Fertility Clinics & Centers In America
Fertility Clinics By State
Types Of Fertility Treatments Or Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Include:
Fertility Clinics With The Best Success Rates:
Colorado Center For Reproductive Medicine
10290 Ridgegate Circle
Lone Tree, CO 80124-5331
(303) 788-8300
Weill Cornell Medical Center
1305 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(646) 962-2764
University Fertility Consultants At OHSU
3303 Southwest Bond Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 418-3700
The Infertility Center At St. Luke's Hospital
224 S. Woods Mill Road, Suite 730
St. Louis, MO 63017
(314) 576-1400
Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine
645 Sierra Rose Dr # 205
Reno, NV 89511
(775) 828-1200
Florida Institute For Reproductive Medicine
836 Prudential Drive #902
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 399-5620
Southern California Reproductive Center
450 N. Roxbury Drive #500
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 277-2393
Center for Reproductive Medicine of NM
201 Cedar St SE # S1-20
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 247-3333
How To Choose The Right Fertility Clinic:
The first place you can start is by evaluating your targeted fertility clinics or center's ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) success rate. Fertility success rates can be found by visiting the the government website www.cdc.gov/art (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention).
Success rates vary for fertility clinics and also for each age group and geographic location amongst men & women. For instance the national average where males are the infertility factor is 17%, however in Alabama the male factor for infertility is 14%.
Fertility Clinics National Success Rates & General Other Averages.
1) Overall fertility success rates (live births) was 55%.
2) Male only infertility factors was 17%
3) Female only infertility factors was 12%
4) Female & male infertility factors as a couple was 18%
5) Unknown infertility factors was 11%
6) IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) made up 99% of the type of infertility treatment chosen by all people combined.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Infertility Reported Cases On The Rise...
Infertility through out the world is rising at epidemic proportions and fertility treatments are following suit.
To properly understand whether or not couples are experiencing more hurdles than ever before when attempting to have children we must first examine the information we have at hand. The numbers themselves do not explain the reason for a rise in infertility reported cases but they do support without question that reported cases of infertility are up.
First let’s review some facts about infertility
1. Males are responsible for 40% of couples infertility.
2. Females inability to have children triples when they reach ages 35 and up.
3. 600,000 women per year suffer pregnancy loss through miscarriage.
4. 6,000,000 women deal with infertility world wide.
5. 2,000,000 married couples are infertile world wide.
Many obstetricians will offer opinions as to why there are more reported cases of treating infertility now than ever before, but in truly pin pointing the reasons for this rise we must consider the environment, economics, health, treatment and education.
Infertility & The Environment:
The environment plays an important role as to why infertility is on an upward climb. Common chemicals in the home and workplace have been directly connected to a couples chances of becoming pregnant. This chemical exposure doesn't necessarily occur later in life but is a build up over the years often beginning when the adult was exposed to toxins during the fetal stage of development themselves. Environmental contaminants, including Endocrine disrupter's, can have mulch-generational impacts as well. The term environment in this case, applies to every exposure or risk that a person has. The increase of infertility runs from the most basic of reasons – prolonging attempted conception until later in life, to outside influences such as stress, poor diet, athletic training, overweight or underweight, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, STD's, illegal drugs, environmental toxins, medicines, radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer, and health problems that cause hormonal changes. Air pollution, heavy metals, solvents, Poly-chlorinated Biphenyl's, and even electro-magnetic fields – with more evidence coming in regarding the massive use of cell phones and their affect on the body, have all significantly contributed to the increase in infertility. All in all, infertility has risen over 12% in the United States. And incidences of diseases like testicular cancer have been reported up 300% in Northern Europe. We can't keep subjecting ourselves to decade after decade of chemical exposure – environmentally, topically, or internally without having repercussions. Unfortunately there will be consequences to face when discussing infertility and the effects of environmental "cause and effect" scenarios; consequences that will haunt us for generations to come if a reversal of our errors are not addressed.
