Accessing Fertility Care
The decision to have a baby is a milestone in life and is not to be taken lightly. For some, conceiving does not happen quickly or easily. Approximately one in seven couples of reproductive age experiences a fertility problem.
Only one in 10 people with fertility issues
seeks treatment. Some men or women who have difficulty
conceiving are reluctant to find assistance due
to concerns about the cost or time commitment
related to fertility treatment. The fact remains
that ignoring a fertility issue doesn't
make the problem go away.
Infertility is not a
sexual or mental problem; rather, it is a medical
condition that can frequently be treated. Nevertheless,
infertility is often a complex issue, as many
factors in both men and women can contribute
to it.
The first step in determining a person's ability to conceive is undergoing a fertility evaluation. A basic fertility evaluation of a couple includes:
- Evaluation of the male through semen
analysis and other relevant tests
- Evaluation of the reproductive systems, particularly in the female
- Determination of hormonal abnormalities frequently leading to lack of ovulation
- Determination of other conditions that contribute to diminished fertility, such as the presence of endometriosis or polycystic ovaries
Following evaluation, approximately 30 to 40 percent of infertile couples find a significant problem with the male's fertility, approximately 25 percent find a significant problem with the female's fertility, another 25 percent find minor problems involving both partners, and approximately 10 to 15 percent of couples find no obvious cause for the infertility.
After an initial evaluation, the cost of possible treatment options cross a broad range. The cost of treatment is based on the diagnosis given after an evaluation. Treatment options include:
- Hormone therapy to induce ovulation or alleviate other endocrine problems
- Reproductive surgery to treat endometriosis or restore the normal structure of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies
- Egg donation if testing reveals that the females eggs (oocytes) are not viable
There are many questions that need to be answered
when determining who to select and/or where to
go for fertility care. For important points to
consider, see "How
to Select a Fertility Specialist".
What Makes Penn Fertility Care Unique?
Although
the evaluation and treatment of couples with
infertility may be considered routine and should
be similar across reputable fertility centers,
Penn Fertility Care is unique in the
infrastructure supporting its research in
reproduction and the training
of future reproductive medicine specialists.
Penn Fertility Care is distinct because:
- The program has the most board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists in the Philadelphia region.
- The program is one of the two top-funded reproduction research programs in the nation.
- The program has one of the most sought-after reproductive endocrinology and infertility training programs in the country.
Due to its research and training infrastructure, Penn Fertility Care offers patients the latest in clinical evaluation, as well as treatments that are firmly evidence-based on proven research. Because of Penn's multiple, ongoing research protocols and its participation in the Reproductive Medicine Network, eligible patients can be enrolled for evaluation and treatment at little to no cost.
In addition, Penn provides a comprehensive egg donation program, which continually screens and accepts egg donors and offers egg recipients immediate access to our large selection of donors.
Penn Fertility Care has expanded its services
to now offer greater convenience and access to
care, including a new location at Pennsylvania
Hospital and four fertility care specialists
new to our already extensive
team:
To make an appointment with a Penn Fertility Care specialist, call 800-789-PENN (7366).
Related information:
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