[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"custom","font":"rgb(255,255,255)","header":"rgb(0,0,0)","background":"rgba(0,0,0,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"rgb(204,204,204)","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[],"activeLanguages":{"fr-CA":"Français (Canada)","es":"Español","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["en","es","fr-CA"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":false,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":false,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":false,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":24894},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":24894},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#Younger people who are thinking about their ovarian reserve as they age. (The number and quality of eggs goes down with age, so egg freezing tends to be used by people under 35.)":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Egg freezing</strong> can be an option for:":1,"#Who uses these options?":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Embryo banking </strong>allows you to retrieve eggs (like with egg freezing). Then, in a lab, those eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos that are frozen for the future. It is commonly done during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.":1,"#The egg freezing process involves daily hormone injections, ultrasounds and bloodwork to monitor progress, and a procedure under anesthesia to retrieve the eggs.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Egg freezing </strong>(also known as egg banking or oocyte cryopreservation) allows you to retrieve unfertilized eggs and store them for future use.":1,"#Egg freezing and embryo banking are very different. Let’s walk through what they are and how to compare your options.":1,"#seated woman contemplating":1,"#And remember, your Progyny Care Advocate is always here to support your journey and answer questions along the way.":1,"#What is egg freezing and embryo banking?":1,"#Choosing egg freezing or embryo banking is a personal choice. But you don’t have to think through everything alone. When you meet with a reproductive endocrinology specialist, you can discuss your goals, health history, and values. They’ll help you explore your options and decide the right path for you.":1,"#Making an informed decision":1,"#Costs vary based on the specific services you choose, but your Progyny Care Advocate can walk you through the details.":1,"#Embryo banking is more expensive at the start since it involves fertilizing the eggs with sperm and developing an embryo(s). Future costs include storage and frozen embryo transfer to the uterus.":1,"#Egg freezing tends to be lower cost at the start because it has fewer steps. Future costs will include thawing and fertilizing the eggs followed by growing embryos in the lab.":1,"#Your Progyny benefit eases many concerns about cost, but it’s important to understand.":1,"#Costs":1,"#In terms of live birth success rates, neither egg freezing nor embryo banking can guarantee that an embryo will develop and end with a live birth. Your age at the time of treatment is one of the best predictors of future pregnancy. (Younger people have higher success rates.)":1,"#Not all eggs or embryos survive the thawing process. Egg freezing has a lower survival rate than embryo banking. Since not all eggs thaw, fertilize, or develop as hoped, many eggs are frozen to increase the chances of success.":1,"#Both frozen eggs and embryos can be safely stored until they’re ready to be used. (They can be frozen for any length of time.)":1,"#They <em ljsid-1=\"\">sound </em>similar, and they both offer flexibility for growing your family. But egg freezing and embryo banking are very different. Let’s walk through what they are and how to compare your options.":1,"#During your initial consultation, be sure to talk with your doctor to share your goals and understand success rates for your unique situation.":1,"#Everyone’s journey is different, and your feelings are valid. Your thoughts and emotions may also change throughout the process, and that’s OK. Talking with your healthcare team or a fertility counselor can help you think things through. This is a big decision, and you have a supportive team on your side.":1,"#Egg banking may ease some of these concerns for some people since it involves preserving eggs rather than embryos.":1,"#Embryo banking raises ethical and emotional considerations. Some people may feel a strong attachment to their embryos and may struggle with the idea of discarding unused embryos.":1,"#Ethical and emotional considerations":1,"#People or couples undergoing IVF who wish to store embryos for future pregnancies.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Embryo banking </strong>may be an option for:":1,"#Egg freezing allows reproductive freedom for people who are not in a committed relationship or in case a relationship ends.":1,"#Trans people who wish to preserve their fertility":1,"#People with conditions that may affect their fertility (such as endometriosis) or who are having treatments for cancer":1,"#If you’re facing fertility challenges or are interested in preserving your fertility, you may have heard of egg freezing (also called egg banking) and embryo banking.