Infertility & Economics:
When we remove the cloud of emotion from infertility, what lies beneath is a multi-billion dollar business. Babies are big business and many infertile couples are willing to pay the price in order to have a child, and at $10,000 to $15,000 a pop, the business of creating babies isn't cheap. Many couples pay out of pocket because of the limitations of health insurance. Because of the high cost, couples may opt to have more embryo's implanted which increases the risk of multiple births and in turn creates an even higher economic strain on the parents, and the insurance company when it comes time to give birth. Many multiple births are only carried to 33 weeks which means a stay in neo-natal intensive care is in order and the hospital bill alone can easily reach six figures. On the other hand economics also comes into play to those couples whom are not as fortunate to be able to afford the elaborate procedures of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Becoming a parent should be available to everyone who wishes and whom can provide a positive, loving, and supportive home after birth. Many people residing in poor regions face health challenges that have a significant affect on reproduction. Since their lack of money prevents them from seeking out ART treatments, their only hope is for the business of making babies to become more competitive. Competition among clinics will drive down the costs and in turn create more ways to make the impossible, possible. Trends in average cost per treatment have shown that over the past 20 years costs have gone down due to competition and supply and demand economics. Simply put, if you have a huge demand and that demand can be met, supplying that demand will cost less. Even though costs are still considered high, the average cost per treatment is down significantly by almost 23% as compared to 20 years ago.
Infertility & Health:
MSG, coffee, flavor enhancer's, artificial sweeteners, food additives and preservatives, cigarettes, alcohol, pesticides and cosmetics (just to name a few) can negatively impact genes that control the reproductive process and a couples chances of conception. Everything we put in or on our bodies, from the food we eat, to shampoo and body lotions are full of chemicals. The build up of these chemicals most certainly has a negative affect on our bodies and interfere with human hormones (particularly Estrogen) and has been linked to infertility and cancer. Going organic and chemical free is a somewhat expensive choice in the short term but the long term affects from having fewer health issues are quite worth the up front costs. Not only will the body eliminate toxins and become healthier overall, the risk of exposure to illness and the need for radical treatments (like Chemotherapy for cancer patients) is decreased significantly. Also, a couples physical environment, plays a significant role in whether or not infertility is more rampant. In poor regions for example, infections and STD's are more prevalent and therefore infertility rates are higher than in areas of economic prosperity in which there is access to clean water, sanitation, and health care. Infertility in most cases can be treated. If we consider the basics, such as the proper handling of pesticides, the use of alternative medicine to treat illness, using chemical free, cosmetics, lotions, and sunscreens, eating an organic, chemical free diet, we know that all of these factors can be addressed and the body can be cleansed through detoxification. The healthier the body and the physical environment, the higher the chance for conception and the ability to carry to term. We also know that those fortunate enough to have access to healthcare can address concerns early enough to rectify medical issues that are preventing pregnancy such as Celiac disease, Uterine Fibrosis, Varicoceles, Poly cystic Ovary Syndrome, and Male Hypogonadism. Once health related obstacles are eliminated a couple can then attempt conception. Ultimately we only have ourselves to blame for what we eat, breathe and how much overindulgence we partake in as causes for infertility.
Infertility & Treatment:
Scientists are investigating the impact on fertility and falling sperm counts and cancers of the reproductive organs. Many health related issues preventing a couple from conceiving are correctable. From detoxification of the body to treatments or surgeries to correct deficiencies, there are quite a few options to explore which can help a couple achieve parenthood. Once the OBGYN has analyzed the reasons for the infertility, treatment options begin accordingly. If the problem is from an ovulation disorder the doctor will prescribe fertility drugs. Surgery is an option If there is a blockage either in the Fallopian tubes which is preventing eggs from entering the uterus or if there is a blockage for the passage of sperm. Other surgeries to correct disorders such as Endometriosis can significantly alter fertility. Once all treatment options have been explored, couples still have quite a few options available under Assisted Reproductive Technology such as In Vitro Fertilization, electric or vibrating stimulation to achieve ejaculation, Surgical Sperm Aspiration, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, and Assisted Hatching. Not all problems with conception and fertility are due to physical problems however. For many whom do not have physical problems, they face a more silent demon – that of psychological issues. For many, the fear of having to perform is so great that it interferes with a couples ability to conceive. Many men suffer from Erectile dysfunction and/or impotence as a result of stress, depression and anxiety. These conditions can be corrected with prescription medications such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis and may be used in conjunction with counseling. For those with more serious psychological problems, the physician will suggest therapy to deal with negative thought patterns and teach stress relieving techniques. Once the fear of seeking treatment, for what is perceived as embarrassing, is overcome, a couple can reconnect, move forward, and work towards the ultimate goal of parenthood. An increase in types of treatment, both physical & psychological coupled with alternative methods of treatment have translated into more reported cases of infertility. Technology has played an important role in new innovative treatments along with experimental treatments in the search for a better solution when treating infertility. However, this does not necessarily mean that infertility is being remedied at any record pace, it just means more reported cases have been filed.
Copyright FCAC 2012
