For couples struggling to conceive, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know about fertility clinics in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

My husband and I thought adding a third child to complete our family would be straightforward. After all, our first two pregnancies had happened naturally and without complications. But this time was different.

After seven years on birth control following our second child, we started trying when I was in my early thirties. Month after month passed with no success. Like so many couples, I turned to the internet for answers. I bought ovulation kits, tracked my basal body temperature, took vitamins, and tried eating foods that were supposed to boost fertility. The stress was overwhelming—the monthly cycle of hope and disappointment that anyone who’s struggled with conception knows all too well.

After a full year of trying, I made an appointment with my general practitioner at University of Iowa Health Care. Blood work to check my ovulation patterns led to a prescription for Clomid, a medication that helps stimulate egg production. Two months later, I was pregnant.

I was lucky. The solution was relatively simple and quick. But that year of uncertainty taught me how isolating and confusing the fertility journey can be, especially when you don’t know where to turn for help.

For couples in Eastern Iowa facing similar challenges, understanding your options can make all the difference. The answer to where you should go depends on what kind of help you’re looking for—and how complex your situation might be.

The Regional Hub: University of Iowa Center for Advanced Reproductive Care

For nearly four decades, the University of Iowa Center for Advanced Reproductive Care in Iowa City has served as the fertility treatment hub for much of the state. Founded in 1987 as Iowa’s first program of its kind, this clinic has built a reputation that draws patients from across the region.

Located at 1360 North Dodge Street, the center offers the full spectrum of fertility treatments, from basic fertility evaluations to advanced procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). What sets them apart are their impressive statistics: they boast the highest success rate in Iowa—10% higher than the national average for pregnancy success.

Success Rates That Stand Out

According to the most recent SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) data, 79.6% of new patients under age 35 had a live birth using IVF treatment at the University of Iowa clinic, compared to the national average of 69.2% for the same group¹. These numbers reflect what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets experienced care.

The clinic’s laboratory director, Amy Sparks PhD, serves on the SART Executive Council² and is a recognized leader in clinical embryology. Their andrology lab is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments program³.

The numbers tell part of the story. Each year, the clinic performs over 300 egg retrievals and more than 150 frozen embryo transfers⁴. But for patients, it’s the personal attention that often matters most.

“We’re all very patient-focused and there to make sure that the patient feels like an individual,” says Dr. Abigail Mancuso, a reproductive endocrinologist at the center. “We’re really looking at their case individually, and that their voice is heard.”⁵

Patient reviews consistently praise the nursing staff, describing them as running “like a well-oiled machine” while making personal connections with each patient⁶. The clinic is accredited by SART, the national authority that establishes quality and safety guidelines for fertility centers³.

Comprehensive Services

• Comprehensive fertility testing for both partners
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) with genetic testing options
• Egg and sperm freezing
• Gestational surrogacy programs
• Treatment for conditions like endometriosis and PCOS
• Iowa’s first donor embryo program

The clinic also operates satellite locations in Davenport and West Des Moines, though all IVF procedures are performed at the Iowa City facility where their accredited laboratory is located.

Cedar Rapids: Community-Based Care and Alternative Approaches

While many Iowa residents travel a long distance to visit Iowa City fertility clinics, Cedar Rapids offers several local options for initial evaluations and alternative treatment approaches.

OB-GYN Associates PC

Located at 855 A Avenue NE, this practice bills itself as “the area’s leading provider of fertility care.” They focus on comprehensive fertility evaluations and treatments like artificial insemination, ovulation induction, and reproductive surgery. Their approach emphasizes addressing each couple’s unique medical, emotional, and financial situation.

The practice offers the full range of initial fertility testing including blood work, hormone evaluations, semen analysis, and specialized procedures like HSG (hysterosalpingography) tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes. They provide treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovulation-stimulating medications before referring patients to Iowa City for more advanced procedures.

A New Philosophy: Radiant Clinic

The newest addition to Cedar Rapids’ fertility landscape represents a completely different approach. Radiant Clinic, which opened in October 2023, specializes in what Dr. Monica Minjeur calls “natural fertility health.”

Rather than assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, Dr. Minjeur focuses on fertility awareness methods—tracking menstrual cycles to identify optimal conception timing and addressing underlying health issues that may affect fertility.

“I’m one of only a few physicians, even in the state of Iowa, that has this training as far as more natural approaches to fertility,” says Dr. Minjeur⁷.

