Niepłodność – Leczenie

Niepłodność
Leczenie

Niepłodność definiuje się jako brak ciąży po roku regularnego współżycia bez antykoncepcji, z zaleceniem wcześniejszej diagnostyki u kobiet powyżej 35. roku życia (po 6 miesiącach) i natychmiastowej konsultacji po 40. roku życia. Przyczyny niepłodności dotyczą zarówno kobiet, jak i mężczyzn, z najczęstszymi czynnikami takimi jak zaburzenia owulacji, czynnik męski oraz choroby jajowodów. Diagnostyka obejmuje badania hormonalne, ultrasonografię, histerosalpingografię, sonohisterografię, laparoskopię oraz analizę nasienia u mężczyzn. Leczenie farmakologiczne, w tym cytrynian klomifenu (30-40% skuteczności w ciągu 3 cykli), letrozol (preferowany u PCOS) oraz gonadotropiny, jest pierwszym krokiem, z uwzględnieniem ryzyka ciąży mnogiej. W przypadku mężczyzn stosuje się m.in. hCG, inhibitory aromatazy i cytrynian klomifenu. Interwencje chirurgiczne dotyczą korekty anatomicznych przyczyn niepłodności, takich jak endometrioza, zrosty, mięśniaki czy żylaki powrózka nasiennego (warikocelektomia poprawia parametry nasienia u 60-70% pacjentów).

Leczenie niepłodności – wprowadzenie

Niepłodność definiuje się jako niezdolność do zajścia w ciążę po roku regularnego współżycia seksualnego bez stosowania antykoncepcji. W przypadku kobiet powyżej 35. roku życia, ocena jest zalecana już po 6 miesiącach prób, a po 40. roku życia wskazana jest natychmiastowa konsultacja z ginekologiem-położnikiem¹. Szacuje się, że w krajach rozwiniętych problem niepłodności dotyczy około 15% par²³.

Przyczyny niepłodności mogą występować zarówno u kobiet, jak i u mężczyzn. Najczęstsze czynniki obejmują zaburzenia owulacji, czynnik męski i choroby jajowodów⁴. U około 85% par z niepłodnością można zidentyfikować konkretną przyczynę, natomiast 15% par cierpi na niepłodność niewyjaśnioną⁵. Dobra wiadomość jest taka, że w 85-90% przypadków niepłodność można leczyć za pomocą konwencjonalnych terapii medycznych, takich jak leki lub zabiegi chirurgiczne⁶.

Leczenie niepłodności zależy od wielu czynników, w tym od przyczyny niepłodności, wieku pacjentów, czasu trwania niepłodności i preferencji osobistych⁷. Warto pamiętać, że niektóre przyczyny niepłodności nie mogą być skorygowane, ale dzięki nowoczesnym technikom wspomaganego rozrodu (ART) wiele par ma szansę na zajście w ciążę⁸. Jednocześnie należy być świadomym, że leczenie niepłodności może wiązać się z dużymi nakładami finansowymi, fizycznymi, emocjonalnymi i czasowymi⁹.

Diagnostyka przed leczeniem niepłodności

Przed rozpoczęciem leczenia niepłodności kluczowe jest przeprowadzenie dokładnej diagnostyki, aby określić przyczynę problemu. Wstępna ocena powinna obejmować zarówno kobietę, jak i mężczyznę, ponieważ w około 40% przypadków niepłodności czynnik męski stanowi jedyną lub współistniejącą przyczynę¹⁰. Diagnostyka niepłodności może być prowadzona przez ginekologa-położnika lub specjalistę w dziedzinie niepłodności, takiego jak endokrynolog reprodukcyjny¹¹.

Pierwsze spotkanie z lekarzem obejmuje szczegółowy wywiad medyczny, pytania dotyczące historii reprodukcyjnej, badanie fizykalne oraz zaplanowanie odpowiednich badań diagnostycznych¹². Podczas tej wizyty para zaczyna rozumieć poziom zaangażowania i współpracy, jakiego wymaga diagnostyka niepłodności¹³.

