Are you struggling to get pregnant? You’re not alone. In fact, 1 in 8 couples in the U.S. experience infertility. While fertility treatments have come a long way in recent decades, they aren’t the only way to increase your chances of conception. 

Our experts at Empire OBGYN are here to walk you through some of your options — from natural ways to boost your fertility to medical treatments like IUI, IVF, and more. We’ll be talking about infertility medications, other therapies that might be right for you, and even the emotional and financial resources that many patients find helpful. 

Understanding Infertility & Common Challenges

What Affects Your Fertility?

Lots of things can affect your ability to conceive. Knowing the factors that influence your fertility can help you find the best way to improve your chances of conception:

• Age: Fertility naturally starts to decline around the age of 30.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and a less-than-ideal diet can all play a role.
• Weight: Being either underweight or overweight can throw off your hormones and ovulation.
• Stress: Stress is a big one! Having high stress levels can really mess up your cycles and ovulation.
• Medical Stuff: PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid problems, and other conditions can also impact fertility.

Timing Is Everything!

When you’re trying to get pregnant, timing is key. Your “fertile window” (when you’re most likely to conceive) is usually around 14 days before your next period starts. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Monitor your cycle. Keep a record (on paper or with the help of an app). This will help you determine when you ovulate and when your fertile window is.
• Have intercourse every other day during your fertile window.
• Ovulation tests can be helpful for pinpointing your most fertile days.

Age and Fertility:

It’s true – fertility does decline with age, especially for women. Over time, the number and quality of eggs naturally decrease.

• A woman’s fertility generally starts to decline in their early 30s.
• After 35, it starts to decline more rapidly.
• Men’s fertility also decreases with age, but not as dramatically.

When Should You Get Help?

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it might be time to see a fertility specialist. Here are some signs it’s a good idea to seek some support:

• Irregular or missed periods.
• Painful periods or intercourse.
• A history of pelvic inflammatory disease or STIs.
• Previous miscarriages.
• Trying for a year without success (or six months if you’re over 35).

If any of this sounds familiar, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider at Empire OBGYN. We offer personalized guidance and fertility treatment recommendations to help you on your journey to parenthood.

Boosting Your Fertility Naturally

What You Eat Matters:

Think of your diet as fuel for your fertility. A balanced diet is key. Load up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens are fantastic for egg and sperm health. And don’t forget those healthy fats – avocados, nuts, and olive oil are great for regulating hormone production.

Get Moving (But Not Too Much):

A healthy weight is really important. Being over- or underweight can throw off ovulation. Regular physical activity is a part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga most days of the week. But be careful not to  workout excessively, as that can disrupt your menstrual cycle and negatively impact your fertility.

Chill Out! (Seriously):

Stress messes with your hormones, which can seriously impact your fertility. So, make time for relaxation. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a nice massage can make a big difference in your stress levels.

Supplements – With Caution!

Some supplements can be helpful, but it’s so important to talk to your doctor first. A good prenatal vitamin with folic acid is a must. Other options you might want to ask about include CoQ10, omega-3s, and vitamin D. Just remember, always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements. They’ll make sure you’re taking appropriate supplements in appropriate doses and that they won’t interact with anything else you’re taking.

Lifestyle Changes for Fertility

Weight Matters: A healthy weight is important. Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Even losing or gaining a relatively small amount can make a big difference.

Ditch the Bad Habits: Smoking? It’s bad for eggs, bad for sperm, and bad for pregnancy. Same goes for excessive alcohol. Quitting or cutting back is critical.

Eat Your Greens: Keep your diet in balance. Lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein are the ticket. Focus on folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants – they’re your fertility friends.

Sleep is Your Secret Weapon: Good sleep is so important for your overall health. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Need Additional Help? Common Medical Fertility Treatment Options

There are lots of different medical options out there, from medications to more involved procedures. Your doctor at Empire OBGYN in Buffalo, NY will help guide you to the best approach for your specific situation.

What Kind of Treatments Are There?

Here are some of the most common fertility treatments:  

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): In this procedure, sperm are placed directly into your uterus during your ovulation window. It’s a good option for mild male infertility or when the cause of infertility isn’t clear.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This is the one where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside your body, and then the resulting embryos are placed in your uterus. It’s often recommended when other treatments haven’t worked.

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This is a specialized type of IVF. It’s used when there’s a serious male infertility problem. A single sperm is injected right into an egg.

Fertility Meds: These medications can help stimulate ovulation or improve egg quality. Your doctor might prescribe them on their own or along with other treatments.

Vitrification (Egg/Embryo Freezing): This is a freezing technique that lets you preserve eggs or embryos for later. It gives you more options and flexibility if you’re concerned about experiencing decreased fertility by the time you’re ready to start a family.

