Infertility in Women in Grand Rapids, Michigan

New life begins when an egg is fertilized by a sperm. Each month, most women of reproductive age release an egg from one of their ovaries in a process called ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. The egg is then swept into a nearby fallopian tube and moves toward the uterus (womb).

If the egg meets sperm and is fertilized during this journey, it can implant in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and develop into a pregnancy.

For a young, healthy couple, the chance of conceiving in any given month is about 25%.

In general, infertility is suspected when:

  • There is no pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (if the woman is under age 35), or
  • No pregnancy after 6 months of trying (if the woman is age 35 or older).

If this sounds familiar, it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids about infertility testing and treatment.

How Common Is Infertility?

Approximately One in Six Couples Experience Fertility Difficulties

Infertility is common, and it affects families in Grand Rapids just as it does across the country. About 1 in 6 couples experience difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant.

Key points:

  • In many cases, couples can be helped with fertility treatments.
  • In about one-third of couples, the fertility problem is mainly in the woman.
  • In about one-third, the problem is mainly in the man.
  • In the remaining one-third, both partners may have contributing factors.
  • No clear cause is found in about 1 in 10 couples. This is called unexplained or idiopathic infertility.

Local couples in Grand Rapids often begin by seeing their primary care provider, OB/GYN, or a fertility specialist at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health.

Causes of Female Infertility

Female fertility depends on several organs and hormones working together in harmony. The brain, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix all play important roles.

Common causes of female infertility include:

  • Ovulation problems
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Problems with the fallopian tubes
  • Problems with the uterus
  • Endometriosis
  • Cervical factors
  • Age-related decline in egg quality

Seasonal factors in Michigan—such as limited sunlight in winter and potential vitamin D deficiency—may also affect overall health and menstrual patterns, although they are rarely the sole cause of infertility.

Ovulation Problems and Infertility

For pregnancy to occur, a woman must ovulate (release an egg). Ovulation is controlled by hormones from the brain:

  • The hypothalamus signals the
  • Pituitary gland, which releases hormones (FSH and LH) that
  • Stimulate the ovaries to mature and release an egg.

Signs of Ovulation Problems

  • Irregular periods (cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days)
  • Very light or very heavy periods
  • Absent periods (no periods for several months)

If periods are irregular or absent, ovulation may also be irregular or absent, making it harder to conceive.

Age and Fertility

Age is one of the most important factors in female fertility:

  • A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have.
  • Over time, both the number and quality of eggs decline.
  • By age 40, the chance of pregnancy per menstrual cycle is only about 5%.

Because many people in Grand Rapids delay childbearing for education and careers, age-related infertility is increasingly common. Cold Michigan winters and indoor lifestyles may also contribute to weight changes and metabolic conditions that can affect ovulation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age.

  • Around 1 in 7 women may have PCOS.
  • PCOS is due mainly to a hormonal imbalance, not a disease of the ovaries themselves.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can cause:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Excess hair growth on the face or body
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

PCOS is common among women in West Michigan and is often managed by OB/GYNs and endocrinologists at Grand Rapids clinics and hospitals.

Fallopian Tube Problems

The egg is fertilized while traveling down the fallopian tube. If the tubes are blocked or scarred, sperm and egg may not be able to meet.

Causes of fallopian tube damage include:

  • Previous pelvic infections (such as pelvic inflammatory disease)
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Past abdominal or pelvic surgery
  • Endometriosis

In Grand Rapids, testing for tubal problems is often done through imaging studies and sometimes minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) at local hospitals.

Uterine Problems

Once fertilized, the egg must successfully implant in the lining of the uterus. Certain uterine conditions can interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage.

These include:

  • Fibroids – Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can distort the uterine cavity.
  • Polyps – Small, soft growths that protrude from the uterine lining.
  • Uterine abnormalities – Such as a uterine septum (a wall of tissue inside the uterus).

These conditions can be evaluated with ultrasound or hysteroscopy at imaging centers and hospitals across Grand Rapids.

Cervical Factors

The cervix is the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina. Sperm must pass through the cervix to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Around the time of ovulation, cervical mucus is normally thin and watery, allowing sperm to swim through easily. In some women, the mucus may be:

  • Too thick, making it difficult for sperm to pass
  • Affected by prior cervical surgery or infection

While cervical factor infertility is less common, it can be considered if other tests are normal.

Endometriosis and Infertility

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, often on:

  • Ovaries
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Pelvic walls or other organs

Endometriosis can:

  • Damage the fallopian tubes and ovaries
  • Interfere with egg and sperm movement
  • Affect fertilization, embryo development, and implantation

Endometriosis is often diagnosed and treated with laparoscopy. Many women in Grand Rapids with chronic pelvic pain or painful periods are evaluated for endometriosis by gynecologists at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

How Female Infertility Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

An infertility evaluation usually includes tests for both partners. For women, testing may include:

  • Physical examination and medical history
    To review menstrual patterns, past pregnancies, surgeries, and medical conditions.
  • Blood tests
    To check hormone levels and confirm whether ovulation is occurring.
  • Ultrasound scans
    To examine the uterus and ovaries, and check for fibroids, cysts, or polyps.
  • Laparoscopy
    A “keyhole” surgical procedure using a small camera inserted through a tiny incision in the abdomen to examine the reproductive organs.
  • Hysteroscopy
    A thin scope is passed through the cervix into the uterus to look for polyps, fibroids, or structural problems.