The Research Behind Natural Methods

The effectiveness of fertility awareness methods has been studied extensively. According to peer-reviewed research, when used correctly:

• Symptothermal Method: 99.6% effective with perfect use, 98.2% with typical use⁸
• Cervical Mucus Method: Shows similar effectiveness rates when properly taught⁹
• For conception: 85-90% of couples without fertility issues can conceive within 6 months using fertility-focused timing¹⁰

A major European study following 900 women for over 17,000 cycles found that only 1.8 per 100 women experienced unintended pregnancy after 13 cycles when following symptothermal method guidelines correctly¹¹.

For couples who prefer to avoid or delay more invasive treatments, this approach offers an alternative pathway. The clinic treats infertility, pregnancy loss, PCOS, and endometriosis using fertility awareness methods and lifestyle modifications.

Other Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Fertility Clinics

Several other Cedar Rapids and Iowa City fertility clinics offer fertility-related services:

• Cedar Rapids OB Gyn Specialists: Provides female infertility evaluation and basic treatments, including testing for conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
• Iowa Women’s Health Center: Offers infertility treatments including ovulation induction and IUI, with referrals for advanced procedures
• Planned Parenthood – Cedar Rapids Health Center: Basic fertility services and consultations

Making the Right Choice: Questions to Ask

Choosing a Cedar Rapids or Iowa City fertility clinic is one of the most important decisions couples will make on their journey to parenthood. Here are essential questions to ask when evaluating your options:

Success Rates & Experience

• What are your success rates for my age group and specific condition?
• How many procedures like mine do you perform each year?
• Are you accredited by SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology)?

Treatment Approach

• What tests will you run to diagnose my fertility issues?
• What treatment options do you recommend for my situation?
• Do you offer less invasive treatments before moving to IVF?
• How do you customize treatment plans for individual patients?

Practical Considerations

• What will my treatment cost, and what’s included in that price?
• Do you accept my insurance, and what will it cover?
• Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
• How long is the typical wait for an initial appointment?

Support & Communication

• Who will be my main point of contact throughout treatment?
• How do you communicate test results and updates?
• What mental health or counseling support do you provide?
• Do you have support groups for patients?

Logistics

• What are your hours for monitoring appointments and procedures?
• If I need to travel to your clinic, what accommodations do you suggest?
• How do you handle emergency situations or after-hours concerns?

Understanding the Journey: The Fertility Treatment Process

Cedar Rapids and Iowa City fertility clinic treatment can be a marathon, not a sprint. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare couples for the road ahead.

The Initial Steps (Month 1-2)

Consultation and Testing: The journey typically begins with an initial consultation where doctors review medical histories and conduct comprehensive testing for both partners. This includes:

• For women: Blood tests for hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone), ovarian reserve testing, ultrasounds, and sometimes specialized procedures like HSG to check fallopian tubes
• For men: Semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology
• For both: Genetic screening for over 400 conditions that could affect pregnancy

This phase usually takes 1-2 months to complete all testing and receive results.

Treatment Options: From Simple to Complex

Based on test results, doctors recommend a graduated approach:

Level 1: Basic Interventions (Success rate: 10-20% per cycle)

• Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)
• Ovulation induction with medications like Clomid or Letrozole
• Timed intercourse based on fertility tracking

Level 2: Intrauterine Insemination – IUI (Success rate: 15-25% per cycle)

• Timeline: 4 weeks per cycle
• Process: Sperm is collected, processed, and placed directly into the uterus during ovulation
• Often combined with fertility medications to stimulate multiple egg production
• Most doctors recommend 3-6 IUI cycles before moving to IVF

Level 3: In Vitro Fertilization – IVF (Success rate: 40-60% per cycle for women under 35)

• Timeline: 4-6 weeks per cycle, plus 1-3 months of preparation
• The most complex but also most effective treatment option

The IVF Process: Step by Step

Preparation Phase (1-3 months before treatment)

• Preconception health optimization
• Sometimes includes “priming” with birth control pills or estrogen
• Medication training and calendar planning

Ovarian Stimulation (8-14 days)

• Daily hormone injections to stimulate multiple egg production
• Regular monitoring with blood tests and ultrasounds
• Careful timing to prevent over-stimulation

Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval (36 hours apart)

• Final injection to mature eggs
• Outpatient surgical procedure under light anesthesia (10-30 minutes)
• Same day: sperm sample collected and processed

Fertilization and Embryo Development (5-6 days)

