Fertility FAQ

Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected, regular sexual intercourse. For women over 35, this timeframe is often shortened to six months due to age-related fertility changes. Learn more about Understanding Infertility from the experts at Boca Fertility.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if over 35) without success, it’s advisable to consult a fertility specialist. If you have known medical conditions that could affect fertility, seeking help earlier is recommended.

Infertility in women can result from various factors, including irregular ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, and age-related decline in egg quality.

No, infertility can result from issues in both males and females. Roughly one-third of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, one-third to male factors, and one-third to a combination of both or unexplained causes.

Male infertility can be due to factors like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, hormonal imbalances, and issues with the reproductive anatomy.

Yes, age plays a significant role in fertility. Women’s fertility starts to decline around the age of 30 and decreases more rapidly after 35. Men’s fertility also declines with age, although more gradually than women’s.

A comprehensive fertility evaluation is the first step in determining the causes of infertility. A fertility evaluation typically involves a series of tests for both partners to identify any underlying issues. This can include hormonal tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis, and assessments of ovulation and reproductive anatomy. Learn more about Fertility Testing at Boca Fertility.

Yes, factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, stress, and certain medications can impact fertility in both men and women. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve fertility outcomes.

While fertility treatments have greatly increased the chances of conception, they are not guaranteed to be successful in every case. Success rates vary depending on factors such as the underlying cause of infertility, age, and the chosen treatment. Since 1982, Boca Fertility has consistently produced highly successful outcomes for fertility patients. Click here to view our clinical data and IVF success rates, certified by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

A cancer diagnosis, while devastating, does not always indicate that an individual cannot have children post-treatment. Before beginning cancer treatment, it is important to communicate with your oncologist so that he/she may refer you to a fertility specialist to evaluate your options for fertility preservation. At Boca Fertility, we specialize in Oncofertility, providing patients with the best possible paths to preserving their fertility and achieving parenthood post-cancer treatment.

Common fertility treatments include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and surgical procedures to correct anatomical issues. The treatment recommended depends on the specific diagnosis and individual circumstances. Learn more about the Fertility Treatments offered at Boca Fertility.

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is an assisted reproductive technology where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus with the goal of achieving pregnancy.

IVF may be recommended for couples or individuals with infertility due to various factors, including blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, unexplained infertility, or genetic conditions.

Success rates of IVF can vary based on factors like age, underlying fertility issues, and the clinic’s expertise. On average, success rates can range from 30% to 60% per cycle, with higher success rates for younger individuals.

The IVF process typically includes ovarian stimulation using fertility medications, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization in the laboratory, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Medications and hormone injections are used to support these stages.

The procedures associated with IVF, such as egg retrieval, may cause some discomfort, but pain is generally managed with anesthesia and pain relief medications. Different individuals have varying experiences.

An IVF cycle usually takes around 4-6 weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to the embryo transfer. However, this timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and clinic protocols.

Common side effects of IVF may include bloating, mood swings, and discomfort. In some cases, there can be a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. Risks and side effects should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Depending on the underlying cause of infertility, alternative treatments may include IUI (intrauterine insemination), fertility medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical procedures. The most suitable option depends on individual factors.

PGT is a technique used during IVF to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before they are transferred. It can help identify healthy embryos, reducing the risk of certain genetic conditions and improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.

There is no strict age limit for IVF or egg freezing, but age does impact success rates. IVF success declines with age, and the quality of frozen eggs decreases over time. Many clinics recommend egg freezing before the age of 35 for optimal results.

LGBTQ+ couples and individuals have various fertility treatment options, including sperm or egg donation, gestational surrogacy, reciprocal IVF (where one partner’s egg is fertilized and implanted in the other partner’s uterus), and adoption. These options offer paths to parenthood based on individual preferences and circumstances.

Egg freezing might be a suitable option if you’re considering delaying childbearing due to career goals, medical reasons, or personal choices. It’s recommended to consult a reproductive endocrinologist to assess your fertility status and discuss whether egg freezing aligns with your goals.

The number of eggs to freeze varies based on factors like age, fertility status, and family planning goals. Generally, freezing 15-20 mature eggs increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy later on. Your fertility specialist can provide personalized guidance.

Eggs can be stored for many years, with no upper time limit established. However, the longer they are frozen, the more their quality might degrade. It’s advisable to discuss storage durations with your fertility clinic.

Egg freezing is considered safe, with established protocols and rigorous laboratory practices. The process includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and freezing. Risks are generally minimal, but consult your doctor to understand potential risks and benefits.

Success rates vary based on factors like your age at egg freezing, the number of eggs frozen, and the clinic’s expertise. Generally, the younger you are when you freeze your eggs, the higher the chances of success when you decide to use them.

Egg freezing involves a process similar to the early stages of IVF. Hormonal medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. After retrieval, mature eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification, preserving them for future use.

After egg retrieval, the eggs are frozen and stored until you’re ready to use them. When you’re prepared for pregnancy, the eggs will be thawed, fertilized with sperm (through IVF), and the resulting embryos will be transferred to your uterus during a cycle tailored to your body’s natural or medicated cycle.