Diagnostyka u kobiet

Podstawowe badania diagnostyczne u kobiet obejmują:

Badanie ginekologiczne i ultrasonograficzne
Badania hormonalne oceniające rezerwę jajnikową i funkcję tarczycy
Histerosalpingografię (HSG) – badanie oceniające drożność jajowodów¹⁴
Sonohisterografię (SHG) – procedurę diagnostyczną oceniającą macicę poprzez wstrzyknięcie soli fizjologicznej do jamy macicy podczas wykonywania USG¹⁵
W niektórych przypadkach laparoskopię lub histeroskopię do oceny anatomii narządów miednicy¹⁶

Diagnostyka u mężczyzn

Podstawowym badaniem w ocenie płodności mężczyzny jest analiza nasienia, która ocenia liczbę (koncentrację), ruchliwość i morfologię plemników oraz objętość ejakulatu¹⁷. W zależności od wyników wstępnych badań mężczyźni mogą być kierowani do urologa w celu dalszej oceny¹⁸.

Po przeprowadzeniu pełnej oceny lekarz może przedstawić rozsądne przewidywania dotyczące szans na zajście w ciążę przy zastosowaniu różnych opcji leczenia¹⁹.

Farmakologiczne metody leczenia niepłodności

Leczenie farmakologiczne jest często pierwszym krokiem w terapii niepłodności, szczególnie w przypadkach związanych z zaburzeniami owulacji. Leki mogą być stosowane samodzielnie lub w połączeniu z innymi technikami wspomaganego rozrodu²⁰.

Leki indukujące owulację

Leki stymulujące owulację są stosowane u kobiet, które nie owulują regularnie lub wcale. Ich celem jest wywołanie dojrzewania i uwolnienia pojedynczego jajeczka²¹. Najczęściej stosowane leki to:

Cytrynian klomifenu (Clomid) – selektywny modulator receptora estrogenowego, który blokuje negatywne sprzężenie zwrotne krążącego estradiolu i powoduje zwiększenie częstotliwości pulsacji podwzgórzowego hormonu uwalniającego gonadotropiny (GnRH) oraz następczą produkcję FSH i LH przez przysadkę, promując wzrost pęcherzyków jajnikowych²². Około 30-40% kobiet przyjmujących ten lek zachodzi w ciążę, zwykle w ciągu trzech cykli²³.
Letrozol – inhibitor aromatazy, który zmniejsza stężenie estradiolu w surowicy i stymuluje wydzielanie gonadotropin przysadkowych²⁴. U kobiet z zespołem policystycznych jajników (PCOS) letrozol jest terapią pierwszego rzutu, ponieważ badanie Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary II Trial wykazało, że letrozol daje wyższy wskaźnik żywych urodzeń w porównaniu z klomifenem²⁵.
Gonadotropiny – są to leki podawane w zastrzykach, identyczne z naturalnym hormonem stymulującym pęcherzyki (FSH) produkowanym przez przysadkę mózgową, samodzielnie lub w połączeniu z hormonem luteinizującym (LH)²⁶. Są stosowane również do indukcji rozwoju i owulacji wielu pęcherzyków u pacjentek poddawanych technikom wspomaganego rozrodu, takim jak zapłodnienie in vitro lub inseminacja wewnątrzmaciczna²⁷.

Warto zaznaczyć, że leki stymulujące owulację zwiększają ryzyko ciąży mnogiej, ponieważ mogą powodować uwolnienie więcej niż jednego jajeczka jednocześnie²⁸.

Leki stosowane w leczeniu niepłodności męskiej

W przypadku mężczyzn z niepłodnością dostępne są następujące opcje farmakologiczne:

Leki zwiększające poziom testosteronu lub innych hormonów²⁹.
Leki na zaburzenia erekcji, pomagające w utrzymaniu wzwodu podczas stosunku³⁰.
Ludzka gonadotropina kosmówkowa (hCG) – analog LH, który może być stosowany samodzielnie lub w połączeniu z ludzką gonadotropiną menopauzalną (hMG) do stymulacji komórek Leydiga³¹.
Inhibitory aromatazy (np. anastrozol) – blokują konwersję testosteronu do estrogenu, zwiększając tym samym stężenie testosteronu w surowicy³².
Cytrynian klomifenu – słaby antagonista receptora estrogenowego, który działa poprzez blokowanie negatywnego sprzężenia zwrotnego estrogenu na przysadkę mózgową, zwiększając w ten sposób uwalnianie FSH i LH, co prowadzi do zwiększonej produkcji testosteronu i ostatecznie poprawy spermatogenezy³³.

