Fertility
One in six couples have trouble getting pregnant. Our experts help them grow their family. If you haven’t conceived, our Fertility specialists can pinpoint why and put you on the path for pregnancy. You may be able to connect with our providers by video if you live outside the La Crosse area.
Conditions
- Endometriosis
- Male factor infertility
- Ovarian dysfunction and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic adhesions
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- Unexplained infertility
- Uterine anomalies
Services
- Fertility evaluation for women and men
- Insemination (partner or donor)
- Correcting ovulation problems
- Preconception genetic counseling
- Reproductive surgery
- Testing and monitoring for patients undergoing IVF or similar procedures at other facilities
Fertility resources
Trying to get pregnant? Boost your chances of getting pregnant by:
Timing intercourse. Aim to conceive during a woman’s fertile time. Ovulation is about two weeks before the next period. Fertile time is several days before ovulation and the day of ovulation.
Changing your habits.
- Eat a healthy diet with protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.
- Keep a healthy weight. Underweight or overweight women can have trouble conceiving. Overweight men could have lower sperm counts.
- Exercise in moderation. For example, marathon-level training inhibits ovulation for women. Certain bike seats can cause temporary fertility problems for men who are avid bicyclists.
- Drink in moderation. For men, that means 0-1 drinks daily. Significant daily drinking can lower testosterone and affect sperm production, among other things. Women should only drink occasionally, at least after ovulation. The biggest concern is the effect on the fetus.
- Don't smoke. It affects the fertility in both partners. For women, it can also slow the time to conception and increase miscarriage rates.
- Avoid very hot baths or saunas. Very hot conditions can affect fertility.
Evaluating your medications. Talk to your doctor if you or your partner are taking medications or supplements. Some can affect fertility. We recommend men and women take multivitamins.
Patient education
Have questions about fertility and infertility? We have answers. Start by checking out the handouts and videos in our Patient Education library.
Fertility FAQs
What is infertility?
A heterosexual (male/female) can be infertile if:
- They have not conceived after one year of attempting pregnancy and the woman is less than 35 years old;
- They have not conceived after six months of attempting pregnancy and the woman is 35 years old or over;
Recurrent pregnancy loss is not considered infertility but can be another reason for difficulty having children.
What causes infertility?
In women, causes of infertility can include ovulation disorders, blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis or age-related decline in fertility. In men, infertility is most often because of abnormal sperm production.
When should we be checked for infertility?
Heterosexual couples should seek help when:
- They have been trying to get pregnant for one year and the woman is under the age of 35.
- They have been trying to get pregnant for six months and the woman is 35 or older.
- The woman has a history of pelvic infection, endometriosis or irregular menstrual cycles.
What type of testing can check my fertility?
An infertility evaluation usually begins with physical exams and a review of health and sexual histories, followed by more specific testing to help find the cause of infertility.
Female testing may include:
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels and thyroid function
- Pre-pregnancy blood tests for diseases such as syphilis, rubella and varicella that can cause birth defects or pregnancy loss
- Home ovulation testing
- Pelvic ultrasound to look at the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Minimally invasive surgery through small incisions or through the cervix can be done if needed due to symptoms or abnormal ultrasound findings
Male testing includes a complete semen analysis.
How do doctors treat infertility?
Most infertility cases can be treated with therapies such as ovulation medications or surgical repair of the reproductive organs. Some patients need the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Our doctors recommend treatments for infertility based on your age and health, test results, previous treatments and other factors.
Does my partner have to come to the first appointment?
We recommend partners attend the first appointment together. Having both of you at the first visit allows us to move forward with your treatment.
Will insurance cover any of this?
Insurance coverage is different for every patient. You can call your insurance provider to learn what your plan covers. Our Fertility Services financial advisor can help you develop a payment plan.
Can Gundersen help me if I’m receiving infertility care at another facility?
We know it’s frustrating to travel for care when help might be available in your own backyard. We can help with fertility testing and treatment if you are receiving care at another medical facility. Call (608) 775-2306 to make an appointment. Doctors can complete this order form and fax it to our nursing team at (608) 775-2993 to send patients to Gundersen for testing and monitoring.
You can visit us without a referral from your primary care provider.
Schedule an appointment
Interested in fertility services? Let's get started.
Related articles
Living with endometriosis & infertility
Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
How to cope when you or a loved one is struggling with infertility
Common misconceptions about infertility