Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility

Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

If you need assistance growing your family, diagnosing irregular periods or managing hormonal changes, you can count on UMass Memorial Health. Our program is home to leading fertility specialists (reproductive endocrinologists) who deliver a broad range of personalized services. You also receive ongoing support from highly skilled nurses who are with you every step of the way.

Conditions We Treat

The primary condition we treat is infertility. We help people who may be having difficulty getting pregnant due to conditions such as: 

• Diminished ovarian reserve (fewer eggs in your ovaries compared with other people your age)
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
• Repeated pregnancy loss
• Uterine fibroids and other anomalies

We also offer services for adults who are not immediately planning pregnancy, including services for: 

• Irregular periods
• Management of PCOS
• Management of menopause symptoms

Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility Services

We are the only Central Massachusetts program providing the full range of infertility care. You have access to IVF, male fertility evaluation and treatment, fertility preservation and embryo genetic testing. Our offerings include:

Fertility Testing

We begin your journey with a complete evaluation — including medical history, testing and insurance guidance. We offer different types of testing based on your needs: 

• Ovarian reserve testing
• Uterine cavity evaluation
• Tubal evaluation
• Semen analyses
• Assessment and treatment of male infertility

Genetic Counseling

Fertility specialists may recommend genetic counseling when there is a higher chance of inherited conditions affecting your pregnancy or future child.

You may also benefit from genetic counseling if you have: 

• Family history of certain genetic conditions
• Experienced multiple pregnancy losses
• Received concerning results from embryo testing

Our genetic counselor reviews your personal and family history, explains testing options and discusses what the results could mean. If results show an increased risk of complications, we explain your options and guide you through the next steps for treatment or family planning.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

You may benefit from IUI if:

• You have irregular periods or do not ovulate.
• You have unexplained infertility.
• There is a minor issue with sperm count, movement or quality.

Here’s what to expect for IUI:

1. Before IUI, your provider may prescribe oral medication to promote ovulation in people who do not produce eggs on their own.
2. The IUI procedure takes place when you are ovulating.
3. During the procedure, your provider washes the semen sample and places it into the uterus using a small catheter (insemination).
4. This procedure typically takes just a few minutes.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

We are the only comprehensive IVF center in Worcester County, so you benefit from care close to home. You may need IVF treatment due to:

• Structural issues with the fallopian tubes
• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Endometriosis
• Male infertility
• Problems conceiving from other fertility treatments, such as IUI

We also offer reciprocal IVF that involves retrieving an egg from one partner, fertilizing it with sperm, then implanting the embryo into the uterus of the other partner. This approach allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to meaningfully participate in the family-building process.

Our IVF lab, where many parts of this take place, is across the hall from our patient clinic, making the IVF process as convenient as possible.

Emotional Support and Reproductive Psychiatry

Our team has open and honest conversations with you about treatment progress and provides heartfelt guidance on the next steps of care. Some people also benefit from the services of our reproductive psychiatrist. This mental health provider specializes in the unique needs of people undergoing fertility treatment.

Inclusive Infertility Care

Reproductive endocrinologists regularly provide personalized services to individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. We show respect for your identity at every turn and coordinate care that achieves your personal goals. One of our most common offerings for LGBTQIA+ couples is insemination with donor sperm.

Additional Infertility Services

Our reproductive endocrinology services also include: 

• Egg freezing for medical or elective reasons
• Embryo banking
• Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy or monogenic disorders

About the Massachusetts Family Preservation Law

This law mandates insurance coverage for certain fertility services, including IVF. Eligible individuals also include same-sex couples who wish to conceive. These policies make it easier to access our infertility services.