How Common is Infertility?

Infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide (WHO). In the United States, 1 in 5 (19%) of married women aged 15 to 49 with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after 1 year of trying. About 1 in 4 (26%) of women in this group have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term (CDC). Many people pursue assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a fertility specialist. In 2023, 42 percent of U.S. adults had used fertility treatments, or knew someone who used fertility treatments (PEW). Over 100,000 babies have been born in the U.S. using ART, and the numbers will continue to rise.

Who Might Benefit From an Infertility Evaluation or Treatment?

If you’re trying to get pregnant and it isn’t happening as quickly as you hoped, you’re not alone. Even for young, fertile couples, the chance of conceiving in any single cycle is about 20% to 37% (ASRM). Fertility can be affected by many factors, including age, underlying health conditions, weight, genetics, and infections. A fertility evaluation can help clarify what’s going on and what options make the most sense for you.

• You’ve been trying for 12 months (or you want guidance sooner based on age or medical history).
• Your periods are irregular or you suspect you’re not ovulating regularly.
• You’ve had endometriosis, PCOS (newly renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS) , pelvic infections, or prior pelvic/abdominal surgery.
• There’s a known sperm factor or a history of low sperm count/motility.
• You’ve had miscarriages or difficulty carrying a pregnancy.

Fertility care is customized and personalized, and the right next step depends on your goals and your test results. Your clinic may recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) (sometimes called artificial insemination), donor egg or donor sperm services, or in vitro fertilization (IVF). These options are often grouped under assisted reproductive technology (ART), which is an umbrella term for treatments that help people conceive.

What Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a fertility treatment in which eggs are collected and fertilized in a lab to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the uterus. A fertility specialist ,called a reproductive endocrinologist, reviews your medical, fertility, and family history and recommends a plan. While IVF protocols vary from person to person, most cycles include the steps below.

• Medications (Ovarian Stimulation) – You take fertility medications to help multiple eggs mature during the IVF cycle.
• Monitoring and Planning the Retrieval – Your care team monitors how you respond to medications and how follicles are growing (often with ultrasound and bloodwork). When follicles reach the mature range, the clinic schedules your egg retrieval date.
• Egg Retrieval – When the eggs are ready, you’re typically given light sedation. A physician retrieves fluid and eggs from the follicles, and an embryologist confirms the total number of eggs retrieved.
• Fertilization and Embryo Development – Eggs are fertilized in the lab using sperm from a partner or a donor, then, the lab team monitors fertilization and embryo development over several days.
• Optional Genetic Testing (PGT) – Some patients choose preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). If PGT is done, embryos are frozen after biopsy while you wait for results.
• Embryo Transfer – An embryo is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. Many clinics recommend transferring one embryo to reduce the chance of multiples. Extra embryos may be frozen for future use.
• Pregnancy Testing and Follow-Up – A blood test is often done about two weeks after egg retrieval to check for pregnancy. If it’s positive, your clinic will typically schedule follow-up testing and early ultrasounds.

Looking for a Compassionate Fertility Clinic in Virginia?

GIVF Fertility’s highly experienced physicians, staff, and embryologists provide compassion, knowledge, and a comprehensive approach to help our patients succeed in building their families. If you’re looking for fertility specialists with a history of excellence and personalized care, call 703-698-7355 or visit us at www.givffertility.com. We look forward to being a part of your parenting journey.