Every year, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) shines a light on a reality many families don’t expect to face: infertility is far more common than most realize. In fact, 1 in 6 people worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization.
If you’re in St. Louis and starting to ask questions about your fertility, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and that support with an expert infertility specialist is closer than you think.
At Fertility Partnership, led by Dr. Elan Simckes, we believe infertility awareness is the first step toward feeling more in control of your special journey. Understanding how common infertility really is can help remove the stigma and make it easier to take that next step with confidence.
What Does “1 in 6” Really Mean for Infertility?
The “1 in 6” infertility statistic represents millions of individuals and couples navigating challenges with conception. Clinically, infertility is defined as not being able to conceive after 12 months of trying, or after 6 months for those over age 35. It can also include recurrent pregnancy loss or known reproductive health conditions.
What many families don’t realize is that seeing a fertility specialist isn’t a last resort; it’s often a proactive and empowering step. Early fertility evaluations can offer valuable insight and guide you toward the right infertility treatment options.
Why Is Infertility So Common?
Infertility can happen for a wide range of reasons, and often it’s not caused by just one factor. Age plays a significant role, as fertility naturally declines over time, particularly after 35. Many individuals today are choosing to start families later in life, which can increase the likelihood of needing fertility support.
Hormonal conditions such as PCOS can affect ovulation, while male factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all cases. Lifestyle and environmental factors including stress, diet, and overall health can also influence fertility. In some situations, there may be no clear explanation at all, which is known as unexplained infertility. While that uncertainty can feel frustrating, it doesn’t mean effective fertility treatment options aren’t available.
Breaking the Stigma Around Infertility
Even though infertility is so common, it’s still something many people struggle to talk about. National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) helps change that by encouraging open, honest conversations.
At Fertility Partnership, our fertility specialist in St. Louis regularly meets patients who feel hesitant or unsure about reaching out. Often, the hardest part is simply starting the conversation. Once you do, you’ll find that support, answers, and a path forward are all within reach.
When Should You See a Fertility Doctor in St. Louis?
If you’ve been searching for a fertility doctor in St. Louis, you may be wondering when it’s time to take that step. In general, if you’ve been trying to conceive for a year, or six months if you’re over 35, it’s a good idea to schedule a fertility evaluation. However, you don’t have to wait that long.
Irregular cycles, prior miscarriages, or known reproductive conditions are all valid reasons to speak with our fertility specialist in St. Louis, Dr. Elan Simckes, sooner. Even if you’re just looking for reassurance or planning ahead, a fertility evaluation can provide valuable insight.
Working with an experienced and compassionate infertility specialist like Dr. Elan Simckes means you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Fertility Treatment Options in St. Louis, MO
Fertility care today is more personalized and accessible than many families expect. At Fertility Partnership in St. Louis, infertility treatment always begins with a deep understanding of your individual needs, goals, and medical history. We offer comprehensive fertility testing and diagnostics, including hormonal evaluations, ovarian reserve testing, and male fertility assessments, to create a clear and informed starting point.
From there, some patients may benefit from ovulation support or carefully timed cycles, while others explore options like intrauterine insemination (IUI), an affordable and minimally invasive fertility treatment that can improve the chances of conception. For those needing more advanced fertility care, we provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) with personalized protocols designed to maximize success, as well as INVOcell, an innovative, natural alternative to IVF that allows fertilization to occur in a small, body-worn device.
We also offer egg and embryo freezing for those planning ahead, along with fertility preservation for medical reasons, including patients undergoing cancer treatment. Our fertility care extends to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, with inclusive, personalized family-building options, as well as those experiencing secondary infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, where targeted infertility evaluations and customized fertility treatments can make a meaningful difference.
In addition, we diagnose and manage hormonal disorders that may be affecting fertility and offer advanced options like ovarian rejuvenation, a cutting-edge infertility treatment aimed at improving ovarian function and expanding possibilities for conception. No matter where you are in your fertility journey, our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that meets you where you are and helps guide you forward.
Why Choosing a Local Fertility Clinic in St. Louis Matters
Choosing a fertility clinic close to home can make a meaningful difference in your experience. Frequent appointments are often part of the process, and having a fertility clinic in St. Louis makes infertility care more convenient and less stressful.
Beyond convenience, working with a local fertility doctor and care staff means building a genuine relationship with providers who understand your community and are there to support you consistently throughout your fertility journey.
Compassionate, Affordable Fertility Care
One of the biggest concerns for many patients is cost. Fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, both emotionally and financially, which is why finding an affordable fertility clinic is so important. At Fertility Partnership in St. Louis, we believe your path to parenthood should be filled with hope, not financial stress. That’s why we’re committed to making high-quality fertility care more accessible through transparent pricing and thoughtful, personalized treatment plans.
To further support our patients, we’ve partnered with Future Family to offer flexible financing options for fertility treatments and medications that may not be covered by insurance. Qualified patients may be eligible for plans with rates as low as 0% APR, helping make care more manageable. This financing can be applied to a wide range of infertility services, including IVF cycles, egg freezing, IUI, LGBTQ+ family-building options, fertility medications, PGT testing, and reciprocal IVF.
Under the expert care of Dr. Elan Simckes, patients receive guidance that is both compassionate and practical, helping them navigate both the medical and financial aspects of fertility treatment with ease. You deserve fertility care that meets you where you are, not just medically, but emotionally and financially as well.
You’re Not Alone, And You Don’t Have to Wait
If there’s one message to take away from National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), it’s that infertility is common, and caring support is available with Fertility Partnership in St. Louis.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it can also bring clarity, relief, and a renewed sense of hope. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your fertility treatment options or have been trying to conceive for some time, getting answers is a powerful step forward.
Start Your Fertility Journey with a Leading St. Louis IVF Clinic
If you’re searching for an IVF clinic or fertility specialist in St. Louis, Fertility Partnership is here to support you. With compassionate care, affordable options, and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Elan Simckes and our caring team is ready to guide you. Schedule a fertility evaluation today and take the next step with confidence.
