Demonstrated expertise:
Our experts understand the ins and outs of fertility. And we bring that knowledge to your care every day. We also believe in working as a team — connecting you with the specialists you need when you need them. Meet our team.
Trying to conceive can be an emotional journey — especially when it takes longer than expected.
The pathway to parenthood looks different for everyone. And for some, it comes with challenges that require time, patience and support. At Cleveland Clinic, we’re here to help you throughout your entire journey.
When you come to us for fertility care, we’ll partner with you every step of the way. We’ll look at the whole picture, considering all the factors that can affect your fertility. Using the latest technology and groundbreaking treatments, we’ll create a personalized care plan just for you. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or have been trying to conceive for a while, we’re here to guide you forward with care and expertise.
Our experts understand the ins and outs of fertility. And we bring that knowledge to your care every day. We also believe in working as a team — connecting you with the specialists you need when you need them. Meet our team.
We understand that infertility care is an emotional journey as well as a physical one. Our compassionate team supports and guides you through each step. From answering questions to holding your hand, we’re here for you.
Our embryology lab offers the latest reproductive technology. You’ll work with experts who are actively researching the most effective, evidence-based treatments, so you get the best possible care.
Whether you’re ready to start a family now or you need help making a future fertility plan, we can help. We personalize everything to your needs — treatments, support, financial planning and more.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We’re recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
If you’re under 35 and haven’t gotten pregnant after a year of unprotected sex or after six months if you’re 35 or older, it may be time to check in with a provider. You may also want to be seen sooner if you have a condition like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or if you plan to use donor eggs, donor sperm or a gestational carrier. Our providers will listen, answer your questions and help you decide on the next steps.
Talking about your sex life or infertility challenges can feel vulnerable — and sometimes even awkward. But at Cleveland Clinic, you’ll be met with understanding, not judgment.
To help you mentally prepare for your appointment, here are a few things we’ll go over:
You may have a pelvic exam and a Pap test. Your providers may also order some other tests to gather as much information as possible. Think of all of this as a fact-finding mission. The more we know, the better we can tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Your provider may order blood tests to check for certain hormonal or genetic mutations (changes), such as:
You’re born with all the eggs your ovaries will ever have. Over time, that number naturally decreases — sometimes earlier than expected. This is called diminished ovarian reserve. If this is the case, we may do blood tests to check certain hormone levels and see how your body may respond to fertility medication.
To get a closer look at what’s going on inside your body, your providers might also recommend imaging tests, such as:
A hysteroscopy can confirm findings from other tests. Your provider uses a thin, flexible device with a camera on it called a hysteroscope. They insert the camera into your vagina through your cervix to examine your uterus.
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to look for blockages in your reproductive system. You’ll be asleep during this test. Your team will make a small cut in your belly and use a thin, tubelike tool with a camera on the end (laparoscope) to look at your reproductive organs. It takes about an hour, and you’ll go home the same day.
Our infertility team will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. And then, with compassion and expertise, we’ll guide you through a treatment plan designed just for you. Your providers may include:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, our team will develop your personalized treatment plan. Whether that includes lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, IVF or a combination of treatments, we’ll carefully explain your options and help guide you throughout your care.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes can help improve your ability to conceive. If you smoke, we’ll recommend you quit smoking. We may also talk with you about alcohol use and advise you to cut back or stop drinking altogether. And we might suggest:
If you aren’t ovulating regularly, medication may help stimulate ovulation. If you’re older and have lower egg quality, we may recommend medications to increase the number of eggs you release. Or we may suggest gonadotropin injections to deliver hormones that help with egg production.
If you have challenges with your reproductive organs, like endometriosis or fallopian tube blockages, surgery may help you conceive. At Cleveland Clinic, we offer minimally invasive gynecological surgery to treat these conditions.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, works best for mild male infertility, cervical stenosis and unexplained infertility. This minimally invasive procedure can be done using either your partner’s sperm or a donor’s.
IUI takes 20 minutes or less and tends to be more affordable than other options, so it’s often the first therapy we try.
If IUI isn’t right for you, your provider may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF). A typical IVF process takes about two weeks. Our fertility specialists use the latest equipment and techniques to optimize every stage of IVF — increasing the possibility of pregnancy.
Maybe you’re not ready to become a parent just now, or you’re preparing for cancer treatment. At Cleveland Clinic, we offer a range of fertility preservation options to help you plan for the future, including:
Infertility can be an unexpected obstacle in your journey to become a parent. At Cleveland Clinic, we’re here to help you keep moving forward. We explore the possible reasons these challenges may be happening, and we work with you to create a detailed treatment plan specific to your needs. Our expert and compassionate team will be by your side, guiding and supporting you along the way.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s female infertility experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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