Aileen Portugal, MD, FACOG
- Bio
- Areas of Interest
- Education
- Professional Organizations
- Awards and Honors
- Research Experiences
- Editorial Contributions
- Leadership
HRC Fertility is proud to welcome reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, Dr. Aileen Portugal to our San Diego practice.
Dr. Aileen Portugal is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist who is proud to return home to San Diego to care for the community that shaped her. Born and raised in San Diego, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego before beginning her career in San Diego’s biotechnology community and later pursuing medicine.
Dr. Portugal earned her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she served as Chief Resident, and went on to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Washington University in St. Louis.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Portugal is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized fertility care. Her clinical interests include infertility, IVF, IUI, PMOS, fertility preservation, recurrent pregnancy loss, and LGBTQ+ family building. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone with personal experience navigating fertility care, Dr. Portugal brings both professional expertise and lived understanding to her work.
Her research focuses on improving access to fertility care, reducing disparities in reproductive medicine, and better understanding the role of language concordance in the patient experience. She has published and presented nationally on fertility care access, health equity, and representation in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and in 2026 she received the ASRM Health Disparities Special Interest Group Prize Paper award for her work examining racial and ethnic trends in REI fellowship training.
Dr. Portugal is also an active leader within the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, where she serves in leadership roles focused on access to care and health disparities. She is passionate about helping patients feel heard, informed, and supported, and she values partnering with individuals and families to build a treatment plan that aligns with their goals.
After years of medical training across the country, Dr. Portugal is proud to be back home in San Diego, serving patients with empathy, evidence-based care, and a deep commitment to inclusive reproductive medicine.
Upcoming Events
October 2026
10/22/2026: Free AMH Testing Event With Dr. VanHise at HRC Fertility Beverly Hills
10/27/2026: Free AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Testing Event with Dr. Esther Chung at HRC Fullerton
10/27/2026: Free AMH Testing Event With Dr. Handelsman at HRC Fertility Encino
November 2026
11/10/2026: Meet & Greet HRC Fertility’s Newest Physician, Dr. Atoosa Ghofranian
11/18/2026: FREE AMH Event with Dr. Christo Zouves and Dr. Arian Khorshid
Areas of Interest
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Infertility Evaluation and Treatment
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS)
- Fertility Preservation and Egg Freezing
- LGBTQ+ Family Building
- Male Factor Infertility and Andrology
- Spanish-Language Fertility Care
- Fertility Care Access and Health Disparities
Education
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri - Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
San Francisco, California
Chief Resident - Doctor of Medicine
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Springfield, Illinois - MEDPREP Post-Baccalaureate Program
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, California
Professional Organizations
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
- Access to Care Special Interest Group
- Hispanic Special Interest Group
- LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group
- Health Disparities in Fertility Care Special Interest Group
- Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI)
- Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI)
- Pacific Coast Reproductive Society (PCRS)
- Midwest Reproductive Symposium International (MRSI)
- Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO)
- Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
- San Diego County Medical Society
Awards and Honors
2026 ASRM Health Disparities Special Interest Group Prize Paper
2025 ASRM Bridges to Equity Initiative Fellow Research Award
2025 Washington University Division of Clinical Research Mini-LAB Award
2024 ASRM Pilot & Exploratory Grant
2024 ASRM PRIMED Scholar Award
2024 Washington University Drum Major Award
2023 Best Teaching Resident Award, UCSF
2022 Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Resident Award for Excellence in REI
2022 Outstanding Resident in Gynecologic Oncology Award
2021 Best Teaching Resident Award, UCSF
Research Experiences
Portugal, Aileen, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “THE IMPACT OF LANGUAGE CONCORDANCE ON FERTILITY WORK-UP COMPLETION AND PATIENT-PROVIDER TRUST.” In ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2026.
Portugal, Aileen, Nnamdi Ihenacho, Alexis Acoff, Dan Lebovic, and Ali Ahmady. “Pentoxifylline Induces Transient Hyperactivation-Like Motility in Unselected Human Sperm Prepared by the Simple-Wash Method.” In REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES, vol. 33, no. 1. TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, 2026.
