Infertility: Generations Fertility Care

Starting a family is a deep-rooted desire for many people. If you have difficulty getting pregnant on your own, the team at Generations Fertility Care is here to help. Our fertility specialists offer a wide range of testing and assisted reproductive treatments for all individuals and couples.

Programs

Supportive programs to build your family

At Generations Fertility Care, our mission is to assist in building the next generation by providing everyone the opportunity to have a family. We deliver remarkable, accessible and innovative fertility care to help you achieve one of life's greatest joys — having a baby.

Our specialized programs include:

  • Couples: Infertility affects couples, not just individuals. We provide infertility testing for men and women. If necessary, we also offer couples counseling.

  • LGBTQ+ family-building: We provide personalized fertility options so you can start a family. We guide you through the process, answer your questions and support your goals along the way. We work with all people and couples. Learn more

Common fertility issues

Fertility issues are common. If getting pregnant is difficult, our testing options help identify the problem. We offer fertility testing to help identify any potential underlying conditions. Some of the common fertility issues we help manage are:

  • Couples who have been trying for more than a year to conceive

  • Same-sex couples and transgender individuals who want to have children

  • Women older than 35 who do not get pregnant after trying for at least six months

  • Women who have had more than one miscarriage

Conditions

UW Health infertility specialists work with you to determine the underlying cause of your fertility challenges and offer the most effective treatment options for your condition.

If you and your partner have tried to get pregnant for more than a year, or if you are a woman over 35 who has tried for more than six months, you might want to consider seeing a doctor for fertility testing.

We may also recommend infertility testing if you've been able to get pregnant, but have had more than one miscarriage.

Learn more

If you and your partner have had trouble getting pregnant, it's natural to feel concerned. Many couples don't expect fertility problems when they decide to have a baby. And wondering if you're infertile can cause added stress and worry.

The good news is countless men who faced infertility have been treated for their underlying problem and many eventually father children.

We specialize in all aspects of male infertility, including testing and medical or surgical treatment. Among the conditions we test for include:

  • Absence of sperm

  • Developmental conditions, such as undescended testes

  • Ejaculatory dysfunction

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Exposure to environmental toxins

  • Hormone imbalance, such as low testosterone

  • Infections, including sexually transmitted disease

  • Low sperm count

  • Oddly shaped sperm

  • Side effects from prostate or testicular surgery

  • Slow sperm/sperm that can’t travel

  • Swollen veins in that scrotum that cause low sperm counts (varicocele)

  • Unexplained infertility

Learn more

Approximately 3 million women in the U.S. are affected by secondary infertility, which is defined as the inability to become pregnant or to carry a pregnancy successfully after previous success in delivering a child.

Individuals experiencing secondary infertility are less likely to seek treatment than those who experience primary infertility. This is due in part to the perception that because they were able to conceive before, they should be able to again. However, several changes can occur that may alter a woman's ability to conceive.

Causes of secondary infertility

The causes for secondary infertility are often the same as for primary infertility, including:

These underlying medical conditions can develop for a number of reasons. A previous C-section, infection, weight gain and even age can adversely affect a woman's reproductive health. Men, too, might experience difficulties as a result of stress, age or other similar issues.

Treatment for Secondary Infertility

Generally, it is recommended that individuals see fertility specialists after trying unsuccessfully to conceive for 8-12 months. For people over age 35 or who have known medical conditions, it is generally recommended they see a specialist much sooner.

Treating secondary infertility depends largely on any underlying medical conditions. Through the Couples Clinic at UW Health's Generations Fertility Care, both members of the couple undergo a routine evaluation. Since infertility is not simply a woman's problem, evaluating both members ensures the most effective treatments can be recommended.

Tips for talking to your Primary Care or OB/Gyn about your Infertility concerns

If you have been trying to get pregnant and it isn’t happening as quickly as you expected, you may begin to wonder if you have an infertility issue. When is it time to see a doctor and what should you discuss?

Discussing family planning can be difficult, but couples can start with their primary care physician or gynecologist.

Signs you should talk to your doctor about infertility

Couples who have been trying to become pregnant for more than a year should speak to a doctor about the possibility of fertility testing. Also, if you are older than 35 and have been trying for more than six months, speak to a doctor.

You can start with your primary care physician or your gynecologist.

