Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions
The causes of infertility and the best available treatment options vary from individual to individual and couple to couple. Fertility is complex, and it can seem daunting to reach out and ask for help. These feelings are valid, but it’s important to know that you aren’t alone. There are many frequently asked questions that aspiring parents bring to us before starting fertility care.
Male Infertility
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The most common causes of male infertility are due to issues with sperm, such as volume, concentration, movement, etc. For individuals with these conditions, it can be more challenging to conceive successfully. Production issues, genetics, hormonal imbalances, infections, and other medical conditions can all impact sperm health.
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There are various treatments available to address male infertility. At the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (RSCNJ), our physicians take a comprehensive medical history of each patient and evaluate the hormones that stimulate sperm production. Pending these results, we may recommend a urologist or medication to help improve the quality or quantity of sperm. Additionally, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are available for patients experiencing various sperm issues.
Female Infertility
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Many factors can contribute to female infertility, including hormonal imbalances due to conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, structural abnormalities, uterine abnormalities, ovulation disorders, and issues with the fallopian tubes.
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Many couples experience multiple pregnancy losses. In many cases, conditions causing the miscarriages are treatable. Our team will evaluate each partner thoroughly to help determine the cause of the pregnancy losses. Then, we can develop a customized treatment plan to address these issues accordingly.
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One termination does not seem to affect fertility. However, if someone has multiple terminations, scar tissue can form in the uterus and make it difficult to conceive. We can perform a special X-ray to evaluate the uterus for scar tissue.
Age and Fertility
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Not at all. In fact, women are having babies at older ages than ever before. If you’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for six months, or have experienced several miscarriages, our physicians may be able to help you carry and deliver a child successfully.
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As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline. One of our physicians can evaluate ovarian function to determine if infertility treatment would be beneficial.
Despite medical technology making it possible for older women to become pregnant, there are serious risks. The Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey follows guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), including:
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Accepting new patients before their 50th birthday
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Offering IVF for patients who want to use their own eggs up until their 45th birthday
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Offering IVF for patients who want to use donor eggs up until their 51st birthday
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Allowing patients aged 49 with embryos already in storage to transfer them by age 52
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Yes, we offer a procedure called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows us to evaluate an embryo for any genetic abnormalities prior to transfer.
Lifestyle Changes and Fertility
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In some cases, making lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting smoking, avoiding drugs, and engaging in stress-reduction techniques, can help improve fertility. However, depending on the cause of infertility, lifestyle changes may not have a significant effect.
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Acupuncture combined with IVF treatments may increase the chances of conception. Acupuncture has been shown to:
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Improve blood flow to the uterus, which helps the lining grow strong and healthy enough to support an embryo.
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Reduce and prevent cramping, a common occurrence after an IVF embryo transfer. Cramping is very disruptive to conception, as it can prevent the embryo from implanting in the uterine wall.
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Stimulate egg production, which is helpful for women who can’t use fertility medication to help them get pregnant.
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Regulate hormone levels, which in turn stabilizes a woman’s reproductive system to increase chances of pregnancy success.
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Reduce the chance of miscarriage after an embryo is implanted in the uterus.
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Reduce stress and promote deep relaxation, which are critical when trying to get pregnant, especially while undergoing traditional fertility treatment such as IVF.
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Fertility Care Costs
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Many aspiring parents worry about fertility treatment costs when trying to grow their families. Costs can vary depending on the type of treatment you receive and how many rounds of it you undergo before achieving a successful pregnancy. Treatments like IUI are less expensive than IVF, but IVF has a higher success rate. Our physicians will work with you to determine what treatments make the most sense for your circumstances and budget. In some cases, insurance may provide some coverage. We can help you understand your insurance plan as well as offer financing options.
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Yes, at RSCNJ, we offer military discounts and fertility medication discounts for qualified patients.
Our Fertility Clinic
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We provide a wide range of fertility treatments, including IUI, IVF, and third-party reproduction services. We also offer ovulation induction, fertility preservation services, surgery, infertility counseling, and more.
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Yes, one of our physicians is available for free phone consultations for any new or curious patient. If you call during business hours and a physician is not immediately available, one will return your call as soon as possible to discuss infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Infertility comes with a wide range of emotions, and it can be frustrating to feel like you may be running out of options. At RSCNJ, we don’t believe in giving up. Our physicians will review any previous medical records and create a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your needs and family-building goals.
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At RSCNJ, we combine compassionate care with cutting-edge fertility treatments. Our board-certified physicians specialize in both male and female infertility, as well as advanced reproductive technologies. We also have an on-site embryology lab that offers semen analysis, sperm and embryo cryopreservation, PGT, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and other services. Whether you're in a heterosexual relationship, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or an aspiring single parent, RSCNJ is committed to helping you grow your family.
Learn More From a Fertility Expert
If you have additional questions about infertility, available treatments, or financial options, contact the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey today. You can also schedule an appointment at one of our fertility clinics in Eatontown, Toms River, or Lawrenceville.