Treatment FAQ

what is infertility treatment

by Prof. Gayle Morar Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment that is often called artificial insemination. In this procedure, specially prepared sperm are inserted into the woman’s uterus. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI. IUI is often used to treat: Mild male factor infertility.

Procedures

1) Education: We strongly believe that educating our patients about the normal process of fertility, problems that... 2) Medications to induce egg development and ovulation: The medications that help stimulate the ovary to develop mature... 3) Insemination: Intrauterine insemination, also …

Self-care

May 31, 2016 · Fertility treatments are most likely to benefit women whose infertility is due to problems with ovulation. 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

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Sep 14, 2020 · Fertility care encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Equal and equitable access to fertility care remains a challenge in most countries; particularly in low and middle-income countries. Fertility care is rarely prioritized in national universal health coverage benefit packages. What causes infertility?

Which infertility treatment would be your best option?

What you can expect Ovulation induction. The start of an IVF cycle begins by using synthetic hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce... Egg retrieval. Egg retrieval can be done in your doctor's office or a clinic 34 to 36 hours after the final injection... Sperm retrieval. If …

When should you seek infertility treatment?

What not to say to someone dealing with infertility?

What are most effective infertility treatments?

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What kind of fertility treatments are there?

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 best treatment of infertility?

This involves retrieving mature eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a dish in a lab, then transferring the embryos into the uterus after fertilization. IVF is the most effective assisted reproductive technology.Aug 27, 2021

What is infertility treatment mean?

In women, infertility is treated with: Fertility drugs and hormones to help the woman ovulate or restore levels of hormones. Surgery to remove tissue that is blocking fertility (such as endometriosis) or to open blocked fallopian tubes.Oct 1, 2021

What are the steps in infertility treatment?

Treatment for womenStimulating ovulation with fertility drugs. Fertility drugs are the main treatment for women who are infertile due to ovulation disorders. ... Intrauterine insemination (IUI). ... Surgery to restore fertility.Sep 1, 2021

What is the first step of fertility treatments?

Blood tests to determine hidden factors, as well as to analyze reproductive hormone levels. Ovarian function tests, including FSH/AMH levels, ultrasound to look at follicles as they mature and to make sure you are ovulating. Luteal phase testing to look at progesterone levels after ovulation.Jul 7, 2020

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

What are 3 common causes of infertility?

These factors increase the risk of infertility in all genders:Age (over age 35 for women or over 40 for men).Diabetes.Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia.Excessive alcohol use.Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead and pesticides.Over exercising.More items...•Dec 13, 2020

How do I know if I am infertile?

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you're not ovulating. There might be no other signs or symptoms.Aug 27, 2021

How can an infertile woman get pregnant?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an infertility treatment that is often called artificial insemination. In this procedure, the woman is injected with specially prepared sperm. Sometimes the woman is also treated with medicines that stimulate ovulation before IUI.Apr 1, 2019

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

When should you start fertility treatment?

If you're younger than 35 years old and have been trying to get pregnant for a year, you are likely a good candidate for fertility treatments. If you're 35 or older, many clinics advise making an appointment after six months of trying, as fertility decreases with age.Aug 10, 2021

How long does infertility treatment take?

What you can expect. 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 doctor can help with infertility?

Depending on your age and personal health history, your doctor may recommend a medical evaluation. A gynecologist, urologist or family doctor can help determine whether there's a problem that requires a specialist or clinic that treats infertility problems.

What to include in a medical list for infertility?

Make a list of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take. Include the doses and how often you take them. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

What is the reproductive tract?

The reproductive tract must allow an egg to pass into the fallopian tubes and join with sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg must travel to the uterus and implant in the lining. Tests for female infertility try to find out if any of these processes are impaired.

What is an HSG test?

Hysterosalpingography, or HSG, is an X-ray test to outline the internal shape of the uterus and show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.

What to do before infertility testing?

Before infertility testing, your doctor or clinic works to understand your sexual habits and may make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility). Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures.

What is the substance that is injected into the uterus called?

In HSG, a thin tube is threaded through the vagina and cervix. A substance known as contrast material is injected into the uterus. A series of X-rays, or fluoroscopy, follows the dye, which appears white on X-ray, as it moves into the uterus and then into the tubes.

How to increase sperm count?

Certain medications may improve sperm count and likelihood for achieving a successful pregnancy. These medicines may increase testicular function, including sperm production and quality. Surgery. For some conditions, surgery may be able to reverse a sperm blockage and restore fertility.