Portugal, Aileen, Nnamdi Ihenacho, Alexis Acoff, Dan Lebovic, and Ali Ahmady. “Pentoxifylline Rapidly Enhances Sperm Motility Under Simple Wash Conditions: Implications For Intrauterine Insemination Success. Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, 2026.
https://pcrs.memberclicks.net/assets/annual-meeting/2026/Abstracts/P88_Portugal.pdf
Afsari, Bahman, Snigdha Gollapudi, Aileen Portugal, Rand El Sharaiha, Megan Gornet, Dan I. Lebovic, Patricia Jimenez, Kenan Omurtag, Ali Ahmady, and Arash Darafsheh. “A multifactorial analysis of in vitro fertilization outcomes.” Reproduction and Fertility 7, no. 1 (2026).
https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0083
Portugal, Aileen, Greysha Rivera-Cruz, Irene Peregrin-Alvarez, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “Obstetrics and gynecology fellow representation before and after the American Society for Reproductive Medicine diversity, equity, and inclusion task force.” Fertility and Sterility. (2026).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.07.010
Portugal, Aileen, India Ames Claflin, Irene Peregrin Alvarez, Greysha Rivera-Cruz, Rand El Sharaiha, Mitra Sharifi, Megan E. Gornet, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “RACIAL AND ETHNIC TRENDS IN REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY AND INFERTILITY FELLOWSHIP TRAINING BEFORE AND AFTER THE ASRM DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE.” In ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2026.
https://asrm.confex.com/asrm/2026/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/33275
Claflin, India Ames, Aileen Portugal, Rand El Sharaiha, Mitra Sharifi, Megan E. Gornet, Ashley Meyer, Valerie Ratts, Dan Israel Lebovic, and Ali Ahmady. “EQUIVALENT BLASTOCYST AND EUPLOIDY RATES ACROSS SWIM-UP, LENSHOOKE®, AND ZYMŌT™ SPERM PROCESSING IN FRESH PARTNER EJACULATE IVF CYCLES.” In ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2026.
https://asrm.confex.com/asrm/2026/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/32397
El Sharaiha, Rand, Mitra Sharifi, Aileen Portugal, Ashley Meyer, Haley Holtmann, Alison Chen, Julie Crawford, Alexa Doyle, Dan Israel Lebovic, and Ali Ahmady. “EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CRYOPRESERVATION & THAW PROTOCOLS ON BLASTOCYST SURVIVAL AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES.” In ASRM 2026 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2026.
https://asrm.confex.com/asrm/2026/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/33326
Portugal, Aileen, Greysha Rivera-Cruz, Irene Peregrin Alvarez, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SUBSPECIALTY DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) TASK FORCES ON OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGY (OB/GYN) SUBSPECIALTY FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS (2016–2024).” Fertility and Sterility 124, no. 6 (2025): e208.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2025.07.650
Portugal, Aileen, Austin Johnson, Inevy Seguinot, Micaela Stevenson, and Claire M. Schenken. “EMD Serono Spotlight Theater Session: Breaking Barriers for Better Health: Bridging Gaps in Care.” In ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2025.
https://asrm.confex.com/asrm/2025/meetingapp.cgi/Session/8296
Baker, Morgan, Valerie L. Baker, Inger Britt Carlsson, Tyler Cozzubbo, Elizabeth L. Lee, Olumayowa M. Dayo, Ann Marie Luft, Aileen Portugal, et al. “Center for Policy & Leadership: PRIMED Scholars Showcase.” In ASRM 2024 Scientific Congress & Expo. ASRM, 2024.
