Couples who face infertility issues are not aware of the wide array of fertility treatments that can help them overcome infertility. You should also know that the same treatment that worked for your friend or neighbor or relative may not work for you. Just like we have different sizes of clothing like S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, etc. Similarly, fertility treatments have to be tailored to each couple depending on their age, medical condition, lifestyle, health, and several other factors. The kind of medications, the dose, and the time interval have to be customized for each couple as one size doesn’t fit all.
How a fertility treatment is recommended for you?
A couple cannot decide on what fertility treatment they require. Only a fertility specialist can choose the right treatment taking all factors into consideration. Therefore, a couple should never delay consultation with a specialist if they are unable to conceive even after a year. Firstly, it is important for you to know the different fertility treatments that are available. OITI, IUI, IVF, Drug-Free IVF, Fertility Preservation, Donor treatment, Male fertility treatment, etc.
OITI:
What is OITI?
- Baseline fertility treatment
- Woman is given medications for the development of follicles and for ovulation (release of egg). The day of egg release is monitored and the couple is advised to have intercourse that can help in conceiving naturally.
OITI for whom?
- Women with infrequent ovulation
- Women with PCOS
IUI:
- IUI is the next level of fertility treatment.
- Woman is given medications for the development of follicles after which ovulation is induced that can result in the release of eggs. The semen sample is collected from the male partner and healthy sperms are selected. These sperms are then inserted into the woman’s uterus through a catheter for fertilization to happen. After fertilization, the zygote formed develops into an embryo which later grows and becomes the baby.
IUI for whom?
- Unexplained infertility
- Men with low sperm count
- Women with mild endometriosis
- Women with cervical issues
IVF:
- IVF is an advanced fertility treatment
- Woman is given medications to stimulate ovaries for egg production. Eggs are retrieved and fused with the sperms collected from the male partner. The fertilized eggs become embryos which are then introduced into the woman’s uterus for further development.
IVF for whom?
- Women with endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Male infertility
- Endometriosis
Drug-free IVF
- This is a recent development, an advanced version of IVF
- Very less medications are used
- No side effects
- Safer and cost-effective option
Drug-free IVF for whom?
- Women with PCOS
- Resistant ovary syndrome
- Patients with thrombophilia
- Patients with malignancy
- Oocyte maturation problems
Fertility Preservation:
For people who have been diagnosed with cancer, the fertility preservation technique is a boon. Cancer and its treatment can affect both men’s and women’s fertility. Before treatment, he or she needs to visit a fertility specialist and freeze their sperm or eggs. By this method, one can preserve their reproductive potential and can conceive later at their convenience.
Donor Treatment:
If the sperm or egg is of poor quality, eggs from a different female or sperm from a different male can be used for conception.
Surrogacy:
Here, a couple can take the help of a surrogate (woman) to carry a pregnancy for them. There are several medical conditions based on which one can go for surrogacy.
Male Fertility Treatments:
Based on the condition, several advanced treatments like Microfluidics, MACS (Magnetic Assorted Cell Sorting), TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration), MicroTESE (Microscopic testicular sperm extraction) are available to help men achieve fatherhood.
If you are unable to conceive there can be a problem in either you or your spouse. This can be diagnosed only by a fertility specialist. One has to keep in mind that fertility declines in both men and women with age. So, never postpone fertility treatment. Happy parenthood!