• Eggs and sperm combined in the laboratory
• Two methods: conventional fertilization or ICSI (injecting single sperm into each egg)
• Average fertilization rate: 70-90% of mature eggs
• Embryos grow for 5 days to “blastocyst” stage

Embryo Transfer (Day 5 or 6)

• Simple procedure placing 1-2 embryos into the uterus
• No anesthesia required
• Extra viable embryos can be frozen for future use

The Two-Week Wait

• 14 days after transfer: pregnancy blood test
• Most emotionally challenging part for many couples

Success Rates and Realistic Expectations

IVF success varies significantly by age¹²:

• Under 35: 50-60% chance of live birth per cycle
• 35-37: 40-50% chance per cycle
• 38-40: 30-40% chance per cycle
• Over 40: 15-25% chance per cycle

Many couples require multiple cycles. About 65% of patients achieve pregnancy within three IVF cycles¹³.

The Emotional and Financial Reality

Costs: In Iowa, a single IVF cycle typically ranges from $12,000 to $25,000, not including medications ($2,000-$5,000). Some insurance plans now cover fertility treatments, though coverage varies widely.

Emotional support: Most clinics offer counseling services, support groups, and mental health resources. The monthly cycle of hope and disappointment can be overwhelming, making emotional support as important as medical treatment.

Timeline reality: From initial consultation to pregnancy test, the full process often takes 4-6 months for the first IVF cycle, including preparation time.

The Emotional Side

What often goes unspoken is the emotional toll of fertility treatment. The monthly cycle of hope and disappointment, the financial stress, and the strain on relationships can be overwhelming. That’s why many couples find the support services and counseling offered by Iowa City fertility clinics to be just as important as the medical treatments.

“It’s a huge comfort to know that we are not in it alone,” says one patient who found success after struggling with infertility¹⁵.

A Growing Need

According to statistics, one in six couples face infertility challenges and are in need of specialized care¹⁴. As awareness grows and treatments improve, more people are seeking help. This growing demand helps explain why new clinics like Radiant are opening and why established centers like the University of Iowa continue to expand their services to satellite locations.

Hope on the Horizon

For couples beginning this journey, the landscape of fertility care in Eastern Iowa offers genuine reasons for optimism. Whether you choose the high-tech approach of a major medical center, the community-focused care of a local practice, or the natural methods of an alternative clinic, the goal remains the same: helping families grow.

The key is finding the right fit for your medical needs, personal values, and practical circumstances. With patience, persistence, and the right medical team, many couples who thought parenthood was out of reach find their way to the family they’ve been hoping for.

If you’re considering fertility treatment, start by scheduling a consultation with a reproductive specialist to discuss your specific situation and explore your options. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not failure—and you’re not alone on this journey.

Disclaimer: In no way should this article be taken as medical advice. I am a cedar rapids newborn photographer not a doctor. I hope this article helps point you in the direction of doing your own research to find the right answer for you.

References

1. Van Voorhis, B. “Iowa’s Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes Rank Well Above National Average.” University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2014.
2. Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. “The SART Executive Council.” SART.org, 2025.
3. University of Iowa Health Care. “Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology.” UIHC.org, 2025.
4. University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Clinical Care – Graduate Medical Education.” GME.medicine.uiowa.edu, 2025.
5. Urbandale Chamber. “UI Health Care Advanced Reproductive Care – West Des Moines clinic.” July 28, 2023.
6. FertilityIQ. “U of Iowa Center for Advanced Reproductive Care” patient reviews. FertilityIQ.com, 2025.
7. KCRG News. “Clinic opening in Cedar Rapids addresses infertility, but without IVF.” October 17, 2023.
8. Frank-Herrmann, P., et al. “The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple’s sexual behaviour during the fertile time: a prospective longitudinal study.” Human Reproduction, vol. 22, no. 5, 2007, pp. 1310-1319.
9. Natural Womanhood. “FAM effectiveness rates.” November 26, 2024.
10. Pounders, K., et al. “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women’s Health and Family Planning.” Frontiers in Medicine, PMC9171018, 2022.
11. Frank-Herrmann, P., et al. “The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy.” PubMed 17314078, 2007.
12. Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. “Success Rates.” SART.org, 2025.
13. Cleveland Clinic. “IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works.” March 7, 2022.
14. KWWL News. “New fertility clinic aims to fill growing need.” October 19, 2023.
15. FertilityIQ. “U of Iowa Center for Advanced Reproductive Care” patient testimonial. FertilityIQ.com, 2025.