Infertility
Definition
Infertility is a reproductive health condition characterized by the inability to conceive after trying for at least one year without using any birth control methods. It can affect both men and women and may result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or lifestyle factors.
Related Fact Sheets
Showing 6 of 9
Related Clinical Trials
Related News
Showing 3 of 5
Related Departments
Showing 3 of 7
Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
We specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide range of endocrine disorders that are either directly or indirectly related to reproduction. The clinical expertise of our physicians enables us to provide high-quality, compassionate, and individualized care. Our state-of-the-art Fertility Center offers comprehensive care and treatment options and our success rates for frozen embryo transfer are among the highest in the Northeast. We are among few centers in the country with a reproductive specialist with dual training in both male and female infertility. Our patients include same gender couples and transgender men and women. We are dedicated to helping all of our patients understand their treatment options and achieve pregnancy. We offer a variety of services for our patients across the following specialty programs: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Program. This program works with infertile couples, offering support, information, and counseling, as well as the latest technological procedures and advanced treatments in IVF. As the first IVF Program in the Northeast, Yale IVF has become a recognized leader in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Third-Party Reproductive Program. This program offers counseling, support, and treatment options for couples pursuing third-party assistance in pregnancy, such as donor sperm, donor eggs, and surrogacy. Fertility Center Psychological Program. This program provides counseling services and support for couples dealing with fertility issues. Our specialists are trained to help couples navigate medical disorders and treatment options, multiple pregnancies, pregnancy loss, third-party assistance, and adoption. Endometriosis Program. Endometriosis is a common condition that can cause pelvic pain or infertility. Surgical options can remove endometriosis while medical therapies can often stop its progression. We offer effective testing for this condition as well as a large number of options for its treatment, management, and counseling. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Program. PCOS is one of the most common hormonal reproductive conditions in women of childbearing age. Our specialists treat PCOS through a combination of metabolic need assessment, lifestyle modification, psychological support, and medical interventions based on a patient’s individual needs. Perimenopausal and Menopausal Therapy Program. This program addresses both early and premature menopause and the challenges it presents to women. The program offers treatment options for women experiencing menopausal symptoms and other health risks, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and mood changes. We also offer donor egg IVF to address fertility needs of early menopausal women. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program. Our multidisciplinary team of pathologists, geneticists, and perinatologists uses a holistic approach to help couples with recurrent miscarriages and/or pregnancy losses. Male Fertility Program. Male infeFertility Center
We offer an array of individualized treatment options for both women and men looking to start a family. Our physicians, staff, and scientists share our patients’ dreams. We have dedicated our life's work to improving their chance for fertility. When our research offers a new treatment option, our patients are the first to benefit. Our practice is specifically built to attend to the technological, emotional, and physical needs of men and women who are experiencing infertility. We use our expertise to both minimize the number of procedures our patients experience and to increase their chance of pregnancy. We help same-gender and transgender couples, as well as individuals with their fertility needs, including fertility preservation methods for those who are not yet ready to start a family but may in the future, or for those about to undergo cancer treatment. One of the few centers in the country with a reproductive specialist with dual training in both male and female infertility, we are also leaders in advanced sperm-retrieval procedures. All of our registered nurses have specialized in-vitro fertilization training through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and we have a dedicated team to guide patients through insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.Fertility Center Psychological Program
Our program is designed specifically to attend to the emotional needs of men and women who are experiencing infertility. Our clinicians and counselors understand that infertility can be a complex, stressful, and often time-consuming problem for couples. Men and women new to the problem are sometimes prepared for the physical procedures they will have to undergo, but often don't realize how emotionally difficult the process can be. Sometimes one partner is more devoted to the process than the other; sometimes infertility treatments can stretch on for months and become financially draining; and sometimes people experiencing infertility end up feeling alone and isolated, even from those who love them the most. That's why we are here—because we've been through it before, and we are here to help our patients through it, too. There are moral, ethical, and scientific dilemmas that can be challenging to resolve. Our strong communication throughout the process, and our continuous psychological support help our patients to gain perspective on why each person's experience is different. The education we provide helps our patients understand their options and feel confident about their decisions. Although infertility affects one in six couples in the United States, most people feel isolated and alone when faced with dealing with it. Feelings associated with infertility are: A loss of interest in usual activities Difficulty thinking of anything other than one's infertility Change in sleeping and/or eating patterns Fleeting thoughts of death and dying Difficulty making decisions Feelings of isolation and loneliness At times these symptoms may lead to strained relationships with one's partner, family, friends, and/or colleagues at work. An open (but entirely confidential) discussion of these issues with our counselors can often be helpful. Our counselors can provide important information about treatment options and help to facilitate discussion of such topics as whether or not to pursue a particular treatment; whether and how to pursue third-party assistance (such as donor sperm, an egg donor, and surrogacy); and whether or not to pursue adoption. We can also help with questions about multiple pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and when and whether to stop treatment.