https://asrm.confex.com/asrm/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Session/6136
Murphy, Courtney, Rachel Paul, Madison Copeland, Aileen Portugal, Tessa Madden, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “Improving polycystic ovarian syndrome related Quality-Of-Life with the use of A Patient-Centered treatment plan.” Fertility and Sterility 122, no. 4 (2024): e412-e413.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.08.246
Murphy, Courtney, Rachel Paul, Madison Copeland, Aileen Portugal, Tessa Madden, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND CHANGES IN QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME.” Fertility and Sterility 122, no. 4 (2024): e29-e30.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.07.151
Portugal, Aileen, Alyssa K. Kosturakis, Ticara L. Onyewuenyi, Greysha Rivera-Cruz, and Patricia T. Jimenez. “Breaking down barriers: advancing toward health equity in fertility care for black and hispanic patients.” Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics 50, no. 4 (2023): 735-746.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2023.08.007
Portugal, Aileen, Jerrine R. Morris, Halley Elizabeth Riley, Josephine Urbina, Eduardo Hariton, and Marcelle I. Cedars. “UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ANTI-ABORTION MOVEMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON FERTILITY COUNSELING AND RECOMMENDATIONS: A NATIONAL SURVEY OF FERTILITY SPECIALISTS.” Fertility and Sterility 120, no. 4 (2023): e27.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.118
Hariton, Eduardo, Jerrine R. Morris, Aileen Portugal, Jake Anderson-Bialis, Deborah Anderson-Bialis, and Marcelle I. Cedars. “Prevalence and characteristics of patients declined from pursuing in vitro fertilization with autologous oocytes.” Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 38, no. 10 (2021): 2679-2685.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-021-02287-x
Portugal, Aileen, Xiaowei Liu, Seok Hee Lee, and Paolo Rinaudo. “LIVER AND ADIPOSE TISSUES OF MICE CONCEIVED BY IN VITRO FERTILIZATION (IVF) SHOW INCREASED OXIDATIVE DAMAGE.” Fertility and Sterility 116, no. 3 (2021): e415.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.1111
Hariton, Eduardo, Jerrine R. Morris, Aileen Portugal, Jake Anderson, and Marcelle I. Cedars. “WHAT DETERMINES HOW PATIENTS ARE COUNSELED REGARDING STIMULATION WITH AUTOLOGOUS OOCYTES?.” Fertility and Sterility 114, no. 3 (2020): e469.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.1349
Portugal, Aileen, Nhung Le, Yuan Yuan Gong, Kathleen Groesch, J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, and Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming. “Association of Gastrointestinal Microbial Profiles and Estrogen Metabolism in Patients With Preterm Birth [21A].” Obstetrics & Gynecology 133 (2019): 15S.
Editorial Contributions
Portugal, Aileen, Mitra Sharifi, and Kenan Omurtag. “Banking sperm from home: a meaningful access win, with gaps still to solve.” Fertility and Sterility 125, no. 4 (2026): 630-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.01.034
Portugal, Aileen, and Dan I. Lebovic. “Should we go with the flow? Rethinking sperm selection through microfluidics.” F&S Reports 6, no. 4 (2025): 415-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfre.2025.10.006
Fertility and Sterility
Global Associate
Spanish-language translation of scientific article abstracts to expand access to reproductive medicine literature for Spanish-speaking audiences.
EngagedMD
Reviewer of Spanish-language translations and subtitles for patient education materials related to IVF and IUI.
Peer Reviewer
- Fertility and Sterility
- American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AJOG)
- ASRM Scientific Congress abstract submissions
- ASRM Pilot & Exploratory Grant proposals
Leadership
American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Access to Care Special Interest Group
Chair-Elect
National leadership role focused on improving access to fertility care and addressing barriers to reproductive treatment.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Hispanic Special Interest Group
Co-Founder and Vice Chair
Helped establish the group to increase Hispanic representation within reproductive medicine and support research, education, and advocacy addressing disparities affecting Hispanic patients.
ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership, PRIMED Advocacy Program
Inaugural Scholar
Selected for the inaugural cohort and completed training in reproductive health policy, legislative advocacy, communication, and engagement with policymakers.
SOMOS WashU
Former Steering Committee Member
Helped organize programming and community engagement for Washington University’s Latino/Latiné faculty and staff community.
SIU School of Medicine Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
Founder and President
Latino Medical Student Association, SIU School of Medicine Chapter
Founder and President
HRC Fertility – San Diego
Call today to schedule an appointment.
9339 Genesee Ave., #125
San Diego, CA 92121
Current Patients: 858-935-6868