Surgery: Sometimes, surgery is needed to correct specific fertility problems. Your doctor will talk to you about the best surgical option if it’s necessary.

What’s the Difference? IUI vs. IVF

Let’s break down these two common treatments a little more:

IUI:

• What it is: Sperm is placed directly into the uterus.
• How it works: It’s a quick procedure (5-10 minutes) done right after ovulation. The sperm is “washed” and then inserted using a thin tube.
• Cost: It’s less expensive and less invasive than IVF.
• Success rates: Around 15-20% per treatment, and 40-50% after a few tries.

IVF:

• What it is: Eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body, and then the embryos are transferred to your uterus.
• How it works: It involves hormone shots, egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab, and then the embryo transfer.
• Cost: It’s more expensive and invasive than IUI.
• Success rates: 20-35% on the first try, but it depends on factors like your age.

Which One Is Right for Me?

Your doctor will consider your age, health, and what’s causing your fertility challenges. IUI is often a great first step, especially if you have unexplained infertility or mild male infertility. IVF might be recommended for more complex situations, like severe male infertility, blocked fallopian tubes, or if you’ve had multiple miscarriages. It also allows for genetic testing of the embryos before they’re implanted. Your fertility journey is unique, and your doctor will help you figure out the best path forward.

What You Should Know About Fertility Medications

What Are They?

Fertility medications contain hormones that help regulate or stimulate your reproductive system. You may have heard of some of them: clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, and metformin are common examples. Each one works a little differently to address specific fertility challenges.

How Do They Work?

These medications affect your hormones and how your reproductive system functions. Clomiphene citrate, for example, gives your ovaries a nudge to produce more eggs. Gonadotropins directly trigger egg development and ovulation. And metformin can be helpful for women with PCOS by managing insulin levels.

Who Needs Fertility Medication?

If you have irregular ovulation or are going through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, you might need fertility meds. They’re often prescribed for women with PCOS or those who don’t ovulate regularly. Men can also use certain medications to improve sperm production or motility.

An Important Note

Fertility medications aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your situation to figure out the best treatment plan for you. These medications can really boost your chances of getting pregnant, but it’s important to take them under close medical supervision. Your doctor will want to keep a close eye on how you’re responding and make sure everything is going smoothly.

Surgical Options for Infertility Treatment

• Hysteroscopy: This isn’t always a surgical procedure, as it sometimes doesn’t require incisions or even anesthesia. It uses a tiny camera — inserted through the cervix — to examine and treat things like polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue that might be causing problems.
• Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon makes small incisions  and uses a camera to look at your reproductive organs. It’s used for things like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, and sometimes just to figure out what’s going on if the cause of infertility is unclear.
• Vasectomy Reversal: If you’ve had a vasectomy and are now hoping to have kids, this surgery can reconnect the tubes that carry sperm.
• Varicocelectomy: Sometimes, the veins in the scrotum can become enlarged (varicoceles), which can affect sperm quality. This surgery corrects that.
• Sperm Retrieval (TESE/MESA): If there’s no sperm after ejaculation, these procedures can retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis.

Complementary Therapies: Supporting Your Fertility Journey

First things first: These therapies are complementary. That means they work alongside medical treatments, not instead of them. It’s essential to discuss any complementary therapies with your doctor. They’re not a replacement for medical advice or treatment.

Acupuncture:

This ancient Chinese practice uses tiny needles to balance your body’s energy flow. It might help improve blood flow to your reproductive organs and can also help reduce stress. Some studies even suggest it could boost the success rates of IVF. The big thing to remember? Make sure you find a qualified acupuncturist who specializes in fertility.

Herbal Supplements:

You’ve probably heard about different herbs, like chasteberry, maca root, and red clover, that people believe can support hormonal balance. Just be careful with herbal supplements. They’re not all created equal, and some can actually interact with other medications you’re taking. Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any.

Yoga & Meditation:

Yoga and meditation are fantastic for stress reduction, which is important when you’re on a fertility journey. They’re also great for your overall well-being. Certain yoga poses might even help improve blood flow to your reproductive organs, and meditation can be a lifesaver for managing the emotional ups and downs you may be experiencing. 

Ready to explore all your fertility treatment options? Get in touch with Empire OBGYN in Buffalo, NY. We’ll help you create a personalized plan that combines the best of medical and complementary approaches.

Understanding Male Infertility and Treatment Options

What Causes Male Infertility?

Several things can contribute to male infertility:

• Low Sperm Count: Basically, not enough sperm.
• Poor Sperm Motility: This means the sperm aren’t swimming very well.
• Abnormal Sperm Shape: The shape of the sperm matters, too. If they’re not shaped right, they can’t fertilize an egg as easily.

These issues can be caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, lifestyle choices, or other things.

