Treatment FAQ

what are the steps for infertility treatment

by Harvey Frami Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What to Expect During Fertility Treatment
  1. Initial Consultation. ...
  2. Preparation for Treatment. ...
  3. Medication and Monitoring. ...
  4. Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation. ...
  5. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) ...
  6. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Apr 22, 2021

Medication

All couples and individuals undergoing any type of fertility treatment will go through a standard evaluation, including bloodwork and genetic testing. This will be true for both you and your partner. On the day of your new patient appointment, you will meet with your IRMS physician, nurse and financial counselor.

Procedures

May 31, 2016 · The first step of treating infertility in many cases is to treat the underlying cause of infertility. For example, in cases where thyroid disease causes hormone imbalances, medication for thyroid disease may be able to restore fertility. Medication Treatments for Female Infertility Surgical Treatments for Female Infertility Citations

Self-care

Jul 07, 2020 · The First Step: Accurate Infertility Testing and Diagnosis. We consider acknowledgement of your potential infertility and connecting with a fertility specialist as the REAL “First Step.” So, congratulations. You’re already on your way.

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Apr 20, 2020 · Collect sperm from your partner or a donor. While your eggs are being removed, your partner will provide a sperm sample. You also may choose to use donor sperm. The sperm are then put through a high-speed wash and spin cycle in order to find the healthiest ones.

What is the first step in fertility treatment?

Step 1: Medication. The woman is given injection hormones to stimulate healthy egg development. IVF helps her produce more eggs than she would in a normal month. “In a typical ovulatory month, we recruit and ovulate one egg,” explains Dr. Brahma. “With IVF, our goal is to make 10 or 15 eggs.” Step 2: Harvest the eggs

How to boost fertility naturally?

Jun 11, 2012 · In 85% to 90% of cases, infertility is treated with conventional medical therapies, such as medication or surgery. 1 If fertility treatments are unsuccessful, it is possible to use eggs or sperm donated by a third party or to have another woman carry a fetus. Select a category of treatment to learn more. Fertility Treatments for Males

What is the best fertility treatment?

Feb 18, 2022 · What does the IVF process consist of? 1.1. Controlled ovarian stimulation 1.2. Follicular puncture 1.3. Collection and preparation of semen 1.4. Fertilization or fusion of the gametes 1.5. Checking fertilization 1.6. Embryo culture 1.7. Preparation of the endometrium 1.8. Embryo transfer 1.9. Freezing the embryos 1.10. Pregnancy test 2.

What happens during IVF treatment?

Jul 01, 2015 · The IVF Cycle: A Step by Step Timeline. Here is a more detailed outline of what a step-by-step IVF cycle timeline actually looks like: Step 1. You start your period. Not surprisingly, the start of your menstrual cycle will trigger the start of your IVF cycle as your body gears up for its natural ovulation process.

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What is the first treatment for infertility?

Clomiphene citrate 100mg with artificial insemination (IUI) remains the first line treatment of choice for unexplained infertility.

What are the stages of fertility treatment?

IVF involves several steps — ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. One cycle of IVF can take about two to three weeks. More than one cycle may be needed.Sep 10, 2021

What is the most common treatment for infertility?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique. IVF involves stimulating and retrieving multiple mature eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a dish in a lab, and implanting the embryos in the uterus several days after fertilization.Sep 1, 2021

How long does infertility treatment take?

How long does this whole process take? If your fertility treatment involves intrauterine insemination (IUI), typically the process takes about two weeks. During these two weeks, your ovaries will be stimulated to produce follicles, ovulation will occur and thereafter an insemination is performed.

What are 4 causes for female infertility?

Who is at risk for female infertility?Age.Hormone issue that prevents ovulation.Abnormal menstrual cycle.Obesity.Being underweight.Having a low body-fat content from extreme exercise.Endometriosis.Structural problems (problems with the fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries).More items...•Jun 8, 2020

What phase can you get pregnant?

Most women have a 28-day menstrual cycle. That means you have about 6 days each month when you can get pregnant. That includes the day that one of your ovaries releases an egg, called ovulation, and the 5 days before. Having sex within that window is key.Feb 20, 2020

How can I get pregnant with infertility?

Two of the most common fertility treatments are:intrauterine insemination (IUI) Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you're ovulating.in vitro fertilization (IVF) Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos.

What is the fastest way to get pregnant?

Experts say the best way to get pregnant fast is to have sex once a day, every other day, during the fertile window right before and after ovulation. If you have sex too often, your partner's sperm count may be reduced, and if you don't have enough sex, the sperm may be old and unable to swim as fast.Jul 30, 2021

What is the best fertility pill to get pregnant?

Clomiphene (Clomid): This drug can trigger ovulation. Many doctors recommend it as the first treatment option for a woman with ovulation problems. Letrozole (Femara): Like clomiphene, letrozole can trigger ovulation. Among women with PCOS, especially those with obesity, letrozole may work better.