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — November 2025.":1,"#El beneficio de Progyny solo está disponible a través de los beneficios patrocinados por su organización o la de su pareja y debe estar inscrito en un plan de salud elegible. Si no tiene acceso al beneficio de Progyny, ahora es el momento de iniciar la conversación. ¿Sabía que el 64 % de las organizaciones que ofrecen un beneficio de fertilidad lo hacen porque un empleado lo solicitó? Inicie la conversación <a ljsid-1=\"\">con estos recursos</a>.":1,"#Progyny está incluido en los beneficios de salud de su organización cuando está inscrito en un plan elegible. Es posible que tenga responsabilidad financiera (o gastos de bolsillo) por ciertos servicios, según su plan de salud. Para obtener más información, llame a su Defensor de Atención de Progyny (PCA). También puede <a ljsid-1=\"\">Mira este seminario web</a> para obtener más información sobre los aspectos financieros del tratamiento de fertilidad y qué esperar al utilizar el beneficio de Progyny.":1,"#Más nacimientos vivos<sup ljsid-1=\"\">3</sup>":1,"#Menos abortos espontáneos<sup ljsid-1=\"\">2</sup>":1,"#In a chemical pregnancy, there’s enough hCG to get a positive test, but the pregnancy stops growing before anything can be seen on an ultrasound. The test may come back negative a few days or weeks later.":1,"#After an egg is fertilized, your body starts to make a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is tested by urine and blood pregnancy tests and is often the first and earliest evidence of a pregnancy. Pregnancy tests become positive at much lower levels of hCG than when a pregnancy can be identified on an ultrasound.":1,"#A chemical pregnancy from unassisted conception means that fertilization happened and the embryo started to implant in the uterus. In fertility treatments, fertilization occurs in a lab and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. A chemical pregnancy in both cases suggests early embryo attachment.":1,"#A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that happens before the fifth week of pregnancy. It usually happens around the time of your expected period, so you may not even know you were pregnant. If you’ve had more than one loss, schedule a visit to talk about it with your healthcare provider.":1,"#Genetic/chromosomal differences":1,"#Hormonal issues that create luteal phase defects":1,"#What is a chemical pregnancy?":1,"#With this, there is a reduced or loss of ovarian function prior to age 40. As the ovarian follicle count goes down, falling estrogen levels lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms.":1,"#Sometimes, people with delayed periods may be evaluated for a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature ovarian failure (POF).":1,"#Hormonal conditions impacting body mass index (BMI)":1,"#When trying to conceive, it is important to determine whether one is successfully ovulating each month. That’s because anovulation or other ovulatory conditions may play a role in a missed period and can affect your efforts to conceive.":1,"#Most brands of home pregnancy tests say to wait until the first day of your missed period to test. Remember, hCG rises differently in each person. Test again in one week if pregnancy is suspected.":1,"#Using digital apps for menstrual cycle tracking or ovulation prediction kits (OPKs) can help people get a firm grasp on their menstrual cycle to predict when they are most likely to ovulate.":1,"#The average menstrual cycle is 28 days but can still be considered regular if your period arrives either seven days before or after the 28-day mark. There are many things impacting hormones that may cause cycles to vary slightly in length from month to month: stress, life events, dietary habits or nutritional conditions, over exercising, the lunar cycle, etc.":1,"#If you are trying to conceive and your period is more than one week late with a negative pregnancy test, consider consulting a healthcare provider for a thorough fertility diagnostic evaluation.":1,"#For couples trying to conceive, a missed period is often the first exciting sign of a positive pregnancy. But what if the pregnancy test is negative? There are many possible explanations.":1,"#What a missed period and negative pregnancy test could mean":1,"#Some egg banks offer financing options or payment plans, which can help manage the financial aspect of fertility treatments. Be sure to review <a ljsid-1=\"\">Progyny’s in-network tissue banks for purchase of donor eggs (or sperm).</a>":1,"#An egg bank should provide you with a complete cost for using its donor eggs. This includes the price of the donor eggs, as well as additional fees for storage, thawing, shipping, and related services.":1,"#Clear cost structure":1,"#Comprehensive donor profiles with detailed medical and personal information are essential for making an informed choice.":1,"#An egg bank with a broad and varied selection of donors increases the chances you’ll find a donor who meets your criteria. Look for diversity in terms of ethnicity, physical characteristics, educational backgrounds, and personal interests.":1,"#Large and diverse donor pools":1,"#To get a better idea of how an individual facility stacks up, compare its rates to national averages and other egg banks you’re considering. For help understanding the data, review it with your healthcare team and ask any questions you have.":1,"#Success rates reflect the number of successful pregnancies and live births through an egg bank’s donor eggs. Success rates are a strong indicator of the egg bank’s performance.":1,"#If you’ve decided to use a donor egg for your journey to pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right egg bank.":1,"#scientist handling specimens in lab setting":1,"#If you have questions, please reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’re here to help guide you!":1,"#By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can select an egg bank that meets your needs and enhances your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.":1,"#Look for egg banks that perform extensive medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations to ensure the health and suitability of their donors. It’s important that donors are re-screened frequently to maintain high standards.":1,"#Careful donor screening":1,"#If you’ve decided to use a donor egg for your journey to pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right egg bank. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a high-quality facility that meets your needs.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team and reviewed by Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny — November 2025. If […]":1,"#3 ways to take control of your fertility wellness":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — December 2025. When you’re trying to get pregnant, it can feel like so […]":1,"#Taking charge of your reproductive health":1,"#In a typical menstrual cycle, the brain sends signals to the ovaries to grow and release one egg. With PCOS, the ovaries do not respond as they should. Several small follicles may form, but no single follicle grows enough to release an egg.":1,"#How PCOS affects ovulation":1,"#Many people with PCOS are also at risk for insulin resistance. This means the body does not use insulin well, which can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems.":1,"#Ovaries with many small fluid-filled sacs (follicles)":1,"#High levels of testosterone or other androgens":1,"#Irregular or missed menstrual cycles":1,"#PCOS is often defined by three main signs:":1,"#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about 10% of people with ovaries.":1,"#PCOS affects more than fertility. It is linked to health concerns involving metabolism, the heart, skin, and mental health. Because of this, many people work with a team of healthcare providers to support their overall health.":1,"#Beyond fertility":1,"#PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among people with ovaries of reproductive age, affecting 5% to 15% worldwide. It affects all races and ethnicities.":1,"#Yes. Infertility with PCOS is often caused by irregular ovulation, but this can be treated with medications that help the ovaries release eggs. For some people, lifestyle changes — such as weight loss — may restore regular cycles and improve the chance of pregnancy. Not everyone with PCOS will have trouble getting pregnant.":1,"#Can you get pregnant with PCOS?":1,"#The ovaries often make higher levels of androgens, which can affect egg development and ovulation. When the body does not use insulin well, insulin levels rise. This can trigger the ovaries to make more androgens. Some research suggests that long-term, low-grade inflammation may cause the ovaries to make more androgens.":1,"#Other factors":1,"#It often runs in families, which suggests a genetic role. But there is no single PCOS gene. Researchers believe genetics, as well as prenatal and environmental factors, may all play a part.":1,"#Genetic links":1,"#The cause of PCOS is not fully understood. It is called a syndrome because it involves a group of symptoms, not one single condition.":1,"#What causes PCOS?":1,"#Some people with a high number of eggs (ovarian reserve) may have ovaries that look similar to PCOS on ultrasound. That’s why diagnosis should include symptoms, not ultrasound findings alone.":1,"#On an ultrasound, these small follicles may look like a “string of pearls.” The name can be confusing. PCOS does not mean the ovaries have large cysts. Instead, the ovaries have many small follicles that hold eggs. Without regular ovulation, periods may be irregular or absent.":1,"#The exact cause is not known, but PCOS happens when hormones are out of balance. These imbalances affect how the ovaries grow and release eggs, making it harder to become pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common and treatable causes of infertility.":1,"#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about 10% of people with ovaries during their reproductive years.":1,"#default_cursor":1,"#Postpartum psychosis":1,"#Postpartum depression often shows up as persistent sadness, anxiety, or despair that makes it hard to function. Unlike the baby blues, it doesn’t resolve on its own and can start any time in the first year after delivery. Talking with your healthcare provider is the best way to confirm what’s happening and get the right support and treatment.":1,"#If emotional changes are more intense, last longer, or interfere with daily life, they may signal postpartum depression. About 1 in 8 women experience this condition, and rates can be higher among transgender and nonbinary parents or anyone with a history of depression.":1,"#Postpartum depression":1,"#For many new parents, the first sign of these hormonal shifts is the “baby blues.” This short-term condition is very common, affecting up to 80% of people who give birth. Symptoms may include mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety. While unsettling, these feelings usually fade on their own within about two weeks.":1,"#Baby blues":1,"#These dramatic changes play a major role in your physical recovery and mood. They can contribute to common experiences like the “baby blues” and, in some cases, more serious mood disorders that may appear later in the postpartum period.":1,"#newborn with extended family":1,"#The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support in English and Spanish, with interpreters available in more than 60 languages. The <a ljsid-1=\"\">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a> also offers helpful videos.":1,"#Non-emergency support":1,"#If you are in mental health distress or having thoughts of suicide, call <strong ljsid-1=\"\">911 </strong>or dial <strong ljsid-3=\"\">988 </strong>to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.":1,"#Emergency support":1,"#Support is available":1,"#Every postpartum experience is different. Whether this is your first child or your third, you may face new highs and lows. During this transition, give yourself compassion, ask for help when you need it, and take things one day at a time.