Efekty uboczne farmakoterapii

Leki stosowane w leczeniu niepłodności mogą powodować działania niepożądane, takie jak nudności, wymioty, bóle głowy i uderzenia gorąca³⁴. Gonadotropiny zwykle nie powodują bezpośrednich działań niepożądanych, jednak jajniki stają się nieco powiększone podczas leczenia, co może powodować dyskomfort w jamie brzusznej, a w cięższych przypadkach nudności i wymioty³⁵.

Ponadto leki stosowane w leczeniu niepłodności, takie jak klomifen, leuprolid i gonadotropiny, mogą prowadzić do objawów takich jak lęk, depresja i drażliwość³⁶.

Chirurgiczne metody leczenia niepłodności

Leczenie chirurgiczne może być rozważane w przypadku, gdy niepłodność jest spowodowana problemami strukturalnymi, które można naprawić operacyjnie. Zabieg chirurgiczny może zwiększyć szanse na naturalne poczęcie³⁷.

Zabiegi chirurgiczne u kobiet

U kobiet najczęściej wykonywane są następujące procedury chirurgiczne:

Laparoskopia i histeroskopia – są to dwa najczęstsze podejścia chirurgiczne w zabiegach związanych z płodnością kobiet³⁸. Umożliwiają chirurgom usunięcie endometriozy, torbieli jajnikowych, mięśniaków macicy, polipów i tkanki bliznowatej, naprawę jajowodów i przeprowadzenie procedur eksploracyjnych³⁹.
Chirurgia jajowodów – obejmuje naprawę zablokowanych lub bliznowatych jajowodów w celu przerwania tkanki bliznowatej i ułatwienia przejścia jajeczkom⁴⁰. Blokada jajowodów może powodować niepłodność, ponieważ jajeczko i plemnik nie mogą się spotkać w celu zapłodnienia lub zapłodnione jajeczko nie może dotrzeć do macicy w celu implantacji⁴¹.
Laparoskopowe leczenie endometriozy – endometrioza powoduje, że tkanka, która rośnie na wewnętrznej wyściółce (endometrium) macicy, implantuje się w innych częściach jamy brzusznej⁴². Zabieg polega na usunięciu lub zniszczeniu ognisk endometriozy i torbieli⁴³.
Laparoskopowe wiercenie jajników (LOD) – jest to drobny zabieg chirurgiczny stosowany w leczeniu zespołu policystycznych jajników (PCOS), jeśli leki indukujące owulację nie zadziałały⁴⁴. Polega na zastosowaniu ciepła lub lasera do usunięcia części jajnika⁴⁵.
Usuwanie mięśniaków macicy – mięśniaki macicy to łagodne guzy, które rosną w macicy i mogą powodować skurcze, silne krwawienie, bolesny stosunek lub nagłą potrzebę oddania moczu⁴⁶. Mogą być usuwane podczas zabiegu chirurgicznego⁴⁷.
Usuwanie polipów macicy – polipy macicy wpływają na płodność, zakłócając implantację zarodka i mogą również powodować poronienia⁴⁸.
Usuwanie zrostów miednicy – zrosty miednicy to pasma tkanki bliznowatej, które mogą powodować poważne problemy z płodnością⁴⁹.

Zabiegi chirurgiczne u mężczyzn

Mężczyźni również mogą potrzebować zabiegów chirurgicznych w celu skorygowania problemów strukturalnych powodujących niepłodność. Dostępne są następujące procedury:

