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What is Infertility?

About 7 million couples in the United States—or one in six—will have difficulty getting pregnant, or conceiving, and may need medical help to conceive a child. While there are many possible causes of infertility, there are many treatments available to help almost everyone. The nationally-recognized providers and researchers at UR Medicine are at the forefront of infertility treatment.

Conception is a complicated process that depends on many things, including:

  • The production of healthy sperm and healthy eggs
  • Open fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg
  • The sperm's ability to fertilize the egg when they meet
  • The ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the uterus
  • Good embryo quality
  • An adequate hormonal environment to support embryo development

When a problem comes up with even one of these factors, infertility can happen. Infertility can affect both partners.

What Causes Infertility? 

Common causes of infertility in people with a male reproductive system include:

  • Azoospermia: no sperm cells are produced
  • Oligospermia: few sperm cells are produced

Causes of infertility in people with female reproductive systems include:

  • Ovulation disorder (the most common cause)
  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Endometriosis; a sometimes painful condition causing adhesions and cysts

What Are the Types of Infertility?

  • Primary infertility: Difficulty conceiving for the first time after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. If you are over 35, primary infertility can be diagnosed after six months.
  • Secondary infertility: The inability to get pregnant again after a successful pregnancy.
  • Unexplained infertility: When fertility testing does not uncover a clear reason why a person or couple cannot get pregnant.

Learn more about the Strong Fertility Center.

Strong Fertility Center

Strong Fertility Center Patients Say

"They do an excellent job of explaining all of the procedures, medications, costs, etc. I always feel like I can ask questions and receive honest and straightforward answers."

UR Medicine's Treatments for Infertility

What Sets Us Apart?

Strong Fertility Center is the longest-standing in vitro fertilization center in upstate New York. Our doctors are highly experienced and subspecialty certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

UR Medicine Urology offers fellowship trained experts with experience in endocrinology research and surgical techniques. Our specialists will work collaboratively to help find the best treatment options for you. 

Providers

Our care team is here for you. Find a UR Medicine expert and get care now.

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Locations

We serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

1 location

Strong Fertility Center - Henrietta
Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

Red Creek (Calkins Corporate Park)
500 Red Creek Drive, Suite 220
Rochester, NY 14623

Patient Education & Support

Coping with Infertility Using Mind/Body Strategies and Group Support meets monthly to support mind/body stress reduction and relaxation techniques. For information, contact Lindsay Sycz at (585) 275-0222.

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