What Can Be Done About It?

There are a number of treatments available:

• Medications: Can help boost sperm production.
• Hormonal Therapies: Can correct any hormonal imbalances.
• Surgery: Sometimes, there are physical blockages or varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) that need to be addressed surgically.

How Can I Improve My Sperm Quality?

You can definitely take steps to improve your sperm health!

• Healthy Diet: Focus on antioxidants, stay hydrated, and get regular exercise.
• Supplements: Zinc and folic acid might help, but always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

What About Underlying Health Issues?

Conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or autoimmune diseases can affect sperm production. Managing these conditions can make a big difference for fertility.

Lifestyle Changes That Help:

Making some positive changes in your life can have a big impact:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking is notoriously bad for sperm health.
• Limit Alcohol: Too much alcohol can also affect fertility.
• Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important.
• Stress Reduction: Relaxation techniques and getting enough sleep are crucial.

These changes are good for your overall health and your fertility!

When to See a Fertility Specialist

How Long Should You Try Before Getting Help?

Here’s the general advice:

• If you’re under 35: Try for about a year. If nothing happens by then, it’s a good time to see a specialist.
• If you’re over 35: Since things can get a little trickier as we age, it’s recommended to see a specialist after six months of trying.
• No matter your age: If you know you have any fertility issues or other medical conditions that could affect your ability to conceive, don’t wait! Get some help sooner rather than later.

What Happens at a Fertility Consultation?

At your appointment, your fertility specialist will:

• Go over your medical history – things like past pregnancies, your menstrual cycles, and your lifestyle.
• Ask about your partner’s health and fertility 
• Do a physical exam.
• Order some tests. These could include:
  • For women: Blood tests to check your hormone levels, ultrasounds to look at your ovaries, and a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check your uterus and fallopian tubes.
  • For men: A semen analysis to check sperm count, motility (how well they swim), and morphology (their shape).

Based on your test results, your specialist will talk to you about your treatment options. This could be anything from lifestyle changes to more advanced treatments like IUI or IVF. Everyone’s fertility journey is different, and your specialist will work with you to create a personalized plan that gives you the best chance of conceiving.

Finding the Right Fertility Clinic in Buffalo:

Choosing a fertility clinic is a big decision. Here’s what you should look for:

• Success Rates: Check out the clinic’s success rates and see how they compare to the national averages.
• Treatment Options: You want a clinic that offers a wide range of treatments, so they can tailor a plan specifically for you.
• Doctor Expertise: Look for board-certified reproductive endocrinologists with a lot of experience.
• Patient Care: It’s so important to find a clinic that offers personalized support and makes you feel comfortable throughout the whole process.

If you’re in the Buffalo area, Empire OBGYN is a great option to begin your reproductive health journey. We offer thorough assessments, thoughtful referrals, and recommendations to help you 

Paying for Fertility Treatment

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of fertility treatment can vary a lot depending on what you need. Here are some general price ranges you might see in Buffalo, NY:

• Fertility Medications: This can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per cycle.
• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Usually somewhere between $300 and $4,000 per cycle without insurance.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This is the most involved (and usually the most expensive) treatment, and can range from $10,000 to $20,000 or even more per cycle, depending if it’s paired with fertility medications and genetic testing.

It’s important to remember that these numbers may not include necessary things like testing, monitoring, or additional medications. A reputable clinic will give you a clear picture of what the expenses will be before you agree to treatment. 

Will Insurance Cover Fertility Treatments?

Insurance coverage for fertility treatment options can be a tricky thing. It really depends on your specific plan and what state you live in. In New York, some insurance plans are required to cover certain fertility treatment options, but the specifics can vary.

• Many plans do cover diagnostic testing and some fertility medications.
• Coverage for IUI and IVF is less common. Some plans might cover a portion, but others might not cover it at all.

The bottom line is: you must review your insurance policy carefully and talk to your insurance provider. Empire OBGYN can also help you navigate the insurance maze and explore financing options to make your fertility treatment choices more affordable. Don’t hesitate to ask us for help – we’re here to support you!

Ready to Start?

Scheduling a Consultation:

At Empire OBGYN in Buffalo, NY, it’s easy to make an appointment to get started with exploring your infertility issues. Just call or use our online portal to request an appointment. Gather your medical records and questions beforehand to make the most of your appointment.

Finding Your Personalized Plan:

Together, we’ll create a plan that’s right for your circumstances. It might include natural methods, lifestyle changes, and/or medical treatments. Your specialist will explain everything clearly, so you can make informed decisions. If and when you’re able to conceive, we’ll be here to celebrate along with you and provide the highest quality obstetric services, including 4D ultrasound.Remember, every journey is unique. Ready to partner with a medical team that goes above and beyond for you? Contact us today at (716) 877-1221.