TTC/Infertility

What is Infertility? What is TTC?
Infertility, on the other hand, is defined as not being able to conceive (get pregnant) after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex (or 6 months if you're over 35). It can stem from a variety of reasons: issues with egg quality, sperm count, fallopian tubes, hormone levels, or sometimes, frustratingly, no identifiable reason at all. That’s when doctors use the super comforting term “unexplained infertility”—which is basically science’s way of shrugging and saying, 🤷♀️.
While TTC and infertility are part of the same reproductive universe, TTC is often the journey, and infertility is a potential detour—not necessarily a dead end, but one that might require fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, or an expertly choreographed routine of vitamins, medication (sometimes oral, sometimes injectable), and “hopeful” vibes. Whether you're a fertility specialist decoding hormone charts or someone just wondering when it's your turn, this world is a mix of biology, timing, patience, and more emotional stamina than a reality TV contestant.
Common Infertility Causes
The cause of infertility from one person to the next can vary tremendously. And while there are many causes, the following list contains the most common causes. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list.
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PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) is marked by the growth of multiple cysts on the ovaries due to hormonal imbalances. While cystic growths on the ovaries are the hallmark of this condition, there are other symptoms such as missed or irregular periods, poor egg quality and more. Because PCOS can prevent ovaries from ovulating properly, This can interfere with conception.
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Blocked Tubes
Blocked tubes occur when scar tissue, fluid, or infection block all or part of 1 or both fallopian tubes.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition marked by uterine tissue that grows outside the uterus, on other internal organs and/or structures. These growths can interfere with ovulation, fallopian tubes, implantation, and more.
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Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that grow in the muscular wall of the uterus, or on it. Fibroids can block the opening of the fallopian tube, preventing the egg from journeying through the tube. They can also alter the shape of the uterus, making implantation and growth difficult or impossible for an embryo.
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MFI
Male Factor Infertility (MFI) is when infertility is due to an issue with the male counterpart. Common types of MFI are varicocele, low sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, low sperm count, and more.
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Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility is exactly what it sounds like. There is no obvious explanation for infertility. This diagnosis is typically given after testing, imaging, and other procedures that come back negative for both the female and male counterparts.
Common Fertility Treatments
There are a variety different fertility treatment options, but the most common are: IVF, IUI, Oral Fertility Medications, & Injectable Fertility Medications. This is NOT an exhaustive list, simply the most common treatments.
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IVF
In Vitro Fertilization is a complex medical procedure performed by Reproductive Endocrinologists (Fertility Specialists) in tandem with Embryologists. IVF involves:
• Injectable and/or oral medications to help stimulate egg maturity and production
• A surgical procedure (egg retrieval or egg collection) that involves extracting mature eggs directly from the ovary
• Sperm collection
• Embryologists in a lab place the egg and sperm together and either wait for fertilization or attempt fertilization using a procedure called ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
• Once the egg is fertiliized, it is then transferred back into the uterus by the Reproductive Endocrinologist) and then implantation either occurs resulting in a pregnancy, or it does not occur, which means pregnancy was not achieved -
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination, more commonly known as artificial insemination, is a simple procedure that includes injecting previously collected sperm (from the male counterpart) directly into the uterus. The goal is for the sperm to not have to travel up the fallopian tubes to get to the uterus. Once the sperm is injected, timed to coincide with ovulation, fertilization and implantation are awaited.
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Oral Fertility Medications
The most common oral fertility medications are, Clomid & Letrozole which both work (via different means) to stimulate the brain to increase production of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) which both stimulate egg development and ovulation. Metformin and progesterone are also oral medications used in fertility treatments.
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Injectable Fertility Medications
Injectable medications are fertility medications that injected directly into the body via syringe and include:
• Gonal-F, Follistim, & Bravelle are medications that contain FSH and/or LH which help stimulate multiple follicles to grow and release eggs.
• Lupron, Ganirelix, & Cetrotide are medications that work differently to prevent premature ovulation
• Pregnyl, Novarel, & Ovidrel are injectables that work to trigger the ovary to ovulate within a short period of time after the injection is given.