Both male and female fertility are influenced by a multitude of factors, including age, reproductive health, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, underlying diseases, and environmental conditions.
Female reproductive health is complex, with various factors contributing to infertility. Common causes include age, ovulation problems, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Structural issues, cervical problems, lifestyle factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to environmental toxins can also impact fertility. Understanding these complexities is crucial when addressing infertility concerns.
Male infertility is predominantly attributed to issues with sperm count or quality. To successfully fertilize an egg, men need a sufficient number of strong and healthy sperm capable of overcoming obstacles in the female reproductive system. Several factors, such as diet, weight, hormonal imbalances, age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental influences, can affect sperm count or quality. Additionally, conditions like varicoceles (swollen veins in the testicles), infections, and steroid use can contribute to male infertility.
Many infertility issues can be circumvented through fertility treatments, the most common of which include:
- Ovulation induction: a method of stimulating ovulation using medications; can be prescribed alone or in combination with other fertility treatment procedures
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): a method of artificial insemination in which sperm is placed directly in the uterus, thereby shortening the distance traveled by the sperm
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): an advanced and highly effective method in which eggs and sperm from the aspiring parents are retrieved and combined outside of the body to create an embryo; the embryo is then transferred to the recipient’s uterus for implantation
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): a method of fertilization in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg using a tiny needle
- Fertility preservation: the process of freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos using a flash-freezing technique called vitrification; fertility preservation is often utilized by individuals who wish to delay their family-building plans for personal reasons, as well as patients who are facing medical situations that can potentially threaten their fertility (e.g., cancer)
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): an advanced laboratory technique that evaluates the viability of embryos created through IVF by assessing them for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities
Third-party reproduction is an umbrella term for a unique type of family-building in which an outside person physically helps aspiring parents have a child. Third-party reproduction options include donor egg, donor sperm, and embryo donation, in addition to gestational carriers/surrogacy. We have dedicated teams across the company to help safely manage third party reproduction.
Fertility is complex, and while lifestyle changes can enhance fertility, they might not always be the sole solution. Nonetheless, making certain adjustments can be beneficial for both men and women. Recommendations include regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and tobacco, ensuring adequate sleep, and practicing stress reduction techniques.
With a referral from your doctor, many of your costs, such as consultation, follow-ups, and some diagnostic testing, are covered by provincial healthcare. Keep in mind, when more advanced fertility costs are required, these may not be covered by the healthcare provider. For more details, speak with your benefits administrator of your healthcare plan.
From testing to procedures to medications, there are many factors that can influence the cost of fertility treatments. Pricing can also differ from practice to practice. To get a full sense of the costs associated with fertility treatments, please refer to our Fertility Costs and Financing Guide.
In Canada, coverage for fertility treatments varies across provinces. While some provinces provide coverage for diagnostic fertility testing and certain treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI), coverage for procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) often requires private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. It's important to check with your provincial health plan or private insurance provider to understand the specific fertility treatments covered in your area, as policies may differ.
The Prelude Connect App is now available for all patients!
The Prelude Connect App is now available!