Infertility FAQs

Common female infertility causes include aging, hormonal imbalances, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Lifestyle factors, like alcohol and tobacco use, or environmental toxin exposure, can also play a role. Female reproductive health is complex, and speaking with a fertility specialist can help you understand the nuances.

For successful fertilization, men need healthy, robust sperm that can bypass female reproductive system hurdles. Many biological and environmental factors may impact sperm count and quality, including genetic disorders, infections, hormonal imbalances, varicoceles (enlarged testicular veins), age, and lifestyle habits.

While fertility is complex, certain self-care measures may prove beneficial. These changes alone may not offer improvements, but women and men may experience valuable health outcomes. Possible lifestyle enhancements include exercising daily, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and tobacco, engaging in stress reduction techniques, and getting proper sleep.

Through technology and the expertise of fertility specialists, there are many ways to help people have children now, or preserve their future family-building options. These include:

• Ovulation induction is a method of using medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs (ovulation).
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI), is a fertility treatment where sperm is directly introduced into the woman's uterus around the time of ovulation.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF), the most effective treatment method, occurs when eggs and sperm provided by the aspiring parents or donors are merged in a laboratory to develop an embryo, which is then implanted into the recipient’s uterus.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a fertilization technique combined with IVF in which a tiny needle injects one sperm directly into an egg.
• Fertility preservation is a method enabling patients to postpone fertility by freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos through flash-freezing, or vitrification. It is typically used by those who want to postpone parenthood for life events, such as career, travel, or partnership. Patients dealing with health concerns that could impact their fertility, like cancer, may also undergo fertility preservation.
• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a breakthrough laboratory technique performed on embryos developed through IVF to determine their health and viability by evaluating them for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.

Third-party reproduction is a general term referring to processes where external individuals actively assist couples in their childbirth efforts. Patients may select such third-party techniques as donor egg, donor sperm, and embryo donation. Aspiring parents may also opt for gestational surrogacy, involving a woman carrying a baby, but with no biological connection. Pacific Fertility Center’s dedicated teams are available to help safely regulate third-party reproduction.

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for a smooth family-building journey. While success rates are important, they don't always reflect individual outcomes. Consider a clinic that utilizes evidence-based methods and advanced technologies, providing personalized care. Practical factors like location and cost are also significant. Equally vital is finding a clinic that offers compassionate support and creates a welcoming environment. Look for a clinic that addresses your concerns and provides inclusive care for a positive experience.

At Pacific Fertility Center, we prioritize excellence in patient care guided by the highest ethical standards. Our distinguished team of physicians boasts extensive clinical experience, exceptional academic credentials, and notable research contributions. Renowned nationally and internationally, our doctors have been consistently recognized as "Best Doctors in America" for their medical expertise and compassionate approach to patient care.

We offer a comprehensive range of fertility services tailored to meet your individual needs, including genetic testing, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, egg donation, and more.