Fertility and Reproductive Health

It’s estimated that more than 13% of US women in their childbearing years face fertility issues.1 Many aren’t even aware until they attempt to start a family. Infertility can take a significant psychological toll on both the woman and her partner.

We offer compassionate support and guidance for women facing infertility. From cycle tracking and fertility tests to endocrinology referrals and various treatments, our goal is to help you understand your options. We’ll work with you to make informed decisions that align with your values.

Researchers estimate that between 1990 and 2021, global infertility rates rose 84%, with women between age 35-39 being the most affected.2

 

When should you see a doctor about infertility?

Normally, about 85% of young, healthy couples will conceive within a year. If you’ve had regular, unprotected sex for a year without conceiving, speak to an OBGYN. However, if you are age 35-39, reach out to a OBGYN after six months. Women wishing to conceive at age 40 and older should consult a doctor early on in the process.

What are the common medical causes of infertility?

Fertility is a complex biological process that relies on multiple organs and systems working together to achieve and sustain a pregnancy. An issue at any point in the process can lead to trouble getting pregnant. But please know that many of the barriers to pregnancy detailed below can be overcome with treatment. Our women’s health specialists are here to help you achieve your goals.

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A leading cause of infertility, occurs when a hormonal imbalance leads to irregular periods and lack of ovulation.
  • Endometriosis – A condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus which can impact fertility.
  • Uterine fibroids – Non-cancerous growths in or on the uterine wall that can affect fertilization and increase the chance of miscarriage.
  • Thyroid disease – A disease that occurs when the thyroid gland either under- or over-produces hormones that are required to sustain a pregnancy.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – An infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility.
  • Lifestyle factors – Factors such as being over or underweight, substance use, and environmental factors can impact fertility.
  • Advanced maternal age – Being over the age of 35 can affect egg quality, leading to difficulty conceiving and increased risk of pregnancy complications and miscarriage.
  • Ovulation issues – Lack of ovulation is often caused by hormone imbalances, excessive exercise, or extreme weight changes.
  • Structural problems – Blocked fallopian tubes or a septate (divided) uterus can make pregnancy difficult to achieve.

Explore other resources related to fertility

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What is secondary infertility?

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What are fertility treatments?

Fertility treatments encompass a variety of medicinal and procedural interventions that increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Medications are often used to support fertility and ovulation.

Fertility medications such as Clomid are used to stimulate ovulation. Certain medications can correct hormonal imbalances that interfere with pregnancy. Others can improve sperm production in your partner, when needed.

Surgical intervention can address conditions that interfere with pregnancy.

Surgery is sometimes recommended to facilitate pregnancy. Blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis can be treated with minimally invasive surgery to help restore fertility.

  

Common questions about infertility and reproductive health:

Yes, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact your fertility. A diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, and vitamins and minerals can improve both ovulation and sperm count. In addition, women who are overweight or underweight tend to have estrogen-related problems with ovulation.

Coverage for fertility testing and treatments vary based on the state you live in, your insurance provider, and your specific plan. Tests for reproductive health such as bloodwork, ultrasounds, etc., are often included with insurance. SSM Health is dedicated to working with patients to provide accurate, transparent, and fair pricing. We offer a pricing transparency tool to help you estimate the cost of your procedure. We also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most forms of private insurance. See the full list of insurance providers we accept.

Stress can affect your fertility by interfering with the hormone production required for ovulation. It can negatively affect sperm production as well. Using stress management techniques can potentially help lower stress hormone levels that are interfering with fertility.

In general, the use of birth control does not impact long-term fertility. Your ability to conceive usually returns within a few months after you’ve discontinued hormonal birth control as your monthly cycle become regular. If you’ve taken a birth control shot like Depo-Provera, it may take 10-18 months after your last injection for fertility to return to normal.

Your first steps to improved fertility involve maintaining a health weight and lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, getting moderate exercise and adequate sleep, and managing stress are all important. Having frequent sex – at least three times per week – can boost your chances as well.

If you’ve under the age of 35 and have had regular, unprotected sex for one year and have not become pregnant, you may well have an infertility issue. Your OBGYN provider will recommend any simple changes you and your partner can make to facilitate pregnancy. And they can order some initial testing to identify any hormonal or structural problems that may impact your ability to conceive.

A reproductive endocrinologist is a medical doctor who treats fertility issues in women and men. While your OBGYN is able to do some preliminary testing and offer a referral, the endocrinologist is trained to deal with complex issues. He/she will order additional testing and evaluate the results to identify the cause of your infertility and help you find solutions.

Women must have an adequate balance of four key hormones in order to conceive:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to stimulate your ovaries to grow egg-containing follicles
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH) to release the egg
  • Estrogen to mature the egg and thicken the lining of the uterus
  • Progesterone to prepare your uterine lining for the fertilized egg and to sustain the pregnancy

Conception is most likely if you have sex during the five days prior or on the day you ovulate (release an egg). Period tracking apps and other methods, such as basal body temperature and ovulation kits, etc., can be used to pinpoint ovulation.

If you’ve lost two or more consecutive pregnancies to miscarriage, consult an endocrinology or fertility specialist. They can perform in-depth testing to determine potential causes and solutions to improve your chances for a successful pregnancy.

 
 

Page reviewed by: K.Michael Schraff, MD, February 2026