Answering the questions on your mind
We understand that infertility and its treatments can be complex, and you may encounter conflicting information as you search for answers. That’s why we provide expert answers to the questions we’re asked most frequently.
FAQs
You should consider having a fertility consultation and evaluation if:
- You’ve been unable to conceive after 6 months to 1 year of unprotected intercourse
- You’re older than 35 and have been unable to conceive after 6 months of unprotected intercourse
Common causes of female infertility include:
- Abnormalities in the uterus, cervix or fallopian tubes
- Cancer and other medical conditions
- Hormonal disorders
- Ovulation disorders
- Thyroid disease
During your initial visit, one of our reproductive endocrinology specialists will meet with you to begin gathering the information needed to diagnose and treat your infertility.
Yes, we offer evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, all conducted in highly private settings dedicated solely to male reproductive health testing. Services include sperm analysis at our state-of-the-art andrology lab and testicular biopsies in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine’s Scott Department of Urology to further evaluate sperm function and production. Baylor College of Medicine ranks among the highest percentage of male factor assisted reproduction cases in the nation.
No, your spouse or partner does not need to be at the initial visit, but they’re welcome to join you.
You’ll be treated by one of our reproductive endocrinologists from the department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at Baylor College of Medicine. These specialists are board-certified Ob/Gyns with special training in evaluating and treating infertility in women and men.
An AMH test is a blood test to measure a woman’s anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) level. Your AMH level is an indicator of your remaining supply of eggs, known as your ovarian reserve.
An HSG test, or hysterosalpingogram, is an X-ray performed by radiology to check for blockage in your fallopian tubes and view the condition of the uterus.
An ERA is an endometrial receptivity array, a genetic test to help women with a history of implantation failure during IVF determine the best window of time for implantation. The test involves taking a sample of the woman’s endometrial tissue at a specific time to evaluate the receptiveness of the uterus to an implanted embryo.
A semen analysis is a test to assess the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm, including semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and sperm motion.
We offer a full range of fertility treatments and services, using the most advanced techniques and technologies available today. See our full list of programs and services.
Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are reproductive genetic services to help increase your chances of a successful pregnancy, identify genetic risk factors and enable you to make the most informed decisions as you build your family.
Preimplantation genetic screening is used in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process to determine whether embryos (fertilized eggs) have the correct number of chromosomes before being implanted in the uterus, for the best chance of pregnancy.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is for patients with a known risk of passing on a genetic condition. During IVF, the fertilized eggs are tested for specific genetic disorders to identify the healthiest embryos for implantation.
An embryo biopsy is a technique performed during IVF to screen the health of an embryo before implantation. A small sample of cells is removed from the embryo and tested for genetic diseases or an abnormal number of chromosomes.
Yes, we’re helping patients achieve a successful pregnancy through access to a full range of donor-assisted reproduction services, including sperm donor, egg donor and embryo donor programs and treatments.
For patients facing cancer or other adverse events that may impact their future fertility, we offer several fertility preservation options to increase your chances of having a biological child in the future. See our fertility preservation services.
Yes, we partner with reproductive mental health professionals from The Women’s Place at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women to help our patients cope with the emotional turmoil and stress that often comes with an infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Our pregnancy rates are published annually by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When comparing success rates among different fertility clinics, it’s important to keep in mind some clinics reject those with a poorer chance for pregnancy, making their cumulative pregnancy rates higher than those that offer treatment to all patients. At the Family Fertility Center, we specialize in difficult-to-treat cases, often taking on people whom other clinics won’t treat.
Our IVF outcomes are also available through the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) in our Family Fertility Center – SART Clinic Summary Report, to help you make informed decisions regarding your treatment options.
A cycle is the period of time (typically 1 month) it takes to complete a round of fertility treatment, such as IVF. When fertility centers report their volumes, they’re referring to the number of cycles they do.
A “transfer” refers to the embryo being transferred into the woman’s uterus during IVF treatment. In a fresh transfer, everything happens in the same IVF cycle — the woman’s ovaries are stimulated, the eggs are retrieved and fertilized and the embryos that develop are placed in the woman’s uterus a few days later.
In a frozen embryo transfer (FET), the embryos being transferred are from a previous IVF cycle, where they were cryopreserved (frozen) and stored for future use. When you’re ready to use them, the frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the woman’s uterus
A chemical pregnancy is a pregnancy detected very early on by “chemical” means — a blood or urine test — but it doesn’t progress any further, resulting in an early miscarriage. A chemical pregnancy is not detected on ultrasound. It happens so early many women may not know it has occurred. Chemical pregnancies are very common.
The pregnancy test detects a brief spike in a pregnancy hormone known as hCG that increases when an embryo attaches to the uterine lining, leading to the positive result. When the embryo fails to implant properly in the uterus, a miscarriage occurs and the woman experiences her regular period about a week later.
A clinical pregnancy is a pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. When reporting outcomes, fertility centers typically report both chemical and clinical pregnancy rates.
Yes, Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, from preconception to prenatal care and delivery to neonatal and pediatric care for your baby, expertly meeting all your needs in a single location.
The Pavilion for Women is home to multiple OB/Gyn practices to choose from, with access to specialized care for multiples and high-risk pregnancy care, if needed.
Talk with your Ob/Gyn or reproductive endocrinologist about specific lifestyle changes you can make to optimize your ability to conceive and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy and baby. In general, women should:
- Start a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid, to minimize the risk of neural tube defects
- Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and any illegal drug use
- Limit your caffeine intake to 200–300 mg per day
- Review your current medications with your doctor, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products and herbal medicines, and make changes as needed
- Eat a healthy diet. Our registered dietitians can provide nutrition counseling, including foods to avoid.
- Exercise regularly, consulting with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen
While no scientific evidence suggests that acupuncture increases your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy, we understand some women find it can decrease the anxiety and stress that comes with an infertility diagnosis and treatment. Before getting started, we recommend visiting with your reproductive endocrinologist to avoid any possible risks.