FAQ

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Unfortunately, no.  Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.     

Insurance coverage for infertility services—such as diagnostic testing, medications, IUI, IVF, or fertility preservation—varies widely depending on your plan, state, and employer.

• In California, insurers must offer infertility coverage, but they are not currently required to cover IVF unless your employer plan includes it.

• Starting January 1, 2026, fully insured group plans that include fertility benefits will be required to cover IVF (up to 3 egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers, following ASRM guidelines). This does not yet apply to self-insured plans, Medi-Cal, or Cal-PERS.

• Diagnostic testing and consultations are more often covered than procedures like IVF or egg freezing.

Learn more: Infertility Insurance Coverage

The cost of IVF depends on your individual treatment plan, medications, and any add-on services.

• A typical IVF cycle in the U.S. ranges from $12,000–$20,000, not including medications.

• Medications can add $3,000–$7,000, bringing the total cost closer to $27,000+ per cycle.

• Additional services—like genetic testing, embryo freezing, or donor eggs—can increase costs further.

• CCRH offers cost-saving programs such as Mini-IVF, Access IVF, and low-responder pricing.

If your insurance does not fully cover treatment, we also provide financing options, including clinic-based payment plans, third-party lenders, personal loans, employer fertility benefit programs, grants, and medication assistance programs.

Learn more:
Fertility Financing Options
Fertility Treatment Costs

After your initial consultation at CCRH, one of our dedicated account managers will review your insurance coverage, explain financing options, and provide a clear estimate of your treatment costs.