Wazowazostomia (odwrócenie wazektomii) – zabieg, który ponownie łączy nasieniowód, który został odłączony podczas wazektomii⁵⁰.
Warikocelektomia – leczenie żylaków powrózka nasiennego, które są poszerzeniem żył w mosznie zaburzającym płodność mężczyzny⁵¹. Zabieg poprawia zdrowie plemników i zwiększa szanse na poczęcie⁵². Udana warikocelektomia prowadzi do poprawy parametrów nasienia u 60-70% pacjentów⁵³.
Przezcewkowa resekcja przewodów wytryskowych (TURED) – pacjenci ze znaną lub podejrzewaną niedrożnością przewodów wytryskowych mogą kwalifikować się do tej procedury, która trwale poprawia jakość nasienia u pacjentów z niedrożnością przewodów wytryskowych⁵⁴.
Techniki pobierania plemników – mogą być wykonywane za pomocą mikrochirurgicznej aspiracji plemników z najądrzy (MESA), przezskórnej aspiracji plemników z najądrzy (PESA) lub ekstrakcji plemników z jąder (TESE)⁵⁵.

Techniki wspomaganego rozrodu (ART)

Techniki wspomaganego rozrodu (ART) obejmują wszystkie metody leczenia płodności, w których zarówno jajeczka, jak i plemniki są obsługiwane poza organizmem⁵⁶. Są to skomplikowane procedury, które mogą pomóc parom z różnymi problemami z płodnością.

Inseminacja wewnątrzmaciczna (IUI)

Inseminacja wewnątrzmaciczna (IUI), znana również jako sztuczna inseminacja, polega na wprowadzeniu plemników bezpośrednio do macicy za pomocą cienkiej plastikowej rurki przeprowadzonej przez szyjkę macicy⁵⁷. Procedura ta jest wykonywana w czasie owulacji lub tuż przed nią⁵⁸.

IUI jest często stosowana w następujących przypadkach:

Pary korzystające z nasienia dawcy w swoim leczeniu, w tym samotne kobiety i pary żeńskie⁵⁹
Łagodna niepłodność męska⁶⁰
Niewyjaśniona niepłodność⁶¹
Endometrioza⁶²

IUI jest popularną procedurą ze względu na jej prostotę i niższy koszt w porównaniu z zapłodnieniem in vitro (IVF), jednak wskaźniki ciąż są znacznie niższe⁶³. IUI w połączeniu z gonadotropinami może zwiększyć prawdopodobieństwo zajścia w ciążę, ale również zwiększa szanse na ciążę mnogą⁶⁴.

Zapłodnienie in vitro (IVF)

Zapłodnienie in vitro (IVF) jest najbardziej powszechną techniką ART⁶⁵. Jest to złożona seria procedur, które mogą prowadzić do ciąży⁶⁶. Podczas IVF jajeczka są pobierane z woreczków zwanych pęcherzykami w obrębie jajnika. Jajeczko jest zapładniane przez wstrzyknięcie pojedynczego plemnika do jajeczka lub zmieszanie jajeczka z plemnikami w szalce Petriego. Zapłodnione jajeczko, zwane zarodkiem, jest następnie przenoszone do macicy⁶⁷.

Typowy cykl IVF obejmuje stymulację gonadotropinami, a następnie aspirację wielu pęcherzyków jajnikowych. Jajeczka mogą być zapłodnione in vitro albo przez zmieszanie z plemnikami (IVF), albo przez docytoplazmatyczną iniekcję plemników (ICSI), jeśli występuje poważny czynnik niepłodności męskiej, a plemniki można uzyskać chirurgicznie lub z ejakulatu⁶⁸.

IVF jest zalecane w następujących przypadkach niepłodności:

Uszkodzone lub zablokowane jajowody, których nie można leczyć chirurgicznie⁶⁹
Ciężka endometrioza⁷⁰
Przedwczesna niewydolność jajników⁷¹
Niektóre czynniki niepłodności męskiej⁷²
Niewyjaśniona niepłodność⁷³

IVF może być również oferowane jako główne leczenie niepłodności u osób powyżej 40. roku życia⁷⁴. W przypadku par z niewyjaśnioną niepłodnością Amerykańskie Towarzystwo Medycyny Reprodukcyjnej zaleca początkowe 3-4 cykle stymulacji jajników z inseminacją wewnątrzmaciczną, jeśli te podejścia nie zakończą się ciążą, należy rozważyć IVF⁷⁵.