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Lean on your support system</strong>. Parenting can feel isolating. Reach out to family, friends, or other parents. Accept help from those you trust — whether that’s watching the baby for an hour or bringing a meal.":1,"#After childbirth, your hormone levels shift rapidly, and these changes affect both your body and your emotions. Oxytocin and endorphins often rise, which can strengthen bonding and help reduce stress. At the same time, estrogen and progesterone drop sharply once the placenta is delivered.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Take care of yourself</strong>. Prioritizing rest, nourishing foods, and movement (as recommended by your provider) supports both recovery and mental health.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Give yourself time to adjust</strong>. It can take weeks or months to settle into your new role. If you have older children, they will need time to adjust, too. It’s normal to miss parts of your old routine or struggle to feel like yourself.":1,"#Here are some steps that can help:":1,"#In the weeks and months after delivery, many physical symptoms improve, and your body may start to feel more like itself. But recovery is more than physical — caring for a newborn is mentally and emotionally demanding, especially if this is your first time.":1,"#Hormonal changes, pain, and lack of sleep all influence postpartum mental health. With time, medical care, and emotional support, most people begin to feel better. Recovery looks different for everyone, so give yourself patience and grace — healing after childbirth takes time.":1,"#Healing and support":1,"#While emotions are shifting, your body is also healing from delivery. Whether vaginal or cesarean, recovery can bring pain or discomfort, and sleep deprivation can make these challenges feel harder. If discomfort is prolonged or prevents you from daily tasks, speak with your provider about ways to manage it safely.":1,"#Physical recovery":1,"#In rare cases, hormonal and emotional changes can lead to postpartum psychosis, which affects about 1 to 2 in 1,000 births. This serious condition may cause hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion. Because symptoms can appear suddenly and escalate quickly, postpartum psychosis is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate care.":1,"#Hormonal changes after birth":1,"#Becoming a parent is a major life change. Whether you are a first-time parent or welcoming another child, it can take time to adjust to life with a new baby.":1,"#They could try another retrieval the following month or convert from IVF to IUI. They called their Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) at Progyny to figure out their options. Kelly explains, “It was great to know that we only used a fraction of our points for the stimulation cycle and weren’t ‘out anything’ for the retrieval that wouldn’t be happening. And that we could easily convert it to the IUI and still have plenty of points left on our plan to do additional IVF cycles, which we assumed we would be needing after that.” So, after talking it through, they decided to try one more IUI.":1,"#In general, people who have higher AMH levels require less medicine for stimulation and often generate a larger quantity of eggs. AMH levels continue to drop as a person with a uterus ages, and trend toward “0” at the time of menopause.":1,"#There are age-specific averages for AMH levels. It is important to know that AMH levels do not predict pregnancy success. AMH levels can predict response at the time of an <a ljsid-1=\"\">egg freezing cycle</a> or an <a ljsid-3=\"\">IVF</a> cycle.":1,"#AMH is thought to be a more reliable predictor of ovarian reserve. That’s because the levels stay mainly consistent throughout the menstrual cycle and can be tested on any day. The higher the AMH, in theory, the higher the number of eggs. The lower it is, the lower the number of eggs.":1,"#The level of FSH in the body can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and therefore FSH levels are usually tested on day 2 or 3 of a menstrual period.":1,"#FSH is a hormone that stimulates the ovary to release an egg (ovulate). With diminished ovarian reserve, the ovary signals to the brain to produce higher quantities of FSH. Therefore, a <a ljsid-1=\"\">high level of FSH likely indicates a low ovarian reserve</a>.":1,"#Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) screening":1,"#Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, but luckily there are various screenings that can help diagnose issues. Results from an ovarian reserve test help determine how many eggs remain. It can also guide reproductive planning, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing.":1,"#Testing ovarian reserve: FSH, AMH, and AFC":1,"#Your healthcare team will do tests to make sure IUI is an appropriate option. This may involve blood tests, ultrasounds, and a semen analysis.":1,"#Specific causes of infertility such endometriosis, problems with the cervix, problems with ovulation":1,"#People using donor sperm (same-sex couples or single parents)":1,"#Male infertility":1,"#People with unexplained infertility":1,"#IUI is sometimes the first treatment for:":1,"#Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which sperm is placed in the uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy.":1,"#Who might do IUI?":1,"#Talk to your healthcare team to understand if IUI is a good option for you and your family-building goals. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to support you.":1,"#Success rates vary based on your age and health background. For people under 35, it may be up to 10% or 15%. For people over 40, the rate is lower.":1,"#You can take an at-home pregnancy test 2 weeks after the IUI. Don’t test too soon — your results might be inaccurate.":1,"#When will I know if it worked?":1,"#You’ll rest on your back for a short while, and then you can go about your day. You may have light spotting or cramping.":1,"#The tube is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix, and to the uterus to release the sperm close to the egg. This only takes a few minutes.":1,"#Semen is prepared and placed in a thin tube. The healthiest sperm are ready to make their journey!":1,"#The day after your trigger shot, it’s time for the IUI procedure.":1,"#IUI is timed with your menstrual cycle. The sperm is placed at the time when the ovary releases an egg. Sometimes, medicine is used to help the body produce eggs.":1,"#The IUI procedure":1,"#When the egg is mature, you may be given a <strong ljsid-1=\"\">trigger shot</strong> of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This medicine helps make sure the egg is ready at the right time. A trigger shot can be used in both natural and medicated cycles.":1,"#An ultrasound will show images of the ovaries and egg growth.":1,"#A kit will tell you the timing by detecting an “LH surge.” (LH is a hormone released before an egg is released.)":1,"#With either cycle option, you’ll need to know when the egg is mature. It’s often around day 11 or 12, but you’ll use an ovulation predictor kit at home or go to the clinic for a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm.":1,"#Timing is important":1,"#In a <strong ljsid-1=\"\">medicated cycle</strong>, you’ll take fertility medicine to help your ovaries grow eggs. Starting around day 3 of your cycle, you’ll take medicine (often clomiphene citrate or letrozole, taken in pill form) for 5 days.":1,"#In a <strong ljsid-1=\"\">natural cycle</strong>, the procedure is timed based on your body’s ovulation (release of an egg).":1,"#There are 2 cycle options with IUI. Your team will walk you through the details, what to expect, and what’s best for you.":1,"#How does IUI work?":1,"#Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which sperm is placed in the uterus to increase the chance of pregnancy. You may have heard it called artificial insemination.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — October 2025.":1,"#Amount you may be expected to pay is approximately: $2125 to $2597":1,"#Amount you may be expected to pay is approximately: $1865 to $2279":1,"#Progyny members can contact Progyny at <a ljsid-1=\"\">888.597.5065</a> or via their employer specific phone number to learn more about your employer-specific benefit and available care options.":1,"#Your OB-GYN can help you get started by checking your risk factors, answering your questions, and beginning basic fertility tests. They may also work with an REI for more expert care if needed.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — October 2025. Trying to conceive can be a deep personal journey. For many […]":1,"#Fertility testing and treatment can feel overwhelming. Asking questions, understanding your options, and finding a care team you trust can help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to try or already exploring treatment, you’re not alone — support and solutions are available.":1,"#Taking the next step":1,"#Assisted reproductive techniques like ICSI used in conjunction with IVF":1,"#Testicular sperm extraction (TESE)":1,"#Reproductive endocrinologists (REIs) are medical doctors who complete specialized training in reproductive medicine after a residency in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN).":1,"#Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA)":1,"#Percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA)":1,"#Varicocele repair or sperm retrieval procedures such as:":1,"#Supplements such as zinc, selenium, CoQ10, or antioxidants (if advised by your provider)":1,"#Treatments for sperm health include:":1,"#Donor or gestational carrier options, as recommended by your care team":1,"#Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (used with IVF when indicated)":1,"#In vitro fertilization (IVF)":1,"#Surgical procedures: To treat endometriosis, remove fibroids, or correct blockages":1,"#Specialists who can help":1,"#Ovulation induction: Medications to stimulate or regulate ovulation":1,"#Treatments typically used when egg or uterine factors are involved:":1,"#Medical and procedural treatments":1,"#Incorporating stress-reduction practices such as yoga or mindfulness":1,"#Achieving a healthy body weight":1,"#Stopping smoking or substance use":1,"#Adjusting timing and frequency of intercourse":1,"#Healthy daily habits can support fertility for anyone trying to conceive. Your provider may recommend:":1,"#Lifestyle and timing":1,"#Each fertility journey is unique. A treatment that works for one person or couple may not be right for another. Trust your care team to personalize your plan based on your results, health, and goals.":1,"#Your age, health history, and