Fertility FAQs

What is day one of my cycle?
We consider day one of your cycle the first day of a full flow period, not just spotting. If this happens before noon on Friday, make sure you call us right away, as we would likely need to see you that same day. If you start having a full flowing period after noon on Friday then it would be ok to call us right away on Monday morning. You can also leave a voice message with the clinic and we will contact you once the clinic opens to schedule an appointment.

Can a certain diet or food help with infertility?
The most important thing is to eat a healthy diet and normalize your weight as much as you can. Try to eat organic fruits, vegetables and meats; whole grains; lean protein; and dairy. Avoid processed foods.

Does body weight matter with infertility?
For men and women whose body mass index is greater than 25, there is evidence that losing 5 to 10 percent of the weight boosts fertility.

Are over-the-counter herbals and vitamins safe?
Folic acid is important for women trying to get pregnant. It prevents birth defects and may help people become more fertile. One to two, 400-microgram pills of folic acid is recommended.

We suggest taking a multivitamin for both the male and female patient. For female patients we suggest taking a prenatal vitamin. This may have enough folic acid so an extra dose is not needed.

Other over-the-counter supplements/herbals are not recommended by our providers. The products are not regulated by the FDA. Without regulation, we do not know if they are properly dosed and they have not been tested in pregnant women to check for risks to the fetus.

What kind of exercise is safe while trying to get pregnant?
Except immediately after in vitro fertilization (IVF), exercise is encouraged in women who are trying to conceive. Benefits include stress relief, weight loss and improved stamina for pregnancy and labor. We suggest moderate exercise such as walking, dancing, yoga and swimming.

Is alcohol and caffeine safe while trying to conceive?
Alcohol, in moderation (no more than four drinks a week), for both men and women is acceptable when you’re trying to get pregnant. Higher rates of drinking have been shown to lower pregnancy rates. Once you are pregnant, no alcohol is recommended.
Caffeine has not been shown to interfere with conception.

What can lower sperm count?
Direct, prolonged exposure to heat sources like hot tubs, long bike rides, saunas and even long drives with heated seats can cause decreased production of normally shaped and fast-swimming sperm.

Can my husband’s job affect his sperm?
Farm chemicals are bad for reproduction. If your husband can’t avoid exposure to herbicides, pesticides and similar chemicals, he should try to wear a respirator, ventilator and protective gear. Another option is to plan to have a baby in the winter. The same goes for jobs with other harsh chemicals. Be aware and try to protect yourself when you can.

How long do sperm last once inside the female body?
Once in the woman’s body, sperm can live up to three days.

Is smoking safe before/during treatment?
We recommend all our patients stop smoking.

Does infertility affect just women?
Infertility affects both men and women. For this reason, we recommend male partners to be along during the initial visits so their fertility can also be reviewed and tested.

Does age make a difference when trying to conceive?
Women cannot achieve a pregnancy at any age. A woman’s fertility naturally decreases with age. Success and treatment options drop rapidly after age 35. For men, the amount and quality of sperm begins to decrease from the age of 37.

When should we seek help?
For women under 35, infertility is defined as 12 months of unprotected intercourse without conception. For women over 35, it is defined as six months of unprotected intercourse without conception.

Can we go right to in vitro fertilization?
This will depend on your history. Many of our patients will start at the beginning and will achieve a pregnancy and will never have to go through IVF. Some, because of their medical history, like blocked fallopian tubes or advanced age, will have to go straight to IVF to help them conceive. Our providers will sit down and come up with the journey that works for you and will bring you the best chance for success.

Does masturbation affect fertility?
No, masturbation does not affect a man’s sperm count nor does it cause infertility.

Why would I be asked to repeat a semen analysis?
Often times, sperm counts may fluctuate from one specimen to the next, so a doctor may want to evaluate several different samples over several weeks or months.

Should we consider genetic testing?
Genetic testing is a great resource for our patients. Patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, severe male factor infertility, advanced reproductive age or recurrent IVF treatment failures are asked to try genetic screening for risk factors that could affect their fertility.

Could psychological treatment help me/us cope with infertility?
We have behavioral health professionals with experience in helping our couples during treatment. Their primary goal is to help individuals and couples learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility. It may be helpful in controlling stress, anxiety or depression, which could be barriers when trying to conceive.