Docytoplazmatyczna iniekcja plemnika (ICSI)

Docytoplazmatyczna iniekcja plemnika (ICSI) to procedura polegająca na bezpośrednim wstrzyknięciu pojedynczego plemnika do jajeczka⁷⁶. ICSI jest procedurą wyboru spermy stosowaną w celu przezwyciężenia męskiego czynnika niepłodności, w tym niskiej liczby plemników, niskiej ruchliwości plemników, złej morfologii plemników i problemów z ejakulacją⁷⁷.

ICSI jest wskazana u pacjentów, u których bardziej zachowawcze terapie zawiodły, lub u tych z poważnymi nieprawidłowościami, w przypadku których żadne inne leczenie nie byłoby skuteczne, w tym u pacjentów z plemnikami pobranymi bezpośrednio z najądrza lub jądra⁷⁸. Jest to najczęstsza i najskuteczniejsza metoda leczenia niepłodności męskiej⁷⁹.

Inne techniki ART

Oprócz IUI, IVF i ICSI dostępne są również inne techniki ART:

Transfer pojedynczego zarodka (SET) – polega na przeniesieniu jednego wysokiej jakości zarodka do macicy kobiety podczas cyklu IVF⁸⁰.
Transfer mrożonych zarodków (FET) – jest to opcja leczenia niepłodności, która towarzyszy cyklowi IVF⁸¹.
Wspomagany hatching – proces polegający na otwarciu zewnętrznej warstwy zarodka, aby ułatwić jego implantację w wyściółce macicy⁸².
Przedimplantacyjne badania genetyczne (PGT) – dodatkowy krok, który można uwzględnić w cyklu IVF, aby zwiększyć szanse na udaną ciążę⁸³. Badania genetyczne z wykorzystaniem PGT obejmują przeprowadzenie testów na każdym zarodku przed przeniesieniem do macicy. Może to pomóc zwiększyć szanse na zdrową ciążę poprzez zmniejszenie ryzyka implantacji zarodka z nieprawidłowościami genetycznymi⁸⁴.

Trzecia strona w leczeniu niepłodności

W niektórych przypadkach konieczne jest skorzystanie z pomocy osób trzecich w procesie leczenia niepłodności. Opcje te obejmują:

Dawstwo gamet i zarodków

Osoby lub pary, które potrzebują komórek jajowych dawcy, nasienia dawcy lub surogatki mogą szukać leczenia wiedząc, że istnieją specjalistyczne ośrodki z dużym doświadczeniem w przypadkach reprodukcji z udziałem osób trzecich⁸⁵.

Dawstwo jajeczek – daje kobietom/parom możliwość wykorzystania darowanych jajeczek do leczenia metodą zapłodnienia in vitro⁸⁶. Jest to opcja dla kobiet, które nie mają zdrowych jajeczek, w tym dla par jednopłciowych męskich⁸⁷.
Dawstwo nasienia – kobiety i ich partnerzy mogą zdecydować się na użycie nasienia dawcy, jeśli mężczyzna nie ma plemników lub ma plemniki bardzo złej jakości⁸⁸.
Dawstwo zarodków – Program adopcji zarodków to metoda umożliwiająca osiągnięcie ciąży przy znacznie niższym koszcie niż zapłodnienie in vitro⁸⁹.

Surogatka i matka zastępcza

Surogatka to osoba posiadająca macicę, która nosi dziecko dla innej osoby lub pary z zamiarem oddania dziecka tej osobie lub parze po urodzeniu⁹⁰.

W surogacji zarodek jest umieszczany w macicy gestacyjnej nosicielki (znanej również jako surogatka), która będzie nosić ciążę. Jest to często zalecane dla osób, które nie posiadają funkcjonującej macicy lub dla których ciąża stanowi poważne zagrożenie dla zdrowia⁹¹.

Surogatka gestacyjna (matka zastępcza) nosi zarodek, który został utworzony z jajeczka innej kobiety z oczekiwaniem, że odda dziecko jego zamierzonym rodzicom⁹².

Koszty leczenia niepłodności

Koszty leczenia niepłodności mogą być wysokie, w zależności od tego, jakie testy są wymagane, rodzaju i dawki stosowanego leku (leków) oraz liczby cykli wymaganych do zajścia w ciążę⁹³.

