Many couples who struggle to conceive naturally for months or years are experiencing infertility. There are several reproductive health advancements that can offer effective treatment options depending on the cause of infertility. The treatment is selected based on age, medical history, and reproductive health. Here are some different treatments available for couples who are infertile:
Ovulation Induction
Medications are sometimes used to induce ovulation in women who have irregular or absent ovulation. To encourage the ovaries to release eggs, doctors prescribe drugs such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole. In certain instances, injectable gonadotropins will help provide more stimulation for better egg development. This treatment is useful for natural conception for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or unexplained infertility. Regular ultrasounds monitor follicle growth, as is the right timing for intercourse or insemination. If ovulation induction alone is not successful, it is usually used in combination with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) happens when concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus to improve chances for fertilization. This reproductive health procedure is helpful for couples with mild male infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical mucus problems. Sperm undergoes washing before the procedure to remove debris and select the healthiest cells. Insemination takes place when ovulation occurs, either naturally or after medication to induce ovulation. It is quick, relatively painless, and performed in a doctor’s office without anesthesia. Successful conception may require multiple treatment cycles.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a process in which egg and sperm fertilization occurs in a lab, and then an embryo is transferred into the uterus. The first step is to stimulate the ovaries to produce a number of mature eggs for retrieval. Eggs are collected and combined with sperm in a controlled environment to promote fertilization. After several days, the most viable embryo is then transferred into the uterus to create a pregnancy. IVF is effective for couples with blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or unexplained infertility. Success rates depend on age, egg quality, and general health.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
This technique is useful for couples with severe male infertility, low sperm count, and poor sperm motility. An embryo that has already been formed from a fertilized egg ends up in the woman’s uterus. If sperm quality is too poor for traditional IVF, ICSI can improve fertilization rates. It happens in a laboratory under controlled conditions to increase the success rates.
Donor Eggs or Sperm
Donor eggs or sperm are helpful for couples where one of the partners has poor-quality gametes or genetic problems. In these cases, fertilized donor eggs or sperm can happen alongside IUI or IVF. Women with diminished ovarian reserve, premature menopause, or failed IVF cycles may find egg donation helpful. Men with azoospermia, genetic disorders, or severe infertility can have a biological child through sperm donation.
Increase Your Reproductive Health
Infertility is challenging, but treatments are available to help infertile couples. Simple ovulation induction is one option, along with advanced procedures such as IVF or surrogacy. Success occurs based on reproductive health factors, the cause of infertility, and being persistent with treatment. Consult a fertility specialist today to help determine an approach to meet your reproductive goals.
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