What doctor can help with infertility?

Women with infertility should consider making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist— a doctor who specializes in managing infertility. Reproductive endocrinologists may also be able to help women with recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as having two or more spontaneous miscarriages.

What is the process of a man's sperm joining with an egg?

A man’s sperm must join with the egg along the way (fertilize). The fertilized egg must go through a fallopian external icon toward the uterus external icon (womb). The embryo must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation). Infertility may result from a problem with any or several of these steps.

How to evaluate fallopian tubes?

Fallopian tubes may be evaluated by hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or by chromopertubation (CP). Hysterosalpingogram is an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A radiologist injects dye into the uterus through the cervix and simultaneously takes X-ray pictures to see if the dye moves freely through fallopian tubes.

What is clomiphene citrate?

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®*) is a medicine that causes ovulation by acting on the pituitary gland. It is often used in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) external icon or other problems with ovulation. It is also used in women with normal ovulation to increase the number of mature eggs produced.

What are the markers of ovarian function?

The most commonly used markers of ovarian function include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) value on day 3 to 5 of the menstrual cycle, anti-müllerian hormone value (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC) using a transvaginal ultrasound.

What causes testicular failure?

Cancer treatment involving the use of certain types of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to remove one or both testicles. Medical conditions such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, certain types of autoimmune disorders, and certain types of infections may cause testicular failure. Hormonal disorders.

How does heat affect sperm?

The heat may affect the number or shape of the sperm. Trauma to the testes may affect sperm production and result in lower number of sperm. Unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol use, smoking, anabolic steroid use, and illicit drug use. Use of certain medications and supplements.

What is the best fertility treatment?

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. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus. ...

What is assisted reproductive technology?

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) describes several kinds of procedures that can help you have a baby. ART includes procedures that make it easier for sperm to fertilize an egg, and help the egg implant in your uterine lining. Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) ...

How do I get pregnant?

Two of the most common fertility treatments are: 1 intrauterine insemination (IUI)#N#Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. 2 in vitro fertilization (IVF)#N#Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus.

What is a cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation ( aka freezing your eggs, sperm, or embryos), egg or embryo donation, and gestational carriers (aka surrogacy) are also forms of ART. Donor sperm, donor eggs, and surrogates are often used by same-sex couples or single people who want to have a baby.

Can you have fertility treatments with only one partner?

Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together. Fertility treatments often include medications that help with hormones and ovulation, sometimes combined with minor surgical procedures.

Can technology help with fertility?

Thanks to technology, there are lots of ways to help people with all kinds of fertility issues. The options that are best for you depend on your personal situation and what’s causing your infertility. Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together.

Can you use sperm from a donor?

You can also use sperm and/or eggs from a donor if a problem with your own sperm cells or eggs is causing infertility issues. Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you figure out which treatments are best for you. Your family doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a fertility specialist.

How does IVF work?

IVF involves removal of eggs directly from the ovary, fertilization with sperm in the laboratory, followed by transfer of the embryos directly into the uterus, thereby bypassing the tubes. Although tubal disease was the original indication for IVF, many more indications have developed over the years.

How to correct uterine abnormalities?

The main approach to correcting or removing these uterine abnormalities is by hysteroscopy, a surgical method by which a n arrow scope with a camera is placed within the uterine cavity. Instruments can be introduced through the hysteroscope, allowing the surgeon to remove or correct any anatomic abnormalities.

What can ultrasound detect?

Ultrasound can detect uterine abnormalities such as fibroids and polyps, distal fallopian tube occlusion, and ovarian abnormalities including ovarian cysts. Additionally, transvaginal ultrasound affords the opportunity for your physician to assess the relative number of available eggs.

Why do we need open tubes?

The presence of open tubes is essential for natural conception, as sperm must traverse the tubes in order to reach and fertilize the ovulated egg. We recommend immediate evaluation for a couple attempting pregnancy when the woman has a prior history of pelvic infection.

How does endometriosis affect the embryo?

Endometriosis causes infertility by producing inflammation and scarring, which can result in not only pain but also potentially detrimental effects on egg, sperm or embryo. Endometriosis can only be confirmed by surgery, usually laparoscopy.

How long does it take to recover from a hysteroscope?