any past surgeries or conditions may also affect when you should get checked. Your provider might recommend that you start testing earlier. A full evaluation can find possible causes of infertility, but sometimes no clear reason is found. This is called unexplained infertility, or subfertility.":1,"#Your doctor will choose the most relevant tests for your situation.":1,"#Genetic testing or testicular biopsy, when indicated":1,"#Scrotal ultrasound or hormone testing":1,"#Advanced testing: DNA fragmentation, leukocyte screening, or anti-sperm antibodies":1,"#Semen analysis: Sperm count, motility, volume, and morphology":1,"#Testing for those with sperm may include:":1,"#Pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or laparoscopy":1,"#Hormone and genetic screening":1,"#Ovulation assessment: Menstrual history, basal body temperature, progesterone levels, and luteinizing hormone testing":1,"#Ovarian reserve testing: Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count":1,"#To support more people, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine expanded the definition of infertility. This helps those using donor sperm, donor eggs, or a gestational carrier get fertility care sooner.":1,"#Uterine and tubal evaluation: Hysterosalpingogram, saline sonohysterogram, or hysteroscopy":1,"#Testing for those with ovaries may include:":1,"#A fertility workup helps identify the underlying causes and guide next steps.":1,"#Testing and evaluation":1,"#Older paternal age can affect sperm quality and fertility potential":1,"#Medications, recreational drugs, smoking, or excess alcohol use":1,"#Genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis":1,"#Hormonal or medical conditions such as diabetes":1,"#Past surgeries or vasectomy":1,"#Erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues":1,"#Infertility is usually defined as not getting pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. This is based on the idea that most heterosexual couples (about 85%) will conceive within a year. But this definition doesn’t fit everyone. For people who don’t have both egg and sperm — like same-sex couples or single parents by choice — infertility can be based on their situation, and help may be needed from the beginning.":1,"#Sperm abnormalities, such as issues with count, shape, or movement":1,"#Common sperm factors":1,"#Egg quantity and quality decline with age, though the rate varies by individual":1,"#Medications or drugs that interfere with fertility":1,"#Endocrine disorders that affect reproductive hormones":1,"#Congenital abnormalities or fibroids":1,"#Adhesions or ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis":1,"#Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes from pelvic infections or prior surgeries":1,"#Hormonal issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome can prevent ovulation":1,"#Common egg factors":1,"#Understanding infertility":1,"#Infertility may stem from egg factors, sperm factors, or a combination of both. Lifestyle and overall health also play an important role.":1,"#Common causes of infertility":1,"#Before you leave, make sure you understand which tests are recommended and what your follow-up timeline looks like. Remember: You are choosing the clinic and care team that will guide you through this process. A “high success rate” isn’t the only factor — choose a team that makes you feel heard and supported.":1,"#At your first appointment, you’ll review your medical history, discuss any symptoms or risk factors, receive fertility counseling, and make a plan for diagnostic testing. You may also discuss potential treatment options.":1,"#Bring a list of your questions and goals — and ask how your care team communicates (for example, by email, patient portal, or phone). Knowing what to expect can make your experience smoother.":1,"#Schedule specific lab work or imaging ahead of time":1,"#Submit prior test results or records":1,"#Complete a detailed medical history form (for you and your partner, if applicable)":1,"#Most fertility clinics follow a similar process before your first appointment. You may be asked to:":1,"#What to expect at your first fertility visit":1,"#Trying to conceive can be a deep personal journey. For many people and couples, it can also be challenging — about 1 in 6 have trouble conceiving on their own. So, when is the right time to speak with a fertility specialist?":1,"#It’s never too early to ask for support. Having an initial consultation doesn’t mean you have to start treatment. It’s a chance to learn more about your fertility and understand when getting help might be most useful. Your family doctor, OB-GYN, or REI can begin a preconception consultation and order basic fertility testing if needed.":1,"#Age 35 and over: Seek care after six months of trying.":1,"#Under age 35: Seek care after 12 months of trying.":1,"#If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, general guidance suggests:":1,"#Concerns about a partner’s sperm quality or ejaculation":1,"#Past pelvic surgery":1,"#Pain or difficulty with intercourse":1,"#Chronic medical conditions":1,"#A history of pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease":1,"#Age, medical history, and reproductive symptoms all play a role in when to seek fertility care. You may benefit from seeing an REI even before trying to conceive if you have:":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — October 2025.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Underweight:</strong> BMI less than 18.5":1,"#BMI is a tool that compares weight and height to estimate body fat. Many providers use it to help assess health risks.":1},"version":24894}]