In the past decade, there has been an explosion of interest and social awareness around infertility. What was once considered a private, very personal struggle, is now a relatively common topic of media attention and discussion.

National Infertility Awareness Week (April 23-29) is a campaign to spread awareness and support for families dealing with infertility. Celebrities, like model Chrissy Teigen and TV star Jimmy Fallon, have begun talking publicly about the struggles they have had to overcome to build their families.

Now that states like Texas mandate infertility insurance coverage, the issue, and impact of infertility have become easier to deal with.  On the forefront of fertility science and treatment are the forward-thinking reproductive health specialists at the UT Health Reproductive Health and Fertility Center, which provides solutions and treatments to families all over Texas and the southern United States.

Whether you are planning on starting your family this year or in 10 years, it’s important to understand some of the common myths surrounding fertility treatment.

Myth 1: You must first be diagnosed as “infertile” before seeing a fertility specialist. (False)
Anyone can make an appointment with a fertility specialist, and many do for a number of reasons. People may seek out a local fertility center for egg or embryo freezing. This procedure preserves a woman’s healthy eggs or a couple’s fertilized embryos for future use. Also, those having a family history of a severe genetic disorder may automatically opt to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF) that can be used to prevent passing on that gene. Additionally, many people visit fertility centers for health reasons, including preserving their fertility prior to undergoing cancer treatment.

Myth 2:  A couple must try to conceive naturally for one year before seeking treatment. (False)
While most physicians recommend this approach for individuals younger than 35, women over 35 shouldn’t try longer than six months before making an appointment with a fertility specialist. Both partners can more immediately undergo testing to rule out or confirm a reproductive health problem.

Also, there is no need to delay fertility treatment if either partner has a known reproductive disorder such as irregular periods, anatomical disorders or diagnosed sperm disorders.

Myth 3: Reproductive therapy is not common. (False)
Whether it’s by choice or because of an infertility diagnosis, many people are using fertility treatments to become parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 percent of women and 9 percent of men experience difficulty with fertility. In 2014, more than 70,000 babies were born to mothers who used fertility treatments, and that number is rising.

Myth 4: All fertility centers are created equal. (False)
In the United States, there are more than 450 recognized fertility centers. Each provides different services, has different success rates and charges different fees. While no fertility practice can guarantee their treatment plan will result in a baby, it’s important to do your research before choosing a fertility specialist. Some criteria you may consider include physician experience and training, the variety of procedures offered, the total costs, insurance and payment options, on-site lab and storage services, and guidelines for accepting new patients.

Myth 5: Fertility treatment is always a costly, out-of-pocket expense. (False)
Fertility treatment requires a variety of investments, including time, emotion and money. But not all fertility treatments cost thousands of dollars. Often, reproductive health specialists will recommend the least invasive, most cost-effective fertility treatment as a first approach.

As the type of reproductive procedures become more involved, so does pricing. Costs for procedures differ at each fertility center. Some centers offer package pricing, payment plans, or financing and credit plans. Often, academic-affiliated practices, like UT Health, are able to offer more affordable pricing due to grants and other sources of funding.

Additionally, some companies and insurance plans may cover portions of the costs associated with advanced reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

According to board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist Randal Robinson, M.D., with the UT Health’s Reproductive Health and Fertility Center, every patient has a unique set of circumstances that leads them to fertility treatment. Some may be interested in only preserving their fertility; some may require only fertility medications and monitoring, while others will undergo donor embryo in-vitro fertilization. An experienced reproductive health specialist can help determine the best treatment plan for every patient’s unique circumstances.

If you are ready to grow your family, schedule an appointment with a UT Health fertility specialist at 210-450-9500.