Fertility FAQs

What is infertility, and how is it diagnosed?
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if over age 35). Dr. Elan Simckes and our compassionate team provide thorough fertility evaluations for both men and women, including hormone testing, ultrasounds, and semen analysis to diagnose the underlying causes.

How do I know if I need fertility treatment?
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, it may be time to schedule a consultation at Fertility Partnership. Dr. Elan Simckes can review your medical history, perform testing, and recommend personalized fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, INVOcell, and more, to improve your chances of conception.

At what age should I start fertility testing or treatment?
Women over 35 and men over 40 may benefit from earlier fertility evaluation. At Fertility Partnership in St. Louis, we help patients of all ages determine the optimal timing for testing and treatment to maximize fertility outcomes.

What are common causes of infertility in women and men?
Female infertility can result from ovulation disorders, diminished ovarian reserve, or blocked fallopian tubes. Male infertility often involves low sperm count or motility. Our fertility clinic offers comprehensive testing to identify the root causes and recommend tailored treatments.

How long should I try to conceive naturally before seeing a fertility specialist?
Most couples should try to conceive for at least 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) before seeking help. Fertility Partnership in St. Louis offers timely consultations with Dr. Elan Simckes to start effective fertility treatments and support your journey to parenthood.

Do I need a referral to see your fertility specialist?
No referral is needed to schedule a consultation at Fertility Partnership! Dr. Elan Simckes welcomes new patients across St. Louis, Missouri, and beyond. Request an appointment today.

What should I expect during my first consultation at your fertility clinic?
During your first visit to Fertility Partnership, Dr. Elan Simckes reviews your medical history, conducts necessary infertility testing, and discusses personalized treatment options. We offer highly customized fertility treatment tailored to the unique needs of each patient; no cookie-cutter approach here!

Where is Fertility Partnership located?
Fertility Partnership is located at 5401 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Ste 201, St. Peters, MO 63376, providing state-of-the-art fertility care to patients in St. Louis, the surrounding areas, and beyond.

Do you see out-of-state or international patients?
Yes, Fertility Partnership welcomes both out-of-state and international patients to our fertility clinic in St. Louis, Missouri. Our team will guide you through scheduling and any logistical support you may need for your visit to St. Louis.

Do you offer fertility care for Spanish-speaking patients?
Of course! Our fertility clinic proudly offers a complimentary Spanish translator for all in-person consultations and appointments. Just let us know you’d like a translator when scheduling, and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

What tests will I need before starting fertility treatment?
Common tests include blood work, ultrasounds, semen analysis, and sometimes genetic screening. At Fertility Partnership in St. Louis, each test is tailored to your needs to develop the most effective fertility treatment plan.

How do I choose the right fertility clinic for me?
Look for a fertility clinic with an experienced infertility specialist, comprehensive treatment options, and compassionate support. At Fertility Partnership, led by Dr. Elan Simckes, you’re never just a number. We offer a patient-centered approach that has helped countless families in St. Louis achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Can I bring my partner to appointments at your fertility clinic?
Absolutely! Fertility Partnership encourages partners to attend appointments in St. Louis to ensure both patients are informed and supported throughout fertility treatment.

What fertility treatments are available?
Fertility Partnership in St. Louis offers a comprehensive range of treatments, including IVF, IUI, egg freezing, embryo banking, ovarian rejuvenation, infertility testing, semen analysis, INVOcell, genetic testing, fertility medications, second opinions, and general infertility care. Dr. Elan Simckes customizes treatment plans based on your unique fertility needs.

How does IVF work, and what are the steps?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in the lab, and transferring embryos to the uterus. Dr. Elan Simckes guides patients through each IVF cycle with advanced technology and exceptional care.

What is IUI, and how does it differ from IVF?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) places sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation. Unlike IVF, it’s less invasive and doesn’t involve egg retrieval. Dr. Elan Simckes recommends the most effective option based on your fertility evaluation.

What is Ovarian Rejuvenation?
Ovarian Rejuvenation is an advanced fertility treatment at Fertility Partnership in St. Louis that aims to enhance ovarian function. Using a concentrated preparation of your own blood platelets, rich in growth factors and regenerative cells, the treatment is designed to stimulate egg production, improve ovarian health, and potentially increase the chances of natural conception.

