Articles | Basic Types of Fertility Treatment

Out of every ten couples, eight will conceive a child within one year of having sex regularly two to three times per week. At the most many couples will be able to conceive within two years with the same regimen. Despite this, some couples still experience problems conceiving. About one in every seven couples experiences this problem, which may be classified as either sub-fertility or infertility.

There are several possible causes for this fertility problem. In this case, several medical and laboratory tests are in order.

Both the male and the female need to be undergo testing. Initial tests can be performed by a regular doctor , or an ob/gyn doctor whom the couple know or trust. In the initial process, lifestyle advice and support can be tried in concurrence with the lab tests. If success still eludes the couple, and initial lab results point to a possible physiological problem , then the couple may be referred to a fertility doctor. A competent fertility specialist is one who has the necessary training, especially in reproductive endocrinology, as well as the needed equipment especially suited for fertility treatment.

Diagnosis

For females , blood tests may be needed to determine blood hormonal levels and to determine the status and normality of her ovulation cycle. Ultrasound may also be warranted on the reproductive organs, especially the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Other tests may be necessary based on the results of these tests.

For males, a semen sample is usually warranted to test his fertility. Besides the sperm count, sperm movement and structure will be determined for aberration .

Available options for treatment are various. The type of fertility treatment will depend on the particular problem. It is important to note that although success rates are usually high for treatable problems, there will always be chances for failure. This will heavily depend on what the primary problem is. The fertility doctor is usually knowledgeable on the rate of success a couple can expect.

Treatment

If the problem is the lack of ovulation, then medication can be administered to stimulate the production of ova. Cases of polycystic ovary syndrome fall in this category. This fertility treatment is termed ovulation induction.

Doctors prescribe two medicines in this treatment - tamoxifen and clomifene. They are administered five days per month and can be taken up to twelve months. If they do not work, other options can be explored. Women with this syndrome and who are overweight may be prescribed metformin in conjunction with her other medicines.

As an alternative, the ovaries can be stimulated by keyhole surgery, wherein small holes are made in the ovary's surface to stimulate egg production. These are just as efficacious as hormone injections. Injection of human gonadotrophin is also an option if these treatments are not effective.

If the male has fertility problems, treatments include administration of medicines to improve the sperm quality. This is warranted in cases of hormone problems, which include hypogonadism. Medicines can also help in problems of impotence and ejaculation.

In cases of blocked passageways such as in the epididymis, surgery is warranted.

If all the above procedures are ineffective or not warranted, more specialized and expensive treatments may be the solution.