Treatment FAQ

when to start fertility treatment

by Pietro O'Conner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

When it comes to infertility, IVF may be an option if you or your partner have been diagnosed with:

  • Endometriosis
  • Low sperm counts
  • Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Problems with ovulation
  • Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs
  • The inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus
  • An unexplained fertility problem

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

Full Answer

When is the right time to start your infertility treatments?

Deciding on the right time to start your infertility treatments can be difficult. To help you decide, here are a few facts about fertility. It is time to consult a Fertility Specialist, if you are: under 35 years and have been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months. over 35 and have been trying for 6 months. over 40 and been trying for 3 months.

What do you need to know about fertility treatment?

When fertility drugs to cause ovulation or increase egg production are combined with IUI, the pregnancy rate is between 10 and 20 percent per treatment cycle. For women age 34 and under, about 46 percent of IVF cycles result in pregnancy. That number drops to: 38 percent for women age 35 to 37 29 percent for women age 38 to 40

When should a woman see a fertility specialist?

Feb 05, 2018 · Once you and your partner have had a fertility evaluation, it’s time to start considering your treatment options. Fertility treatment typically refers to medications that stimulate egg or sperm production, or procedures that involve the handling of eggs, sperm, or embryos. However, treating infertility goes beyond fertility treatments.

Is IVF the first step in fertility treatment?

May 26, 2015 · Guidelines suggest a woman under the age of 35 should seek help after 12 months, which drops to six months for women aged 35 to 39. And women aged 40 and over should seek fertility assistance after trying to get pregnant for three months without success.

image

When should I start taking fertility drugs?

You usually take the first pill on the third, fourth, or fifth day after you start your period. You can expect to start ovulating about 7 days after you've taken the last dose. If it doesn't happen right away, your doctor may ask you to increase your dose by 50 milligrams a day each month, up to 150 milligrams.Jun 8, 2021

What is the first step in fertility treatment?

What to Expect During Fertility TreatmentInitial Consultation. ... Preparation for Treatment. ... Medication and Monitoring. ... Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation. ... Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) ... In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)Apr 22, 2021

When should I look for fertility treatment?

The average rule of thumb is that it takes a couple five to six months to conceive. If you are under 35 and have been having unprotected sex (sex without any form of birth control) for 12 months, you may want to see a fertility specialist.

When do you go straight to IVF?

When should someone go straight to IVF? Patients should go straight to IVF when the chances of pregnancy with IUI are low but relatively higher with IVF. These include fallopian tube damage, moderate to severe endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and more than mild male infertility factor.Jul 24, 2019

What are the signs of being 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 I increase my fertility in my 30s?

6 Ways to Boost Fertility in Your 30sEat Fewer Carbs. Every woman's body is unique, and (frustratingly) there can be no guarantees when it comes to nutrition. ... Offload Some Of Your Stress. ... Consider Your BMI. ... Seek Out Those Vitamin And Mineral Supplements. ... Mind Those Plastics. ... Speak To Your Doctor Or A Fertility Consultant.Oct 15, 2021

Can I test my fertility at home?

While some fertility hormones can be measured through a blood test only, LH and estrogen can be tested through urine. That means, if you're looking for information about ovulation, you can actually test for this at home. The Mira Fertility Plus system is almost like having a mini lab of your own at home.

How can I boost my fertility?

16 Natural Ways to Boost FertilityEat foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women. ... Eat a bigger breakfast. ... Avoid trans fats. ... Cut down on carbs if you have PCOS. ... Eat fewer refined carbs. ... Eat more fiber. ... Swap protein sources. ... Choose high fat dairy.More items...•Apr 22, 2020

Should I see my doctor before trying to conceive?

Even before you start trying to conceive, you should visit your doctor to ensure you'll have the healthiest pregnancy possible.Aug 16, 2011

Can you skip IUI and do IVF?

There are times when a patient is likely to have better results by skipping over the IUI option and beginning their fertility treatment with IVF. This is a choice each patient will have to make themselves, after close consultation with their fertility specialist.Mar 7, 2017

Can I skip IUI straight to IVF?

You may skip straight to IVF if your fallopian tubes are blocked, if your partner's sperm counts are low, if you have severe endometriosis or if you're freezing eggs or embryos. Or, you may make the decision to try IVF after at least three failed cycles of IUI.Aug 10, 2021

Is IVF procedure painful?

In the majority of circumstances, IVF injections don't involve much pain. At the same time, it's important to note that pain is subjective. It can vary from individual to individual. This means that someone who is more sensitive may experience a higher level of discomfort than someone who is less sensitive.

Infertility Treatments: When is the right time?

Deciding on the right time to start your infertility treatments can be difficult. To help you decide, here are a few facts about fertility.