Can infertility be cured?

Depending on the cause of infertility, it can be cured through various fertility treatments, including therapies, medications, IUI or IVF procedures, and more. Yes, infertility can be cured depending on the cause. Various treatments can help a couple conceive and result in successful delivery.Oct 1, 2021

How successful is infertility treatment?

Overall, the success rate of fertility treatment is about 50%. That means about half of all couples who seek treatment end up pregnant. However, the success of treatment varies from person to person.

How long does it take to get pregnant after fertility treatment?

Most couples are able to get pregnant within six months to a year. If you're unable to conceive after a full year of trying, it's a good idea to consult a fertility specialist.

How to schedule a new patient appointment?

What To Expect At Your New Patient Appointment: 1 Meet with your IRMS physician to review your medical history and treatment options and desires 2 Meet with your nurse to discuss your checklist items that need to be completed before a cycle can be started 3 Meet with a financial counselor to review costs of treatment, insurance coverage and any and all financing options 4 Initial bloodwork for both partners

Why is it important to keep a notebook?

Keeping a notebook could be helpful to keep all of you information in one place. You are ultimately going to be getting a great deal of very valuable information that we will help you with as you go through treatment. Whether you’re a part of an infertile couple or a single woman, the process is the same to start.

What is the surgical treatment for infertility?

Surgical Treatments for Female Infertility. If disease of the fallopian tubes is the cause of infertility, surgery can be used to repair the tubes or remove blockages in the tubes. Success rates of these types of surgery, however, are low (approximately 20%, depending on the skill of the surgeon).

What is the best medicine for high prolactin levels?

Bromocriptine or Cabergoline. Bromocriptine and cabergoline are pills taken orally to treat abnormally high levels of the hormone prolactin, which can interfere with ovulation. 2 Pituitary growths; certain medications, including antidepressants; kidney disease; and thyroid disease can cause high levels of prolactin.

How long does letrozole last?

Patients take letrozole toward the end of their menstrual cycle for around 5 days. A 2015 study by researchers in the NICHD Reproductive Medicine Network found that about 19% of couples with unexplained infertility went on to have a live birth after using letrozole for 4 months.

Can in vitro fertilization help with infertility?

Treatment with medications is least likely to benefit infertility caused by damage to the fallopian tubes or severe endometriosis, although in vitro fertilization can help women with these conditions to conceive. 1. The first step of treating infertility in many cases is to treat the underlying cause of infertility.

Does clomiphene cause ovulation?

Patients take clomiphene in the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Clomiphene causes ovulation to occur in 80% of women treated. About half of those who ovulate are able to achieve a pregnancy or live birth. 2. Use of clomiphene increases the risk of having a multiple pregnancy.

What is ectopic pregnancy?

These surgeries involving the fallopian tubes also increase the risk of ectopic (pronounced ek-TAH-pik) pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. 1 Ectopic pregnancies are also called "tubal pregnancies," because they most often occur in a fallopian tube. 6.

Can you get pregnant with clomiphene?

2 If a woman does not become pregnant after taking clomiphene for six menstrual cycles , a health care provider may prescribe other fertility treatments.

What is the next step in IVF?

The next step in your IVF treatment is triggering the oocytes to go through the last stage of maturation. The eggs must complete their growth and development before they can be retrieved.

What is the purpose of injectable fertility drugs?

Injectable fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to mature a dozen or more eggs for retrieval. 3 . This isn’t always the case, however. With minimal stimulation IVF (aka mini IVF), oral fertility drugs or very low dose injectable drugs may be used to stimulate just a few eggs.

What is IVF in the lab?

IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. In vitro means “in the lab” and fertilization refers to conception. Usually, IVF involves taking many eggs (retrieved via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle) and placing them in a petri dish with specially washed sperm cells (retrieved via masturbation.)

How long does it take for an egg to be retrieved after a hCG shot?

About 34 to 36 hours after you receive the hCG shot, the egg retrieval will take place. 19  It's normal to be nervous about the procedure, but most women go through it without much trouble or pain.

Who is Rachel Gurevich?

Rachel Gurevich, RN, is a registered nurse, fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Leyla Bilali, RN is a registered nurse, fertil ity nurse, and fertility consultant in the New York City area.

How long after embryo transfer can you get a pregnancy test?

About 9 to 12 days after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is ordered. 27  This is usually a serum pregnancy test (more blood work) and also will include progesterone levels testing. The test may be repeated every few days.

Is IVF expensive?

IVF is expensive. It’s also frequently not covered by insurance, putting the treatment out of reach for many people who need it. 5  In fact, studies have found that only one in four couples who need IVF to conceive can actually get the treatment they need.

What are the steps of IVF?

A Step-By-Step Look at the IVF Process 1 Older women with fertility issues 2 Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes 3 Women with endometriosis 4 Male infertility caused by low sperm count or blockage

What is IVF used for?