How does Ovarian Rejuvenation work?
A small blood sample is collected from the patient, and platelets are concentrated through a specialized process. These platelets are then carefully injected into the ovaries, where they may trigger regenerative processes and improve ovarian function.

Who is a good candidate for Ovarian Rejuvenation?
Ovarian Rejuvenation may be suitable for women experiencing early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency, couples struggling to conceive naturally, women of advanced reproductive age looking to enhance fertility, or patients who have had limited success with other fertility treatments.

What is egg freezing, and who is a candidate?
Egg freezing allows women to preserve their eggs for future use. Ideal candidates include those delaying pregnancy for personal or career goals, undergoing medical treatments that may affect fertility, or wanting to keep their options open.

How do fertility medications work, and what are the side effects?
Medications stimulate ovulation, regulate hormones, or support implantation. Our fertility doctor in St. Louis carefully monitors dosing to minimize side effects for patients, ensuring safe and effective fertility treatment.

Can fertility treatments be customized for my situation?
Fertility Partnership offers highly individualized treatment plans in St. Louis. Dr. Elan Simckes evaluates your medical history, test results, and personal goals to create a customized approach that maximizes success.

What is the success rate for IVF or other treatments?
Success rates vary based on age, fertility diagnosis, and treatment type. At Fertility Partnership in St. Louis, we provide transparent success rate data for patients. You can also view our results on the CDC website, where Fertility Partnership consistently reports some of the highest success rates in Missouri.

What is PCOS, and how does it affect fertility?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can affect ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive. Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, excess androgen levels, or cysts on their ovaries. Our infertility specialist near you provides personalized evaluations and treatment plans to help patients with PCOS achieve pregnancy.

What is recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as having two or more consecutive miscarriages. It can be caused by genetic, hormonal, anatomical, immune, or blood clotting issues, though sometimes the cause is unknown. Dr. Elan Simckes and our fertility clinic provide thorough evaluations to help identify underlying factors and guide treatment plans.

Does age affect fertility treatment success?
Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35. Our fertility clinic near you offers advanced options like INVOcell or IVF to help patients achieve their family-building goals.

How many cycles are usually needed to achieve pregnancy?
Some patients conceive after one cycle, while others may need multiple. Dr. Elan Simckes provides guidance at Fertility Partnership in St. Louis to optimize each cycle for the highest chance of success.

How much do fertility treatments cost?
Costs vary by treatment type. Fertility Partnership in St. Louis offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We offer affordable IVF starting at $10,800 with financing options through Future Family.

Does insurance cover IVF or other treatments?
Some insurance plans cover certain fertility treatments. Our fertility clinic can review your plan and help you maximize coverage. We accept most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, and United Healthcare.

Are there financing options or payment plans available for IVF and other services?
Yes, Fertility Partnership has partnered with Future Family to allow you to finance any part of your fertility treatment that is not covered by insurance, including medical services and medications, with as low as a 0% APR for those who qualify!

Will I be charged for fertility consultations, tests, or medications separately?
Fees vary. At Fertility Partnership, we provide a transparent breakdown of costs for appointments, tests, and medications, ensuring families fully understand their financial responsibility under the care of Dr. Elan Simckes. To secure your consultation, a $125 non-refundable scheduling fee is collected at the time of booking, reserving your dedicated time with our fertility specialist in St. Louis.

How long does recovery take after procedures like egg retrieval or embryo transfer?
Most patients experience mild discomfort and can resume normal activities within a few days. Our fertility clinic provides detailed post-procedure care instructions.

How can I cope with the emotional stress of fertility treatment?
Fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging. Fertility Partnership in St. Louis offers counseling resources and support from Dr. Elan Simckes and our compassionate team to help patients navigate their journey.

How do I handle the ups and downs if treatment is unsuccessful?
Emotional support is key. Dr. Elan Simckes works closely with patients to explore next steps, alternative treatments, and counseling to manage the journey with compassion.

Can single people or same-sex couples use fertility treatments?
Absolutely! Fertility Partnership in St. Louis proudly provides inclusive fertility treatments for single individuals and LGBTQ+ couples, with guidance from Dr. Elan Simckes on the best treatment options for gay family building.

What fertility options are available for people with low ovarian reserve or male factor infertility?
Treatments may include IVF with ovarian rejuvenation, donor eggs or sperm, or advanced reproductive technologies. Our fertility clinic offers personalized plans for complex cases.