Your local home for world-class fertility care
Our boutique fertility clinic is conveniently located in northeast Louisville, Kentucky.
Conception: The Science
Fertility is complex, and every individual or couple has unique needs, concerns, and family-building goals. At Kentucky Fertility Institute (KFI), our goal is to get to the root of any fertility issues and develop a personalized plan to maximize your chances of pregnancy success. It all starts with an in-depth fertility evaluation.
For conception to occur:
A woman releases an egg (ovulation), which enters into a fallopian tube
Sperm enters the cervix and travels through the uterus and into the fallopian tube
Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube within 24 - 48 hours of ovulation
The fertilized egg, or embryo, travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants in the uterine lining and develops
Conception is a complicated process, even when the conditions are near perfect. In fact, around 17.5% of the adult population —roughly 1 in 6 worldwide— experience infertility, which can result from a problem at any stage in the process of reproduction. The first step in evaluating infertility is to consult a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist for an accurate diagnosis and discussion of available options for management.
One-third of infertility cases are attributed to male reproductive issues, one-third to female reproductive issues, and one-third to a combination of both or unknown factors, where diagnostic tests do not provide a clear answer.
Diagnosing Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. Due to the significant impact of age on fertility, women who are 35 years or older should consider consulting a reproductive specialist after six months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
Other reasons to seek a fertility evaluation may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles (cycles that occur less than every 25 days or more than 35 days)
Previous pelvic surgery or infections
Painful periods
Recurrent pregnancy loss
If you or your partner have a known medical condition that may affect fertility
The above symptoms may indicate a lack of ovulation, fallopian tube disease, endometriosis, or other conditions that can complicate the ability to conceive.
"We love walking in and being called by name, their quick response to questions, and just the general fact that they care about our hopes and dreams."
— KFI Patient
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is the process of placing sperm into a woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation. The sperm used in this procedure can come from the woman’s male partner or a sperm donor. Before the procedure, the sperm is "washed" or separated from the seminal fluid to increase mobility and the number of sperm. A higher number of moving sperm increases the likelihood of fertilizing an egg.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most successful type of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this treatment, the egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory for fertilization, resulting in an embryo. The embryo is then either transferred into a woman’s uterus or is cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.
Fertility FAQ
A woman is born with all the eggs she is going to have in her lifetime. Her eggs age with her, decreasing in quality and quantity. Age is the single most important factor affecting a woman's fertility.
After a woman reaches her early 30s, her fertility begins to decrease gradually, and the decline accelerates after the age of 35. As for men, fertility typically starts to decline around the ages of 40 to 45, when sperm quality diminishes.
Causes of female infertility include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other ovulation disorders
Uterine fibroids or polyps
Fallopian tube damage or blockages
Endometriosis
Primary ovarian insufficiency
Pelvic adhesions
Genetic conditions
Cancer and its treatment
Causes of male infertility include:
Chronic medical illness or certain medications that affect sperm production
Hormonal imbalances
Varicocele
Genetic conditions
Sexual dysfunction
Certain environmental or chemical exposures, like pesticides
Cancer and its treatment
Several lifestyle factors can affect fertility in women and men, including diet, weight, exercise, stress, environmental exposures, smoking, substance abuse, and medication use.
Tests for women may include:
Ovulation testing
Pelvic ultrasound
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Ovarian reserve testing
Saline-infusion sonography (SIS)
Hormone testing (TSH, prolactin)
Endometrial biopsy
Diagnostic surgery
Genetic testing
Tests for men may include:
Semen analysis
Hormone testing
Sperm DNA fragmentation
Genetic testing
Testicular biopsy
Ultrasound imaging
Despite a thorough evaluation by an experienced specialist, in some cases the cause for infertility remains unexplained.
Schedule an Appointment Today
At Kentucky Fertility Institute, our expert staff understands that the inability to conceive can be incredibly stressful. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, guilt, and insecurity are perfectly normal. We will address your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to maximize your chances of pregnancy success. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.