All Your Fertility Questions Answered

Welcome to the ultimate, expert-backed fertility FAQ.

Text, Font, Line, Logo, Trademark, Graphics,

(Image credit: Hearst Owned)

Human reproduction is confusing and error-prone. Sex ed in this country is a mess. The two combined make trying to conceive overwhelming and isolating. But you're not alone: You want a baby, we want to help. Here, we got top experts to answer all your questions about getting pregnant—naturally, through IVF, surrogacy, and more—even if, and especially when, it's not going as planned.

I want to get pregnant—where do I start?

How long should it take to conceive "naturally?"

What causes infertility?

Can men cause fertility issues?

Why did I have a miscarriage?

How long until I can start trying to conceive again?

What kind of testing will fertility specialists conduct?

What are the treatments for infertility?

What's the difference between IVF and IUI?

What is IVF and how long does it take?

How much does IVF cost?

What are the chances IVF works?

What's carrier screening, and should I get it?

Should I test my future baby for genetic diseases?

How does surrogacy work and what does it cost?

What is the process for freezing your eggs?

For an even more in-depth look at fertility, check out Marie Claire's Guide to Having a Babyhere.

Jennifer Gerson

Jennifer Gerson is a Maggie Award-winning journalist whose reporting on reproductive rights, women's health, and sexual violence regularly appears in Cosmopolitan, as well as The Guardian, Yahoo, Allure, Teen Vogue, Mic and other national publications.