Fertility

Doctor with clipboard with a couple

Nearly one in eight couples experience difficulties getting pregnant or sustaining their pregnancy. Infertility in women can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with ovulation or the cervix or damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes. Some causes of infertility are easily identifiable, while others are not. There are several options available to treat infertility; however, cost, invasiveness of procedures, and treatment success rates are three key factors that can hinder access to appropriate care and create disparities in women’s reproductive health. Increasing awareness about infertility treatment options among clinicians and patients expands a woman’s opportunity to identify a personalized care plan that best fits her lifestyle and family planning goals.

Fertility is part of the SWHR Maternal Health Network, which engages the following focus areas: Expanded Carrier Screening, Fertility, Maternal & Infant Health Disparities, and Noninvasive Prenatal Screening.

Program Goals

  • Review the science and health care landscape and develop strategies to address knowledge gaps related to improving fertility and maternal health outcomes
  • Explore the science and health care policies on the benefits of minimally invasive fertility options for women, including tubal flushing with hysterosalpingography (HSG)
  • Identify opportunities to leverage innovation and increase access to improve health equity and reduce disparities in maternal health
  • Develop materials to expand education and raise awareness about fertility options for women, health care providers, and policy stakeholders

Facts about Fertility

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More than 83%

of women become pregnant within 12 months after discontinuing contraception

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40%

of infertility in women is related to issues with ovulation

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~12%

of women ages 15-49 have received some type of infertility service

More about Fertility