IVF is commonly used to treat: Older women with fertility issues. Women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Women with endometriosis. Male infertility caused by low sperm count or blockage.

Why do IVF women have multiple embryos?

Sometimes more than one embryo ends up implanting, which is why multiples are common in women who use IVF. The IVF process basically replicates natural reproduction.

How to get eggs to mature faster?

A little more than a day before your eggs are scheduled to be retrieved from your body, you’ll receive a hormone injection that will help your eggs mature quickly. Then, you’ll have a minor surgical procedure—called follicular aspiration—to remove the eggs.

What happens after you collect eggs?

This one is meant to prep the lining of your uterus to receive the embryos that will be transferred back into you.

How does a sexectomy procedure work?

During the procedure, your doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a thin needle into each of your ovaries through your vagina. The needle has a device attached to it that suctions the eggs out one at a time.

How long does it take for sperm to fertilize an egg?

It usually takes a few hours for a sperm to fertilize an egg. Your doctor may also inject the sperm directly into the egg instead, a process known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Full screen is unavailable. Learn More.

How are eggs and sperm combined?

The egg and sperm are then combined in a lab through varying technologies of fertilization, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

How many eggs can IVF produce?

“In a typical ovulatory month, we recruit and ovulate one egg,” explains Dr. Brahma. “With IVF, our goal is to make 10 or 15 eggs.”.

How many couples have difficulty conceiving?

In fact, approximately one in eight couples who attempt pregnancy has difficulty conceiving a child. With the help of modern fertility treatment, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), couples are realizing their dreams of becoming parents.

How are eggs collected from the ovaries?

Eggs are then collected from the ovaries via a minor surgery during which the woman is sedated and the eggs are retrieved trans-vaginally. “We use a small needle guide to pass a needle over a trans-vaginal ultrasound to remove fluid from the follicles,” she explains.

How is an embryo transferred?

During an embryo transfer, a woman’s uterus is watched by ultrasound and a small catheter is placed into the uterine cavity through the cervix. The embryo (s) are then placed in the uterus. Ten days later, the woman returns to the clinic for a blood test to determine if she’s pregnant.

Is IVF a process?

“ Going through IVF is a process that we endure together,” says Dr. Brahma. “A really exciting moment is getting to make a phone call to a patient giving her the great news that it has worked and her pregnancy test is positive. It’s one of the most exciting phone calls I get to make.”

What is the second step of IVF?

The first one is the ovarian stimulation; the second one is follicular puncture ; the third one is the IVF procedure itself; and the fourth and last one is the embryo transfer into the uterus. On the other hand, Clinical Embryologist María de Las Heras provides us with a series of interesting details about the follicular puncture step.

What is the goal of IVF?

The goal is to enhance endometrial receptivity, which increases the chances for embryo implantation.

What is IVF in medical terms?

The medical term "In Vitro" Fertilization, abbreviated as IVF, literally means to fuse the gametes (egg and sperm) together in the laboratory. Since this union is done artificially, imitating the natural process, a series of technical steps are required, as one shall see in the following sections. In the meantime, you can find a brief summary ...

How long does ovarian stimulation last?

According to Dr. Martín Hidalgo, this process can last up to 14 days on average, depending on each case. Elena Martín Hidalgo, MD - Ovarian stimulation ...

What is a COS?

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) The intended mother receives a series of medications containing specific hormones for two major purposes: On the one hand, to trigger the maturation of multiple eggs in the same cycle, unlike in natural cycles, where only one egg matures.

How is egg retrieval done?

Egg retrieval is done via a procedure known as follicular puncture or ovum pick-up (OPU). It is the next step when the oocytes are mature and ready to be harvested. This surgical procedure is performed under anesthesia, and requires an OB/GYN to puncture the ovarian follicles (small "sacs" that contain the eggs), and aspirate their content at the same time. Then, the liquid aspirated is evaluated at the lab in order to collect the eggs.

What is the role of embryologists?

The role of the embryologist is to just put the eggs and sperm in the culture plate. The sperms are expected to be capable of penetrating the egg cell by themselves.

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Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment depends on various factors such as underlying cause, couple's age and health. Various assisted conception techniques are available.
Medication

Hormone therapy: Improves sperm count

Clomiphene citrate


Ovarian stimulator: To regulate ovulation.

Clomiphene

Procedures

Varicocelectomy: If necessary, surgical repair of any sperm blockages.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF): The sperm and egg are fertilised in a test tube in the lab and the embryo is inserted into the womb for further development. IVF is suitable for many infertility issues and is most commonly recommended method.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Inserting the sperms inside the womb for further fertilization.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Matured healthy single sperm is directly injected into an egg.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Try relaxing techniques together
  • Try intercourse within a week after menstruation

Specialist to consult

Andrologist
Specializes in dealing with problems related to the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men.
Endocrinologist
Specializes in the function and disorders of the endocrine system of the body.
Gynecologist
Specializes in the health of the female reproductive systems and breasts.

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