You should also begin a conversation with your doctor if you have a history of:

  • Irregular or frequently missed periods

  • Uterine fibroids

  • Endometriosis

  • Miscarriages

What to expect

At the appointment plan to explain your situation. Come prepared with questions and take notes. Be prepared to provide a detailed family and medical history including menstrual calendar and any investigations done in the last 12 months (including labs, ultrasound and/or additional testing).

Some of the questions asked may make you uncomfortable, but they are asked to help you and help develop next steps. And remember you can ask tough questions too.

Before you leave the appointment, be sure you know and agree upon a plan. Repeat what you have heard and be sure you understand what was said. And always be your own advocate.

Treatments and finance

Treatments for all types of fertility problems

Our specialists personalize treatment to your unique needs.

 If you need surgery to help you get pregnant, we provide several surgical options, including:

  • Anastomosis (reconnection) of fallopian tubes previously cut or tied for contraceptive purposes

  • Correction of conditions present at birth affecting the uterus and vagina

  • Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis

  • Laparoscopic robot-assisted myomectomy

We provide surgical options for male infertility, including:

  • Microsurgical varicocelectomy 

    • Electroejaculation

    • Microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration 

    • Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration

    • Sperm retrieval

    • Testicular sperm extraction/aspiration

  • Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct 

  • Vasectomy reversal

Financial information

At Generations Fertility Care, we respect how important the financial aspects of treatment are for many people. We are committed to providing not only competitive pricing, but also excellent value when caring for patients.

Financial counselor

For financial questions, please call (608) 824-6160.

Three steps to begin planning for treatment

As you begin planning for your fertility care, we recommend these three steps:

  1. Contact your insurance provider and ask about your plan's coverage.

  2. Meet with one of our fertility care specialists for an initial consultation. They will determine whether any diagnostic testing is needed and advise you of treatment options that may be appropriate for your situation. If you have already had some testing or treatment, bring the results along to your appointment so we avoid repeating any unnecessary steps.

  3. Meet with one of our financial counselors. They will review costs for the tests and treatments you are considering and help you make the most of insurance coverage if it is available to you.

Average price ranges without insurance coverage (not including medications; subject to change without notice)

  • $75: Semen testing, count and motility

  • $200: Semen testing, complete analysis

  • $305: Ultrasound

  • $510 to $1,500: Intra uterine insemination (IUI), includes monitoring ultrasounds, if required

  • $12,325 to $13,825: In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Insurance and fertility treatments

Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover the cost of fertility treatments. Prior to beginning any services, we recommend you check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and whether any prior authorizations are required.

Once you have established fertility care with one of our physicians, our financial counselor can assist you with any necessary authorizations you might need.

Competitive pricing

The cost of fertility treatments can be challenging. We are committed to providing not only competitive pricing, but also excellent value when caring for patients. Generations Fertility Care offers options to help you manage the financial aspects of treatment.

Financial assistance for cancer patients

Generations partners with LIVESTRONG Fertility to provide cancer patients with discounted fertility care options. An online application and other details are available on the LIVESTRONG website. If you have questions, please contact LIVESTRONG at (855) 220-7777.

Some fertility treatments include self-administered, prescription medications that can be ordered online or through the mail. Here are a few reliable, reasonably priced sources you might want to consider in addition to your local pharmacy. This is neither a comprehensive list nor an endorsement of the following pharmacies. You might find it helpful to contact several pharmacies and compare prices prior to your treatment.

Locations

All the fertility care you need, at one location

Generations Fertility Care is a specialized fertility clinic located in Middleton, near the far west side of Madison, Wis.

Meet our team

An expert team by your side

The fertility specialists at UW Health and Generations Fertility Care include experts in endocrinology, embryology, clinical psychology and advanced pelvic surgery.

Our providers

Resources

Injection training

More resources

Whitley McMahon celebrating her golden 1st birthday on May 1, 2023
Patient story
Second IVF try a charm for the McMahon family

It took two rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), but Ashley and Brooks McMahon added Whitley to their family in May 2022 — thanks to Dr. Laura Cooney and the team of experts at Generations Fertility Care.

Ashley LaBeause, her husband Courtney and their child Riley
Patient story
Baby Riley makes three

Ashley LaBeause and her husband, Courtney, spent the better part of a decade trying to get pregnant without success. The couple eventually opted for in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Through the expert care at Generations, they were able to have the baby they always hoped for.