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
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)
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.
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.
We provide many treatments to help people who want to have children.
Donor Egg Program
Donor Sperm Program
Emotional support
Fertility preservation for women and men with cancer (oncofertility)
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
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
As you begin planning for your fertility care, we recommend these three steps:
Contact your insurance provider and ask about your plan's coverage.
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.
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.
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