ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Following the Science & An Evidence-Based, Science-Driven Response to Infertility
July 14, 2025
For immediate release
Washington, DC—Amidst a rise in certain advocacy groups and aligned policy makers promoting “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” (RRM), a selective rebranding of certain medical practices in ways that mislead patients and threaten access to timely, effective fertility care, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), through its Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL), has released a new fact sheet providing an evidence-based flowchart for evaluating and treating infertility.
"In this highly charged political environment, it’s vital that policymakers and the public understand the evidence-based best practices for treating infertility," said Rebecca O’Connor, Director of ASRM's Center for Policy and Leadership. “We created this fact sheet to help them cut through the political jargon and have a snapshot of medical best practices for helping people start their families.”
The fact sheet reflects information from leading professional organizations, including ASRM, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Each step is grounded in peer-reviewed research and best practices, offering patients a clear and effective path forward:
- Patient presents with infertility concerns: Typically includes couples or individuals who have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or six months if the woman is over age 35) without success.
- Obtain detailed medical, reproductive and family history: Examples include menstrual cycle regularity, history of pelvic infections or surgeries, past pregnancies or miscarriages, use of contraception, and family history of infertility or genetic disorders.
- Conduct physical exam and basic fertility workup: Routinely includes hormone tests, transvaginal ultrasound to assess uterine and pelvic anatomy and antral follicle count, hysterosalpingography to assess tubal patency, and semen analysis.
- Identify potential cause(s) of infertility: Common causes include ovulatory disorders, tubal factor infertility, male factor infertility, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.
- Consider evidence-based interventions: Treatment options tailored to the known or suspected cause of infertility may include lifestyle changes, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, surgical interventions, or some combination thereof.
- Refer to reproductive endocrinologist if needed: Referral to a reproductive endocrinologist is appropriate for complex cases, advanced reproductive technologies, or when initial treatments are unsuccessful. REIs have additional training in hormone management, surgical treatment of complex reproductive disorders, and advanced reproductive technologies such as IVF or preimplantation genetic testing.
- Monitor treatment response and adjust as needed: This involves tracking ovulation, adjusting medication doses, evaluating follicular response via ultrasound, and modifying protocols based on individual patient response and side effects.
- Support emotional, financial, and ethical needs: Infertility can be emotionally and financially taxing. Professionals should ensure patients are aware of psychological counseling, financial planning for treatments, and guidance on ethical issues.
The Center for Policy and Leadership is ASRM’s non-partisan think tank delivering fact-based information to advance reproductive medicine.
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
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