Fertility treatments have come a long way over the years, and there are now several options available for couples facing difficulty getting pregnant through traditional methods. Experts say that if you have been trying unprotected sex for over a year and are struggling to conceive, then there is a possibility you are experiencing a fertility disorder. These treatments range from lifestyle changes and medication to more advanced procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this article, we’ll take a look at the top seven most effective fertility treatments, how they work, and what you can expect from each.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
One of the most well-known fertility treatments is IVF. It entails removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilising them in a laboratory using selected healthy sperm from a male partner or donor. The resultant embryos are subsequently implanted in the woman’s uterus. When previous reproductive treatments have failed, IVF is frequently performed. It can also be used in cases where there are issues with the fallopian tubes or a low sperm count.
IVF success rates vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including the woman’s age, the quality of her eggs and sperm, and the number of embryos transplanted. On average, the success rate of IVF is around 30%.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI involves placing sperm directly into the woman’s uterus using a catheter. This is done around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization. IUI is often used when there are issues with the quality or quantity of sperm, or when the cervix is hostile to sperm.
The success rate of IUI varies depending on the underlying fertility issue. On average, the success rate of IUI is around 10-20%.
- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Clomid is a medication that is used to stimulate ovulation. It works by blocking the effects of estrogen on the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This helps to promote the growth and maturation of eggs in the ovaries.
Clomid is often used in cases where ovulation is irregular or infrequent. The success rate of Clomid varies depending on the underlying fertility issue. On average, the success rate of Clomid is around 10-20%.
- Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are injectable medications that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones help to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Gonadotropins are often used in cases of unexplained infertility, ovulation disorders, and male factor infertility.
The success rate of gonadotropins varies depending on the underlying fertility issue. On average, the success rate of gonadotropins is around 20-30%.
- Surgery
Surgery may be recommended in cases where there are structural issues that are affecting fertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids. Surgery can be used to remove these obstructions and improve the chances of conception.
The success rate of surgery varies depending on the underlying fertility issue and the type of surgery performed. On average, the success rate of surgery is around 30%.
- Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching is a procedure that is often used in conjunction with IVF. It involves making a small hole in the outer layer of the embryo (the zona pellucida) to help it hatch and implant in the uterus. An expert hatches an egg in the lab with the help of Tyrode’s solution or by cracking the outer shell with the laser. Later, post-implantation it can result in a confirmed pregnancy.
It is said that assisted hatching treatment can help women with infertility issues and improve their chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
This fertility treatment is typically recommended for male patients with infertility issues. This method includes injecting a healthy sperm into the cytoplasm of the egg in order to increase the chances of fertilization. Men with low sperm motility, ejaculating disorders, and erectile dysfunction are advised to undergo ICSI. It has 50% to 80% success rates for fertilization.
Every individual’s fertility requirements are different. Therefore, an expert recommends diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, semen analysis, scrotum ultrasound, body check-up, HSG test, and many others depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Before advising diagnostic tests, the fertility specialist usually does a physical examination to check for tenderness and to find odd signs around the lower abdomen area, including the genitals. Once the reports come in, a specialist goes through them and determines the right technique to initiate the IVF process. According to the patient’s requirements, the doctor will guide them and structure the customized plan to make the fertility treatment more effective and to get a positive outcome.
Conclusion
There are various fertility treatments available for women and men, according to their needs. However, it is really important to get a thorough diagnosis to detect the root cause and determine the most suitable treatment. Undergoing an effective and suitable treatment helps combat infertility and leads to higher chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. If you are planning to undergo any fertility treatment and need expert advice, call us to consult our specialist today. Or, book a free appointment by filling in your details in the given form to get a call back from our coordinator.