The male partner’s semen analysis is also essential to determine sperm count, movement, and shape.

In Grand Rapids, these tests are commonly performed in:

  • OB/GYN offices
  • Fertility clinics and IVF centers
  • Hospital-based reproductive medicine programs

Treatment Options for Female Infertility

Treatment depends on the cause of infertility and may include:

  • Surgery
  • Ovulation induction (hormone treatment)
  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in‑vitro fertilization (IVF)

Surgery for Female Infertility

Surgery may be used to treat:

  • Fibroids – Non-cancerous tumors inside the uterus
  • Polyps – Growths in the uterine lining
  • Uterine abnormalities – Such as a uterine septum
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Blocked fallopian tubes

Today, most reproductive surgeries are performed by minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery using a laparoscope, which usually means:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster recovery

In some cases, open surgery (a larger incision) may still be necessary.

Ovulation Induction (Hormone Treatment)

If ovulation is irregular or absent, medications can help stimulate the ovaries to release an egg.

Common treatments include:

  • Oral medications (such as clomiphene citrate – Clomid, Serophene)
    These increase the release of hormones from the brain that stimulate ovulation.
  • Injectable hormones
    These directly stimulate the ovaries to mature and release eggs.

During ovulation induction:

  • The response to medication is closely monitored with blood tests and ultrasound.
  • This monitoring helps adjust the dose and reduce the risk of complications.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Sometimes the ovaries respond too strongly to injectable fertility medications, causing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Fluid retention (oedema)

Regular blood tests and ultrasound monitoring at fertility clinics in Grand Rapids help minimize the risk of OHSS.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in Grand Rapids

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) involve retrieving eggs from the ovaries and handling eggs and sperm in a laboratory.

ART includes:

  • In‑vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) – Used when there is a male factor cause of infertility.

How IVF Works

  1. Hormone stimulation
    Medications are used to make the ovaries produce several eggs instead of just one.
  2. Egg retrieval
    When the eggs are ready, they are collected using an ultrasound-guided procedure.
  3. Fertilization
    • In IVF, eggs are mixed with sperm from the male partner or a donor.
    • In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
  4. Embryo transfer
    Two to five days later, one embryo (sometimes more) is transferred into the woman’s uterus using a thin tube passed through the cervix.
  5. Embryo freezing
    Extra embryos can often be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.

Several fertility programs in the Grand Rapids area offer IVF and other ART procedures, often in collaboration with major hospital systems.

Risks and Limitations of ART

While ART is highly advanced, it does not guarantee pregnancy. Success depends on:

  • The woman’s age
  • The cause of infertility
  • The type of ART used
  • Overall health and lifestyle factors

Possible health issues associated with ART include:

  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  • Increased chance of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
  • Higher risk of premature labor and low birth weight
  • Increased likelihood of cesarean delivery

Your fertility specialist can provide statistics specific to your age group and situation, and many clinics offer IVF success rate calculators and counseling.

Lifestyle Factors and Fertility in Michigan

Lifestyle can significantly affect fertility for both women and men. In West Michigan, factors such as long winters, less sunlight, and seasonal changes can influence habits and health.

Consider:

  • Weight – Both underweight and overweight can disrupt ovulation.
  • Smoking – Damages eggs and sperm and reduces fertility.
  • Alcohol and caffeine – Excessive use may affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
  • Exercise – Both too little and too much intense exercise can impact menstrual cycles.
  • Vitamin D – Low levels are common in northern climates like Grand Rapids, especially in winter, and may influence reproductive health.

Local resources such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can help with smoking cessation, nutrition counseling, and general wellness programs that support reproductive health.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about infertility:

  • Start with your GP or primary care provider
    They can review your history, order initial tests, and refer you to specialists.
  • See an OB/GYN or fertility specialist
    Available through:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Visit a fertility or IVF clinic
    Many offer comprehensive evaluations, ART procedures, and counseling.

You can also find information and support through:

  • Kent County Health Department – Public health resources and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – Education on reproductive health, STI testing, and family planning

Key Points About Female Infertility

  • About one in six couples experience fertility difficulties.
  • No clear cause is found in about 1 in 10 couples investigated for infertility.
  • Female infertility can be caused by:
    • Ovulation problems
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    • Fallopian tube problems
    • Uterine problems (fibroids, polyps, structural issues)
    • Cervical factors
    • Endometriosis
    • Age-related decline in egg quality
  • Age is a major factor: fertility declines significantly after age 35, and more sharply after 40.
  • PCOS is the most common hormonal condition affecting women in their reproductive years and can make it harder to conceive.
  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF can greatly improve the chance of pregnancy but do not guarantee success.
  • Local healthcare systems in Grand Rapids, Michigan provide comprehensive infertility evaluation and treatment, along with support services and counseling.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are struggling to conceive, early evaluation and support from local healthcare providers can help you understand your options and plan the next steps.