Fertility Issues and Potential Medical Options

Are you in the process of planning a family? Were you aware that women are the most fertile when they are between the ages of 20 and 24?

Couples between of 29 and 33, however, have a 20% to 25% chance of conceiving during a given month. While conception will depend on the couple having normal functioning reproductive systems, it has been found that 1 out of 8 couples experience issues becoming or sustaining a pregnancy.

Women’s fertility begins to decline around the time they turn 30. After this age, it declines even further as they approach 35. At the age of 40, however, only 2 out of 5 women who want to have a baby are able to do so.

There are an estimated 6.7 million women between the ages of 15 to 44 that experience impaired fecundity. This means that they experience an impaired ability to become pregnant, and if they do, are unable to carry their baby to term.

Fertility issues are not uncommon in the United States. While multiple factors may be involved, each of the following causes comprise 1/3 of the likely reasons:

• Female infertility
• Male infertility
• Combination of issues or unexplained

Both men and women have sought medical assistance for fertility issues. The Centers for Disease Control reported that at some point in their lives, approximately 3.3 to 4.7 million sexually active men under 45 have seen a fertility expert. When women are experiencing fertility issues, it is estimated that 44% have sought medical assistance.

It’s important to note that medical intervention does assist infertile couples. When women have sought treatment, approximately 65% have been able to carry a baby to term and give birth. The most effective interventions include drug therapy or surgical procedures, and these account for 85% to 90% of the successful pregnancies.

If you are concerned about the cost of fertility treatments, it’s important to note that several states have passed and implemented laws regarding infertility treatment coverage. The following states are now required to provide some level of infertility treatment to their policy holders:

• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• West Virginia

If you live in a state other than those listed above, be sure to contact your insurance provider to determine whether or not they will cover infertility treatments. It is possible that even though you are located in a state that doesn’t mandate some level of coverage, it may still be available for you.

If you have any questions about IVF and other infertility procedures and treatments, please contact the Michigan Fertility Center for more information. The staff at the Michigan Fertility Center will also be able to discuss the costs of IVF and other types of treatments. When you schedule an appointment at the Michigan Fertility Center, you are taking an important step towards creating your family.