W większości przypadków pacjenci, którzy przechodzą IVF w Stanach Zjednoczonych, płacą z własnej kieszeni za leczenie medyczne, ponieważ albo nie mają ubezpieczenia zdrowotnego, albo ich polisy ubezpieczeniowe wykluczają opiekę związaną z płodnością, pokrywają jedynie diagnostykę niepłodności lub wykluczają IVF⁹⁴.

Cykl IVF może kosztować od 12 000 do 17 000 dolarów, nie wliczając w to leków⁹⁵. Koszt leczenia niepłodności jest zatem istotną barierą dla wielu osób.

Ekonomiczne, regionalne i rasowe/etniczne dysproporcje w dostępie do usług związanych z niepłodnością i korzystaniu z nich są wyraźnie obecne⁹⁶. Badania potwierdzają, że w porównaniu z ich obecnością w populacji USA, osoby o średnim i niższym statusie społeczno-ekonomicznym oraz osoby pochodzenia afroamerykańskiego lub latynoskiego są niedostatecznie reprezentowane w populacji leczonych pacjentów z niepłodnością⁹⁷.

Niektóre państwa wprowadziły obowiązkowe ubezpieczenie pokrywające leczenie niepłodności, co zwiększyło korzystanie z usług związanych z niepłodnością około 3-krotnie⁹⁸. Jednak w większości przypadków koszty leczenia są wciąż barierą dla wielu par.

Wsparcie psychologiczne w leczeniu niepłodności

Niepłodność to kryzys, który może wpływać na niemal każdy aspekt życia, w tym na relacje, karierę i poczucie własnej wartości⁹⁹. Dla osób, które szukają leczenia, większość nie spodziewała się potrzeby interwencji medycznej, aby założyć rodzinę¹⁰⁰.

Wpływ niepłodności na zdrowie psychiczne

Badania pokazują, że im dalej postępuje leczenie niepłodności, tym częściej mogą występować objawy depresji i lęku¹⁰¹. Badacze odkryli, że osoby z jednym niepowodzeniem w leczeniu niepłodności miały znacznie wyższy poziom lęku. Osoby z dwoma niepowodzeniami doświadczały większej depresji w porównaniu z osobami bez historii leczenia¹⁰².

Podczas leczenia niepłodności można stać się drażliwym i złym. Zabiegi medyczne mogą sprawić, że poczujesz się bezbronny, odsłonięty i bezradny. Te uczucia mogą podsycać twoją drażliwość i złość¹⁰³.

Czasami leczenie niepłodności może wiązać się z utratą i żałobą. Możesz doświadczyć poronienia lub nieudanych cykli IVF. Możesz opłakiwać utratę wyobrażonej rodziny lub utratę pokrewieństwa, jeśli używane są jajeczka dawcy, plemniki lub zarodki¹⁰⁴.

Rola wsparcia psychologicznego

Badania pokazały, że rozmowa o tym kryzysie z profesjonalistą w dziedzinie zdrowia psychicznego może ułatwić rozwój niezbędnych umiejętności radzenia sobie i dodać pewności w strategiach podejmowania decyzji¹⁰⁵.

Wsparcie psychologiczne może być szczególnie korzystne w następujących sytuacjach:

Rozpoczęcie nowego leczenia lub po nieudanym leczeniu¹⁰⁶
Konieczność podejmowania trudnych decyzji dotyczących leczenia¹⁰⁷
Potrzeba wsparcia i pomocy ze strony dalszej rodziny¹⁰⁸
Rozważanie pomocy strony trzeciej (surogatka, dawstwo jajeczek lub plemników)¹⁰⁹
Badanie innych opcji budowania rodziny¹¹⁰

Terapeuta ds. małżeństwa i rodziny zapewni swoim klientom bezpieczną, neutralną przestrzeń, w której można omówić liczne kwestie związane z niepłodnością, a także potwierdzić intensywne uczucia i emocje, które często towarzyszą kryzysowi¹¹¹.

