Many people picture the joy of becoming a parent. Some even fantasize about the names we will give our children, the lessons we want to impart, and all they will accomplish. Add to that our own parent or parents’ expectations of grandchildren. Then, when pregnancy doesn’t happen according to plan and fertility is called into question, the family building process can suddenly become overwhelming, causing feelings of uncertainty, disappointment, and even grief.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infertility rates are rising. A combination of factors may be at play, with more and more couples delaying childbearing. Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research are investigating infertility from multiple perspectives—genetic, cellular and molecular aging, and evolutionary—to bring hope to people struggling with infertility.