For millions of people, the path to building a family can involve unexpected challenges and complex personal considerations. Along the way, navigating fertility information, treatment options, and insurance coverage can feel overwhelming, making trusted guidance and support especially important.

For more than 50 years, Ferring has been pioneering advancements in reproductive medicine to help more people become parents. This commitment includes a focus on redefining how infertility is perceived by breaking down barriers about this once taboo topic and providing reputable education and resources that aspiring parents need to help them navigate their own path to parenthood. In recognition of World Infertility Awareness Month, Ferring is providing answers to frequently asked questions about reproductive health, diagnostic pathways, and fertility benefit considerations.

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1. How common is infertility?

Infertility is common, affecting approximately 1 in 6 people globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)¹, about 17.5% of the adult population² experiences infertility at some point in their lives. In the United States, about 11% of women and 9% of men of reproductive age³ face fertility challenges.

2. What are the causes of infertility?

Infertility is a complex medical condition that can stem from a variety of biological, physical, and lifestyle factors affecting either partner. On your fertility journey, understanding the potential underlying causes can help you have more productive conversations with your healthcare professional. Common factors⁴ include:

• Female Fertility Factors: These often involve ovulation disorders (such as Polycystic Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome [PMOS], formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], or diminished ovarian reserve), structural issues (such as blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids), and age-related fertility decline (which typically accelerates after age 35).
• Male Fertility Factors: These commonly include issues with sperm production or function (such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape), anatomical blockages (like varicoceles), hormonal imbalances, or past infections.
• Lifestyle & Environmental Factors: For both partners, elements like chronic stress, significant weight fluctuations, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, or exposure to environmental toxins can also influence reproductive health.

3. What is more common, male or female infertility?

Male and female infertility are virtually equal in frequency. There is a widespread misconception that infertility is primarily a female health issue, but global medical data shows that reproductive challenges affect men and women at nearly identical rates. According to as RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Mayo Clinic, when a couple struggles to conceive:

• One-third (approximately 30% to 40%) of cases are due to female infertility factors, such as ovulation issues, blocked fallopian tubes, or endometriosis⁵.
• One-third (approximately 30% to 40%) of cases are due to male infertility factors⁶, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or structural blockages.
• One-third (the remaining 20% to 30%) of cases are due to a combination of both male and female factors or are classified as “unexplained infertility⁷” where no specific cause can be identified despite thorough medical testing.

It’s important to have both partners evaluated at the beginning of your family-building journey.

4. How is infertility treated?

Infertility may be treatable through medical interventions, such as lifestyle adjustments, minimally invasive surgeries, or Advanced Reproductive Technologies (ART). In consultation with a Reproductive Endocrinologist or other healthcare professional, your treatment pathway will depend on factors such as your diagnosis, age, and personal preferences. A Reproductive Endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing and treating infertility and can help develop a personalized care plan based on your unique needs.

Common treatment options⁸ for infertility include:

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: ART procedures may include In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)—a technique in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred back into the uterus. Reproductive Endocrinologists may prescribe gonadotropins to support ovarian response.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Often referred to as artificial insemination, this procedure involves washing and concentrating sperm and placing it directly inside the uterus during ovulation.
• Surgical Interventions: For issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes, minimally invasive surgeries can often repair structural problems and significantly improve natural conception rates.

5. How do I know what types of benefits my employer offers to treat infertility?

The best way to determine your fertility benefits is to request a copy of your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) from your Human Resources (HR) department and ask questions. Navigating the financial and insurance side of fertility care can feel overwhelming, but fully understanding your coverage is important. According to Ferring’s 2025 industry report, The Pulse on Fertility⁹, 60% of patients use managed care plans and fertility benefits to cover the costs of their fertility treatment.

Fertility Out Loud,¹⁰ Ferring’s online platform and social community, recommends taking a proactive approach to understanding and maximizing your workplace benefits. You may want to schedule a private consultation with HR to discuss available fertility and family-building resources or contact your insurance provider directly to discuss the coverage in your plan. Additionally, review your health plan carefully, paying close attention to eligibility requirements and coverage definitions. For example, determine whether your plan requires a formal infertility diagnosis before fertility-related benefits become available.

• Ask These Specific Questions:

• Does my health insurance plan cover diagnostic fertility testing (e.g., bloodwork, ultrasounds, semen analysis)?
• Is there coverage for fertility treatments, such as intra-uterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
• Are fertility medications covered under a separate prescription rider, and is there a lifetime maximum benefit cap?
• Do I have third-party family-building benefits, such as coverage for adoption, surrogacy, or donor tissue?
• Does our company partner with a specialized fertility benefits manager, like Progyny, Carrot, or Maven?

6. Where can I find resources about infertility?

No one should have to walk this path alone. When looking for reliable information, explore these resources:

• Credible Sources: Verified resources like Fertility Out Loud serve as a dedicated digital platform, offering useful articles, breakdown guides on treatments, and tools to help you find a Reproductive Endocrinologist in your local area.

• Real Stories & Shared Spaces: Fertility Out Loud also provides a supportive community hub. Through real patient stories and social media communities, individuals and couples going through infertility can share their personal stories and find community with others walking through infertility.
• 1:1 Fertility Coaching: Through Fertility Out Loud, you can sign up for free, support with certified fertility coaches who offer personalized guidance and resources for your unique needs.

• Support Networks: Organizations like RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association provide peer-led support groups, advocacy tools, and community forums where you can connect with others going through similar experiences.
• Employer Benefit Navigators: If you are using benefits through work, your company may partner with a fertility benefits managers act as dedicated advocates, providing direct access to care coordinators who can help you map out your clinical options, manage treatments, and understand your coverage.