Meeting a Fertility Specialist

After an initial consultation and comprehensive review of your medical history, the fertility specialist will ask most patients to undergo a complete physical exam and a series of tests.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (A.R.T)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (A.R.T) is a generic term for all advanced fertility therapies. It most commonly refers to in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET or IVF) but also includes other treatments, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), egg or embryo preservation and use of donor eggs.

My partner and I have a fertility problem. What are our treatment options?

Your impulse may be to immediately begin with the most advanced and expensive treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), thinking you'll get pregnant faster. But less expensive therapies, such as fertility drugs or surgery, are very effective. About 90 percent of couples are treated with drugs or surgery only.

How will we pay for fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment isn't cheap – the average cost of assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF is $12,400 for a single cycle, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

What are my chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatment?

Many women who have trouble getting pregnant are prescribed clomiphene citrate, an oral fertility drug that induces ovulation. About 35 percent of women who take clomiphene citrate become pregnant over the course of treatment (usually three to six cycles).

My doctor mentions success rates for various fertility treatments. What do these numbers mean, and are they reliable?

Throughout your treatment, you'll hear statistics about everything from your chances of having twins to your likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy.

What is fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment typically refers to medications that stimulate egg or sperm production, or procedures that involve the handling of eggs, sperm, or embryos. However, treating infertility goes beyond fertility treatments. Infertility treatment can also include surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, weight loss, ...

What is the first drug used for infertility?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate): A well-known fertility drug, Clomid is frequently the first drug used in treatment. Primarily, it's used to treat female infertility, but it can be used to treat male infertility as well.

What are the options for a child?

You have more options for building your family or making an impact in a child's life. Other options include: 1 Adoption 2 Being an awesome auntie or uncle to your family or friend’s children 3 Foster parenting 4 Living a childfree life

What is the purpose of fertility drugs?

Fertility drugs are medications used to stimulate ovulation, but they can also be used to stimulate sperm production in some cases of male infertility. Ovulation disorders account for about 25% of female factor infertility cases. 2 This is the most common reason for fertility drug treatment. That said, fertility drugs may also be used ...

Can fertility treatment be discussed?

No discussion about fertility treatment is complete without discussing treatment of underlying disorders and lifestyle changes to improve fertility. If an underlying medical issue is ignored, fertility treatment may be significantly less likely to be successful.

Is IVF the next step?

Some people assume if the first basic treatments fail, IVF is next. However, there are many variations and “levels” of fertility treatment before IVF is the next step. That said, for some couples, IVF is the first recommended treatment.

What is the success rate of IUI?

The success rate of IUI is not very high 4 —with one study showing 4 percent of women achieving pregnancy with a non-fertility drug cycle, and 8 to 17 percent success for IUI cycles that use fertility drugs to produce more, high quality eggs. The advantage of IUI is the cost, which is much lower than IVF.

What are the factors that affect your ability to get pregnant?

A single problem or multiple factors may be affecting your ability to get pregnant; these range from weight or hormonal problems to genetics and even medications you may be taking. Your evaluation will include a comprehensive physical exam and complete medical history.

What does a doctor check for?

In general, a doctor will check a woman’s hormone system, ovarian reserve, plus pelvis, vagina, cervix and uterus. A man’s sperm quality—count and motility—is also measured. A number of simple diagnostic tools can help identify the specific cause of the problem in both men and women.

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. ...

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 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) ...

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 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.

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.

How to conceive with IVF?

Prepare your body for IVF. Most people don’t realize how important their general health is to conceiving, even with IVF. If your body has to agree to nurture a life for nine months, it has to be in good shape first.

How many chances of IVF success for women under 35?

The treatment progress largely depends upon how your body responds. Also, the chances of a successful pregnancy in IVF in women under 35 are around 50% and while it is good to be optimistic, you must also remain realistic.

What is the best diet for pregnant women?

It is important that you focus on a balanced nutrition rich diet. Choosing a high-fiber diet including raw fruits and vegetables, grains, proteins, berries, leafy greens will not only help you offset the side effects of the medications but also help you prepare for a healthier pregnancy.

How does body weight affect fertility?

Your body weight and fat content affect your hormonal balance, which in turn affects your fertility and ability to conceive. Even in men, a sedentary lifestyle and poor habits could be extremely detrimental to the sperm, which could be a hindrance in successful conception.

Can IVF cause anxiety?

It may: IVF treatment, especially for those seeking it the first time, can cause a whole lot of confusion, anxiety, and perplexity due to the unfamiliarity of the system. Even after it is started, the treatment that can result anxiety over the growing anticipation of results.

Can IVF help with stress?

According to this study, women having lower stress levels the day before the oocyte retrieval were more likely to have a successful pregnancy in IVF. The most effective way to combat stress is to gather more information, find the right IVF clinic, and have all your questions answered by your doctor.

Is it painful to take a syringe?

It may be painful and uncomfortable. A common misconception is that the injections are very painful but the truth of the matter is that while injectable drugs are not difficult to administer, they tend to cause some side effects such as cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, abdominal pain.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9