
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility.
Transcript
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility.
Hi, I'm Dr. Roger Lobo with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Today we're talking about treatments for infertility.
One of the most common reasons for female fertility problems is anovulation when a woman is not making or releasing mature eggs. Anovulation is most often treated with medications that work in two ways. One is to stimulate a woman's own hormones to work more effectively. The second is to provide additional hormones called gonadotropins to stimulate the ovary directly. Both treatments stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs. Talk to your doctor to see which method is best for you.
For some patients, basic infertility therapies do not work, and other treatment options can be considered. In vitro fertilization, called IVF, is probably the best-known form of assisted reproductive technology or ART. With IVF a man's sperm and a woman's eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. The embryos that develop are transferred to the woman's uterus to hopefully implant in the uterine lining and continue to develop.
"Physically IVF is probably the most difficult thing I've ever done to my body. We knew we wanted to have a baby and our last resort was really IVF. So the decision didn't come easily but it was really the only decision left to be made in our journey."
IVF is a delicate procedure and should be performed in specialty centers by experienced reproductive care clinicians. It involves many stages of preparation, including medications given to the woman to stimulate multiple eggs, retrieving and inseminating the eggs with her partner's sperm, and returning the embryos to her uterus.
ART also includes other procedures often used with IVF. A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI is often used for men with sperm abnormalities. In a very delicate procedure, a single sperm is introduced through the egg's outer shell into the area where it can more easily fertilize the egg.
Multiple eggs are usually produced in an IVF cycle. After fertilization, any embryos over the number that should be transferred can be cryopreserved or frozen for future use.
Third-party reproduction using another source of sperm, eggs, or embryos, may be an option when these are not biologically possible for a couple. Some may use a gestational carrier or a surrogate when a woman cannot physically carry a pregnancy.
"In situations where a woman is missing a uterus either because she was born without a uterus or because she had it surgically removed in the past, if she still has eggs that are functional it may be possible for her to go through a process where she gets those eggs extracted. Those eggs are then mixed with her partner's sperm in the laboratory, and the embryos that then develop can be inserted into another woman's body. So that other person, the gestational carrier, can actually carry the pregnancy for the patient."
A newer technology called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or PGD allows for certain genetic conditions to be diagnosed in the embryo before being transferred. This is a very complex procedure and is currently recommended only for specific known genetic abnormalities.
For men with infertility, there are, unfortunately, fewer treatments available. Usually, for an abnormal semen analysis, a special type of insemination called intrauterine insemination is used. Sperm are washed and concentrated to provide more sperm in a small amount of fluid. When the woman's cycle timing is right for insemination, the small sample can be inserted through a catheter directly into her uterus.
Other treatments for infertile men may involve surgery such as correction of a varicocele.
When the basic infertility therapies do not work patients can begin to consider moving on to other treatment options.
Videos
Resources For You
Infertility

SART Fertility Experts - Military Families and Fertility
Active-duty individuals in the military sometimes face unique circumstances when seeking fertility care. Learn more with a former military fertility physician. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Q&A on Infertility
Infertility can create many questions for a patient. Listen to common questions and answers about infertility, egg freezing, and genetic testing. Listen to the Episode
Fertility Care Gets Important Win in California
ASRM celebrates California's SB 729, expanding IVF coverage for same-sex couples and singles, advancing equitable fertility care access.
View the Press Release
National Infertility Awareness Week
April 20-26, 2025, is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)!
View the NIAW Toolkit
SART Fertility Experts - Environmental Impacts on Fertility
In this episode, the fertility experts discuss the impact of the environment, including air, climate, and chemical exposures on infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain. Read the fact sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Defining Infertility
Infertility is “the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.” View the Fact Sheet
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
Male Fertility Evaluation: What do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet
Smoking and infertility
Most people understand that smoking increases the risk for heart, vascular, and lung disease. View the fact sheet
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors of muscle tissue found in the uterus. View the fact sheet
Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It
Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of your life. View the fact sheet
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode

SART Fertility Experts - Financial Aspects of Infertility Treatment
“I know what treatment I want and need to do, but how can I afford it?” This is a common question infertility patients often ask themselves. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - RESOLVE and Infertility
Due to the unique stress of infertility, patients often look for resources and support in addition to those provided by their medical provider. Listen to the Episode
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet
Saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG)
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS or SHG) is aprocedure to evaluate the uterus and the shape of the uterine cavity. View the fact sheet
Testosterone use and male infertility
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). View the fact sheet
What is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (Previously Called Premature Ovarian Failure)?
When a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, she is said to have premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Safe Surfing: The Pros and Perils of Social Media
Dr. Kenan Omurtag, MD joins host Dr. Mark Trolice to discuss the use of social media in the field of infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts Teaser

Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Acupuncture and Infertility Treatment
Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that involves placing very thin needles at different points on the body. View the Fact Sheet
Sexual dysfunction and infertility
Sexual dysfunction is a problem in a person’s sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm. View the fact sheet
Coping With Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses various methods of coping with infertility. Watch Video
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, develops outside of the uterine cavity in abnormal locations. Watch Video
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
Age and Fertility (booklet)
Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, and fertility can be expected to end 5 to 10 years before menopause. View the Booklet
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
FAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Learn the facts
Mary Dolan's Story

Infertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Infertility better. View the infographicsFemale Fertility

SART Fertility Experts - Fertility Myths and Realities for Black Women
Black women are more likely to experience infertility and less likely to seek and receive timely treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Preconception Counseling
This podcast episode covers the topic of preconception counseling. Listen to the Episode
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Am I Ovulating?
Ovulation is the release of an egg from a woman’s ovaries and is essential for getting pregnant. View the Fact Sheet
Abnormalities of the Female Reproductive Tract (Müllerian Anomalies)
Sometimes the uterus and fallopian tubes may not form like they should. These malformations are called müllerian anomalies or defects. Müllerian anomalies may make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant. View the Fact Sheet
Conditions Treated with Surgery on the Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries
Surgery can be used to treat problems with the ovaries or fallopian tubes, such as cysts, endometriosis, or infections. View the Fact Sheet
Diagnostic Testing for Infertility
An evaluation of a woman for infertility is appropriate for women who have not become pregnant after having 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. View the Fact Sheet
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
“Dilation and curettage” (D&C) is a short surgical procedure that removes tissue from your uterus (womb). You may need this procedure if you have unexplained or abnormal bleeding or if you have delivered a baby and placental tissue remains in your womb. View the Fact Sheet
Evaluation of the Uterus
If you haven’t been able to get pregnant after trying for 6 months, some tests can be done to help find the reason. Your doctor may test your hormone levels, your partner’s sperm, and your reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus [womb]). View the Fact Sheet
Female Cancers, Cryopreservation, and Fertility
Yes! New technology lets your doctor remove and freeze eggs, fertilized eggs (embryos), or ovarian tissue before treating your cancer. This way, you may be able to have children after your treatment. View the Fact Sheet
Fertility Drugs And The Risk of Multiple Births
Infertility treatments that cause multiple eggs to develop make it more likely that you will become pregnant with twins, triplets, or more. This is called multiple gestation. View the Fact Sheet
Ovulation Detection
Ovulation, the release of an egg from its follicle in one of a woman’s two ovaries, is one of the most important factors in conceiving a child. View the fact sheet
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: what should I know?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should. View the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Fibroids and Fertility
Fibroids and their impact on fertility are discussed in this episode featuring Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, interviewed by host Dr. Brooke Rossi. Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Endometriosis (booklet)
Women with endometriosis may experience infertility, pelvic pain, or both. This booklet will describe options for diagnosing and treating pain or infertility that may be attributed to endometriosis. View the Booklet
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Female Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Female Fertility better. View the Infographics
Ovarian Reserve Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Ovarian Reserve better. View the InfographicsMale Fertility/Andrology

AUA Releases Male Infertility Guideline Amendment
The AUA, in collaboration with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has released the 2024 amendment to the Male Infertility Guideline.
View the Press Release
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey
SART Fertility Experts - Urology and Male Reproductive Health

Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Cancer and its impact on sperm, cryopreservation, and fertility
This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casual conversation. View the fact sheet
Male Fertility Evaluation: What do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet
Sperm morphology (shape): Does it affect fertility?
The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. View the fact sheet
Fertility Options for Men with Spinal Cord Injury
There are several reasons a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) might have infertility. View the fact sheet
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Male Factor

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
Fertility Options After Vasectomy
Vasectomy is currently one of the most common methods of sterilization in the United States. After your vasectomy, if you change your mind about having children, there are two procedures that can help you have a child with your partner. View the Fact Sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Male Fertility
Did you know that up to 40% of infertile couples suffer from male factor infertility? Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Male Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Male Fertility better. View the infographicsFind a Health Professional
