Infertility: Generations Fertility Care

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.

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

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:

• Ovulation problems, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Pelvic adhesions

• Uterine fibroids or polyps

• Diminished ovarian reserve

• Low sperm count

• Ejaculatory problems

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.

We provide many treatments to help people who want to have children.

• Artificial insemination (IUI)

• Donor Egg Program

• Donor Sperm Program 

• Emotional support

• Fertility preservation for women and men with cancer (oncofertility)

• Frozen embryo transfer

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

• In vitro fertilization

• Oocyte and sperm cryopreservation

• Ovulation medications

 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

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.

• Costco. Call (608) 824-3959 or visit their website

• Freedom Fertility. Call 1-800-660-4283 or visit their website

• Mandell's Clinical Pharmacy. Call 1-877-252-0553 or visit their website

• Walgreens Specialty. Call 1-800-424-9002 or visit their website