You’ll partner with your fertility team to build a plan based on their clinical experience and your preferences
Here are some questions to ask your care team as you get started on treatment.
Download treatment options worksheetLet’s explore some potential fertility treatments and options
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a doctor to look internally at the pelvis (including reproductive organs) with a camera to identify possible causes of fertility challenges. In some cases, they may be able to address some problems during the procedure.
As one of the most common surgical procedures in the US, laparoscopy has become the procedure of choice for numerous gynecologic issues.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy involves treatment with medications to address hormone imbalance problems, which may affect fertility.
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is a part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goal of COS in IVF is to help multiple eggs (also known as oocytes) mature, prevent premature ovulation, and prior to retrieval, trigger final oocyte maturation.
To help more oocytes mature, your fertility team may prescribe a treatment to increase or decrease the level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
Intrauterine insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. The sperm can be from a partner or a donor.
Sexual intercourse is not necessary to perform this procedure—IUI can be done in-office or at a clinic.
Already considering specific fertility treatments like hormone therapy?
Dive deeper into assisted reproductive technology (ART)
ART is a treatment that involves manipulating both the egg and the sperm. A common type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which the sperm and egg are combined in a lab and then the embryo is placed into the uterus through the vagina.
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS)
COS is a process that uses hormone medicines to cause the ovaries to grow multiple eggs and then triggers ovulation.
Egg retrieval
The eggs produced during ovulation are retrieved from the ovaries with a short, minor surgical procedure.
Egg and sperm combination
Eggs are combined with sperm in a lab OR sperm are injected directly into the eggs via a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Fertilization
If fertilization is successful, by Day 3, the cells of the combined egg and sperm divide enough to become a viable embryo. The embryo is usually left to continue development until Day 5.
Embryo transfer
The embryo is then transferred into the uterus through the vagina. In some cases, the embryo may be frozen and transferred in a process called frozen embryo transfer (FET).
449,772
ART CYCLES
According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), in the US, 449,772 ART cycles were performed in 2024 alone. This is an increase of >35% since 2019.
>3,200
ART PROCEDURES
Nationwide, over 3,200 ART procedures were performed per 1 million women aged 15 to 44 in 2019. IVF accounts for over 99% of ART procedures performed in the US.
Learn about egg or embryo preservation, donors, and
gestational carriers
Egg or embryo preservation
Your team may suggest egg freezing, which involves harvesting eggs from the ovaries and storing them, unfertilized, for later use. These eggs can be thawed, combined with sperm, and implanted at a later date via IVF.
Embryo freezing is also possible. Your eggs or donor eggs are combined with partner sperm or donor sperm to produce embryos. The embryos are then frozen to transfer at a later date.
Using a donor
You may use a donor egg, donor sperm, or a donated embryo as part of your fertility process. Donor eggs (retrieved from a female donor) and donor sperm (retrieved from a male donor) can be used to create an embryo. A donor embryo is created with both donor sperm and a donor egg.
Donor sperm may be used for IUI or IVF, while donor eggs or donor embryos are used in IVF only.
Gestational carriers
Some people looking to expand their family might consider a gestational carrier. With gestational carriers, another woman agrees to physically carry a fetus for someone else. There are 2 types: a typical gestational carrier who carries the embryo(s) fertilized by the intended parents, or a surrogate who provides the egg and carries the fetus.
Prior to working with a gestational carrier, all parties may be required to undergo additional screenings.
Adoption may also be an option for you
An estimated 80,598 children were adopted in the US in 2022.
Same-sex married couples can adopt children across the US.
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific fertility challenges, as well as other factors like your age and personal preferences.
Emotional health and fertility go hand-in-hand
While your fertility journey can be exciting, it can also be unpredictable for you and those close to you.
If you are struggling, you should always seek professional help.
Know that mental health challenges are common and you are not alone. As many as
60% of people say their fertility diagnosis and treatment impacted their mental health.
It may be helpful to have an ally by your side. Research suggests that participating in support groups or behavioral therapy can also ease stress.
Practice open communication. Provide your fertility care team with insight into your values, goals, and existing support network.
Surround yourself with a supportive community. It is important to have a source of kindness and support on this journey.
Additional support from trusted resources
