Infertility Services

Learn about the female and male causes of infertility and how GoFertility can help with advanced testing and treatment.

The world’s leading medical organizations generally define infertility as a couple not being able to get pregnant after one year or more of unprotected sex. About 1 in 6 people globally experience infertility according to a report by the World Health Organization, with the disease of the female or male reproductive system not discriminating based on geographic location or income level.

If you have been afflicted by infertility, you are not alone. The friendly and knowledgeable team at GoFertility in St. Louis is here to compassionately help in your journey to having a baby and attaining parenthood.

GoFertility (also known as CRMRS) has helped hundreds of couples successfully get pregnant, and you can read their success stories here. Since our opening in 2011, we have beaten the national pregnancy rate per embryo transfer every year. We were named one of the top-50 best fertility clinics in the U.S. by Newsweek in 2024 — one of just two clinics in Missouri to earn this distinction.

What causes infertility in females and males?

Infertility may be caused by more than one factor, with some being easy to treat while others are more complex. The causing factor(s) may result to the female or male, with fertility capability declining with age.

Female causes for infertility may include the following:

Endometriosis
Ovaries not producing enough eggs at the right time
Abnormal hormone levels
Uterus conditions
Scarring or blockages in the cervix or tubes
Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, anorexia or tobacco, marijuana or alcohol use

Male causes for infertility may include the following:

Low sperm count or poor sperm health
Abnormal hormone levels
Infection or scarring from a sexually transmitted disease
Blockages, damage or an injury to the reproductive organs

How does CRMRS test for infertility?

You and your partner will receive comprehensive care as a couple at GoFertility. A complete infertility evaluation can be finished within 14 days from the start of the female’s menstrual cycle, with infertility testing including:

1. Physical examination of both partners
2. Personal and family medical history check
3. Discussion about when and how often sexual intercourse occurs
4. Semen analysis
5. Ovulation check
6. Tests checking the uterus and fallopian tubes

For males, the general physical exam and semen analysis are key. The semen collection is completed in a private room at our office. Our lab clinicians will later examine the number, shape and movement of the sperm as well as any signs of infection. Once this evaluation is completed, additional testing — such as genetic and chromosome tests — may be required.

Female ovulation assessments may include at-home tests — such as a urine test or basal body temperature test — or blood samples to evaluate hormone levels. Additional tests may need to be conducted, such as:

• Transvaginal ultrasound or sonohysterogram, which checks the ovaries and uterus

• Hysteroscopy, in which a telescope-like device helps the doctor examine the inside of the cervix and uterus

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG), an X-ray showing the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes

• Laparoscopy, in which a small video camera is inserted through a tiny surgical incision (5 millimeters) through the belly button to enable the doctor to view the reproductive organs with great detail

Post-Testing Consultation

Once testing for both the male and female is completed, Dr. Jacob will sit down with the patients to discuss test results and develop a treatment plan. Dr. Jacob will take his time with you and not treat you as just a number, answering any questions and ensuring you are comfortable with the recommended next steps.

Infertility can be treated many ways, including medications, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies and lifestyle changes. Common assisted reproductive treatments at CRMRS include in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and intrauterine insemination.

The treatment choice depends on the cause and GoFertility will support you in whichever decision you make, as your best interest is our priority. We are always welcoming new patients and can typically schedule appointments within a week. Get in touch with our team at 314-473-1285 or email AGraham@GoFertility.com. We look forward to hearing from you!