age.

We highly recommend pursuing evaluation by an infertility specialist sooner rather than later vs consulting an OB/Gyn physician for infertility. Valuable time and opportunity for successful treatment can be lost if there is delay in seeking assistance by a certified fertility specialist. There is often a presumption infertility treatment will be very expensive. Frequently, we are able to help couples conceive without the need for more costly treatment.

Initial evaluation of the female typically involves reviewing past medical history, hormone testing, genetic screening, an evaluation of the female reproductive anatomy through vaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and/or saline infused sonogram (SSG). Kruger semen analysis and past medical history are used to help evaluate the male partner.

Once the cause(s) of infertility is/are diagnosed, our infertility specialists tailor a treatment plan to help give the best chances of success for a pregnancy using an approach that begins with the most cost-effective and least invasive options (such as timed intercourse, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI)) utilizing more advanced treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), only if needed.

Single women with a desire to conceive or to preserve future fertility can utilize intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor sperm or use of frozen eggs (cryopreserved oocytes) to achieve a pregnancy.

An initial evaluation is completed including review of past medical history. Hormone testing, genetic screening, an evaluation of the female reproductive anatomy through vaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), saline infused sonogram (SSG) and other testing may also be recommended based on history and situation.

Once testing is completed, our infertility specialists tailor a treatment plan to help give the best chances of success for pregnancy using an approach that begins with the most cost-effective and least invasive options.

As women age, the quality of eggs (oocytes) reduces decreasing chances for successful conception. Egg freezing (Cryopreservation of eggs) is an option for women to preserve eggs prior to deteriorating quality issues due to age. Egg freezing allows patients to plan for the future at a younger age regardless of relationship status until they are in a place to pursue a pregnancy. Options would then include use of sperm from a partner or donated sperm with IUI or IVF.

We highly recommend consulting an infertility specialist sooner rather than later vs consulting an OB/Gyn physician when desiring children. Valuable time and opportunity for successful treatment can be lost if there is delay in seeking assistance by a certified fertility specialist.

We believe every child should be born into a loving home. Our fertility specialists and teams work hard to offer a welcoming, supportive environment to help build LGBTQ+ families. Options typically utilized by LGBTQ+ couples to achieve a pregnancy include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). LGBTQ+ family building includes third-party reproduction services such as egg and sperm donation and use of surrogates (gestational carriers – link to more info).

Fertility Options for Lesbian Couples

Lesbian couples can use donated sperm through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to achieve a pregnancy. Our fertility specialists help couples decide who will carry the baby, who will provide the eggs (oocytes), and can refer to a reputable sperm bank. Our team can also refer patients to local attorneys who can help with legal assistance through this process.

The carrying partner will complete an initial evaluation including a review of past medical history, hormone testing, uterine evaluation, and other recommended tests. If one partner decides to carry and the other to donate eggs, the donating partner would also complete a review of medical history, hormone testing, and other recommended tests.

Once testing is completed, our infertility specialists tailor a treatment plan to help give the best chances of success for a pregnancy using an approach that begins with the most cost-effective and least invasive options, using either IUI or IVF.

We highly recommend consulting an infertility specialist sooner rather than later vs consulting an OB/Gyn physician when desiring children. Valuable time and opportunity for successful treatment can be lost if there is delay in seeking assistance by a certified fertility specialist as quality of eggs is negatively impacted as a woman ages decreasing chances of successful pregnancy. Women wanting to preserve future fertility have the option of freezing their eggs (oocyte cryopreservation).

Fertility Options for Gay Couples

Gay couples wanting to have a baby will require a surrogate and egg donor to help grow their family. Our fertility specialists can help couples decide whose sperm to use, how to secure an egg donor, and can refer to reputable organizations to find a surrogate to carry the baby. Our team can also refer patients to local attorneys who can help with legal assistance through this process.

A semen analysis is completed on the partner(s) providing the sperm to ensure motility, volume and concentration offers the best chances for desired outcome. Sperm from one or both intended parents may be used.

Sperm is then used to fertilize donor eggs and the embryos formed are transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.

Since age negatively impacts quality of sperm, we strongly suggest a fertility specialist is consulted sooner rather than later to ensure best chances of fathering a biological child. Sperm can be frozen (cryopreserved) for later use.