Fertility FAQs: 13 Things to Know When You're Just Getting Started
Starting a fertility journey often comes with more questions than answers. Whether you're beginning to track your cycle, wondering when to see a specialist, or trying to understand your options, it can all feel overwhelming—and that’s completely normal.
At Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. We’re here to help you make sense of this process, one question at a time.
Here are 12 of the most common questions we hear from individuals and couples early in their fertility journey:
1. When should I see a fertility specialist?
There are no hard rules, but there are some helpful benchmarks to guide you. If you're under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months—or over 35 and have been trying for 6 months—it's a good idea to consult a fertility specialist. If you're over 40, we typically recommend seeking guidance as soon as possible.
That said, these are just general guidelines. If you already know about underlying health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, irregular cycles, or low sperm count, it may be appropriate to schedule an appointment sooner.
It’s also important to note that not everyone seeks fertility care due to infertility. Single parents by choice and same-sex couples may pursue fertility support for third-party reproduction options like donor sperm, donor eggs, or gestational carriers. No matter your family structure, we’re here to help you explore your path to parenthood.
2. What happens at a fertility consultation?
Your first visit is focused on listening and learning. Your provider will review your medical history, ask about your goals, and often recommend initial testing to better understand what may be affecting your fertility. This might include hormone testing, an ultrasound, or a semen analysis. From there, we’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan.
3. What are the most common causes of infertility?
Infertility can be caused by many different factors. Here are a few of the most common—and how they may affect your ability to conceive:
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Ovulation Disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation (common with PCOS) means fewer chances for fertilization to occur.
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Blocked Fallopian Tubes: If the egg can't meet the sperm due to tubal blockages (sometimes from infection or endometriosis), conception becomes difficult or impossible.
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Endometriosis: This condition causes uterine-like tissue to grow outside the uterus, which can impact egg quality, fertilization, and implantation.
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Male Factor Infertility: This includes issues like low sperm count, poor motility (movement), or abnormal shape, which can reduce the chances of fertilization.
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Uterine Abnormalities: Fibroids, polyps, or an irregular uterine shape may interfere with embryo implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
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Unexplained Infertility: In some cases, no clear cause can be found. Even then, treatment options can be very effective.
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Age-Related Decline: As egg quantity and quality naturally decline with age, it becomes harder to conceive, especially after age 35.
4. Is IVF the only option if I’m struggling to conceive?
Not at all. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is just one of many tools available. Depending on your specific diagnosis and goals, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, timed intercourse, ovulation induction, or intrauterine insemination (IUI) before moving to IVF.
5. What’s the difference between IUI and IVF?
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IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a simpler, less invasive procedure that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It’s often paired with medications to stimulate ovulation and is typically one of the first steps in treatment, especially for unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or donor sperm use.
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Timing: IUI cycles are typically shorter, with treatment spanning about 2–3 weeks.
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Success rates: Depending on your age and diagnosis, success rates per cycle typically range from 10–20%.
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IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a more advanced and involved process. It includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization in a lab, and embryo transfer. IVF may be recommended if other treatments haven’t worked, or in cases of more complex fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, moderate to severe male factor infertility, or when using donor eggs or a gestational carrier.
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Timing: IVF cycles take longer—typically 4–6 weeks per cycle, including preparation and recovery.
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Success rates: IVF offers higher success rates per cycle compared to IUI. At IFI, we’ll review your individual chances based on your age, test results, and overall health.
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Both options have their place in fertility care, and your provider will help you decide which approach aligns best with your diagnosis, goals, and timeline
6. What lifestyle changes can improve fertility?
While lifestyle alone can’t overcome every fertility challenge, making healthy changes can support your reproductive system and overall well-being—both of which play important roles in your fertility journey. Here’s how:
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Maintaining a healthy body weight: Being either underweight or overweight can disrupt hormone levels and interfere with ovulation or sperm production. A balanced BMI (typically between 19–24) can help improve the chances of conception, regulate menstrual cycles, and support better treatment outcomes.
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Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol: Smoking can damage eggs and sperm, reduce ovarian reserve, and increase miscarriage risk. Excessive alcohol intake can also disrupt hormone function and impair fertility. Quitting or cutting back on these substances can improve both natural and assisted conception outcomes.
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Managing stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormone balance and ovulation, and it often impacts emotional resilience during treatment. Tools like therapy, acupuncture, journaling, or mindfulness-based practices can help regulate the body’s stress response and create space for mental and emotional recovery.
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Reducing caffeine intake: High levels of caffeine (typically over 200–300 mg per day) may be linked to decreased fertility and increased miscarriage risk. Cutting back on coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages can support hormonal stability and pregnancy health.
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Tracking ovulation and understanding your cycle: Knowing when you ovulate helps you time intercourse or treatment more effectively. Tools like ovulation predictor kits, cycle tracking apps, and basal body temperature charts can help identify your fertile window—maximizing your chances of conception.
These adjustments aren’t about perfection—they’re about creating a supportive foundation for your body as you move through fertility testing and treatment. Our team at IFI will work with you to make lifestyle changes that feel realistic, sustainable, and right for your individual goals.
7. Does fertility testing hurt?
Most testing is quick and minimally invasive. Blood draws and ultrasounds are simple procedures. Some tests, like an hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which checks whether your fallopian tubes are open, can cause mild discomfort, but we’ll explain everything in advance and help you feel as comfortable as possible.
8. What role does age really play in fertility?
Age is one of the most important factors in fertility, particularly for egg quality. While many people conceive naturally in their 30s and even early 40s, fertility tends to decline more noticeably after age 35. This is why age may influence the type and urgency of treatment recommended.
9. How does male fertility factor into the equation?
Infertility isn’t just a female issue—male factor infertility is involved in about one-third of cases. A semen analysis can evaluate key aspects like sperm count, motility, and morphology. If issues are found, there are often treatments or interventions available to help.
10. Can stress really impact fertility?
Stress alone is rarely the root cause of infertility, but chronic stress can affect hormone levels, ovulation, and sexual health. More importantly, fertility challenges themselves can be stressful. That’s why we recommend finding outlets to support your emotional health—whether it's counseling, acupuncture, or simply taking time for yourself.
11. Why is fertility care so expensive?
Fertility treatment can be costly—and we know that financial stress can add another layer of difficulty to an already emotional process. The reason for the expense is that fertility care often involves a combination of advanced technology, specialized lab work, medication, and close medical monitoring.
For example, IVF includes:
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Hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries
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Multiple ultrasounds and blood draws
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A surgical egg retrieval
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Laboratory fertilization and embryo development
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Embryo transfer
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Sometimes additional steps like genetic testing or embryo freezing
Even simpler treatments, like IUI or ovulation induction, require precise timing and ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and success.
12. What does insurance usually cover?
Insurance coverage varies by provider and plan. Some plans cover diagnostic testing but not treatment, while others may cover IUI, IVF, or medications. At IFI, we have a team of financial counselors that will walk you through your coverage and help explore financing or discount programs if needed.
You deserve clarity, transparency, and support—and we’re here to help make that happen.
13. How do I get started at Indiana Fertility Institute?
Starting is simple. You can request an appointment online or give us a call at (317) 575-6565. No referral is needed unless your insurance requires one. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from your very first question through the entire journey.
Fertility is a journey—and you don’t have to walk it alone.
At IFI, we know that early questions can shape the rest of your path. Whether you're exploring options, seeking answers, or simply ready to talk, we’re here with expert care and open hearts.