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting in the vast majority of cases, and recovery time can be as little as a few days . Hysteroscopy is the inspection of the uterine cavity through the cervix by a hysteroscope attached to a camera which projects to a screen.

How is ICSI performed?

In order to perform ICSI, an egg is held via a small suction pipette, while one sperm is injected into that egg using a very fine glass needle. This process bypasses the normal fertilization process, which may be compromised due to poor sperm function.

What are some examples of medications used to treat infertility?

The most common medications used to treat infertility help stimulate ovulation. Examples of these types of medications include: 2, 3. Clomiphene is a medication patients take by mouth (orally).

How likely is a woman to get treatment for infertility?

Fertility Treatments for Females. Once a woman is diagnosed with infertility , the overall likelihood for successful treatment is 50%. 1. Whether a treatment is successful depends on: Fertility treatments are most likely to benefit women whose infertility is due to problems with ovulation. Treatment with medications is least likely ...

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.

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.

What is the success rate of fallopian tube surgery?

Success rates of these types of surgery, however, are low (approximately 20%, depending on the skill of the surgeon).

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.

When do you get gonadotropins?

Gonadotropins are injected in the early part of the menstrual cycle for 7 to 12 days. While a woman is treated with gonadotropins, a health care provider uses transvaginal ultrasound to monitor the size of the developing eggs, which grow inside tiny sacs called follicles.

Who is considered infertility management?

A wide variety of people, including heterosexual couples, same-sex partners, older persons, individuals who are not in sexual relationships and those with certain medical conditions, such as some HIV sero-discordant couples and cancer survivors, may require infertility management and fertility care services.

How does infertility affect women?

Infertility has significant negative social impacts on the lives of infertile couples and particularly women, who frequently experience violence, divorce, social stigma, emotional stress, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

What are the disorders of the ovaries?

disorders of the ovaries, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and other follicular disorders; disorders of the endocrine system causing imbalances of reproductive hormones. The endocrine system includes hypothalamus and the pituitary glands.

What is the term for a disease of the male or female reproductive system?

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. (1)

What are some examples of hormonal imbalance?

Hormones such as testosterone regulate sperm production. Example of disorders that result in hormonal imbalance include pituitary or testicular cancers. testicular failure to produce sperm, for example due to varicoceles or medical treatments that impair sperm-producing cells (such as chemotherapy).

How can government policies help with inequalities?

Government policies could mitigate the many inequities in access to safe and effective fertility care. To effectively address infertility, health policies need to recognize that infertility is a disease that can often be prevented, thereby mitigating the need for costly and poorly accessible treatments.

What causes semen to be blocked?

obstruction of the reproductive tract causing dysfunctionalities in the ejection of semen. This blockage can occur in the tubes that carry semen (such as ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles). Blockages are commonly due to injuries or infections of the genital tract.

What is the purpose of IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus.

How are eggs removed during in vitro fertilization?

During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from mature follicles within an ovary (A). An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish (B). The fertilized egg (embryo) is transferred into the uterus (C).

What causes fewer eggs to be fertilized?

Fallopian tube damage or blockage makes it difficult for an egg to be fertilized or for an embryo to travel to the uterus. Ovulation disorders. If ovulation is infrequent or absent, fewer eggs are available for fertilization. Endometriosis.

How many cells are in an embryo after fertilization?

Three days after fertilization, a normally developing embryo will contain about six to 10 cells. By the fifth or sixth day, the fertilized egg is known as a blastocyst — a rapidly dividing ball of cells. The inner group of cells will become the embryo. The outer group will become the cells that nourish and protect it.

What hormones are tested during the first few days of menstruation?

To determine the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen) and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle.

Can IVF be done anonymously?

Or IVF may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or anonymous donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier — a woman who has an embryo implanted in her uterus — might be used. Your chances of having a healthy baby using IVF depend on many factors, such as your age and the cause of infertility.

Why do I have to have multiple eggs during IVF?

If you're using your own eggs during IVF, at the start of a cycle you'll begin treatment with synthetic hormones to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs — rather than the single egg that normally develops each month. Multiple eggs are needed because some eggs won't fertilize or develop normally after fertilization.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

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.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Before infertility testing, your doctor or clinic works to understand your sexual habits and may make recommendations to improve your chances of getting pregnant. In some infertile couples, no specific cause is found (unexplained infertility). Infertility evaluation can be expensive, and sometimes involves uncomfortable procedures. Some medical plans may not cover the cost of f…
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