Metody wsparcia psychologicznego

Dostępne są różne formy wsparcia psychologicznego dla osób zmagających się z niepłodnością:

Terapia poznawczo-behawioralna (CBT) – jest formą psychoterapii, która podkreśla ważną rolę myślenia. CBT uczy, że myśli mogą wpływać na to, jak się czujesz i co robisz¹¹².
Techniki relaksacyjne – znacząco obniżają poziom lęku u kobiet poddawanych leczeniu niepłodności¹¹³.
Mindfulness – może pomóc w radzeniu sobie ze stresem związanym z leczeniem niepłodności. Badania z 2020 roku twierdzą, że mindfulness pokazuje lepsze wyniki niż inne terapie w przypadku stresu związanego z płodnością, ponieważ dotyka szerszego spektrum problemów psychologicznych¹¹⁴.
Ekspresyjne pisanie – badacze odkryli, że chociaż lęk i stres związany z niepłodnością nie zmniejszył się znacząco, u osób, które uczestniczyły w grupie ekspresyjnego pisania, zmniejszyły się objawy depresji¹¹⁵.
Grupy wsparcia – grupa wsparcia może być pomocna w radzeniu sobie z efektami diagnozy niepłodności¹¹⁶.

Chociaż terapeuci małżeńscy i rodzinni nie mogą faktycznie interweniować w leczenie medyczne, aby pomóc kobiecie zajść w ciążę, mogą pomóc osobom przejść przez ten proces, lepiej komunikować się ze sobą i uzyskać większe wsparcie od rodziny i przyjaciół¹¹⁷.

Perspektywy i skuteczność leczenia niepłodności

Skuteczność leczenia niepłodności zależy od wielu czynników, w tym wieku pacjentów, przyczyny niepłodności, czasu trwania niepłodności i zastosowanej metody leczenia.

Wpływ wieku na skuteczność leczenia

Wiek jest jednym z najsilniejszych czynników wpływających na powodzenie leczenia niepłodności, szczególnie IVF. Szansa na zajście w ciążę przez IVF jest znacznie wyższa, jeśli pacjentka ma mniej niż 35 lat, i niższa, jeśli ma ponad 40 lat¹¹⁸. Wskaźnik żywych urodzeń również różni się i jest silnie związany z wiekiem¹¹⁹.

Badania pokazują, że szanse na zajście w ciążę lub urodzenie żywego dziecka po leczeniu IVF zmniejszają się wraz z wiekiem, począwszy od 35 lat. Wskaźnik powodzenia znacznie spada po 40. roku życia¹²⁰.

Starsze kobiety mają tendencję do słabszej odpowiedzi na leki stymulujące płodność i wyższego wskaźnika poronień niż młodsze kobiety¹²¹. Ze względu na znaczący wpływ wieku na wskaźniki ciąż i urodzeń, powszechne jest, że starsze pary rozpoczynają leczenie niepłodności wcześniej, a w niektórych przypadkach rozważają bardziej agresywne leczenie niż młodsze pary¹²².

Wskaźniki powodzenia różnych metod leczenia

Wskaźniki powodzenia leczenia niepłodności różnią się w zależności od zastosowanej metody:

Leki indukujące owulację – około 30-40% kobiet przyjmujących cytrynian klomifenu zachodzi w ciążę, zwykle w ciągu trzech cykli¹²³. Około połowa kobiet, które owulują, zachodzi w ciążę, przyjmując gonadotropiny¹²⁴.
Inseminacja wewnątrzmaciczna (IUI) – wskaźniki ciąż są znacznie niższe niż w przypadku IVF¹²⁵.
Zapłodnienie in vitro (IVF) – w 2018 roku wskaźniki ciąż na cykl IVF wynosiły od 50% dla kobiet poniżej 35 roku życia i około 37% dla kobiet w wieku 35-37 lat. Wskaźnik spada wraz z wiekiem¹²⁶.

Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, łączny, krajowy wskaźnik powodzenia tych metod wynosi około 26%, co jest mniej więcej takim samym wskaźnikiem powodzenia jak u płodnych par, które nie wymagają pomocy w zakresie płodności¹²⁷.

Powodzenie leczenia niepłodności jest definiowane jako urodzenie zdrowego dziecka. Wiele czynników wpływa na szanse poczęcia i donoszenia zdrowej ciąży, w tym wiek i jak długo próbowano zajść w ciążę¹²⁸.

Potencjalne komplikacje leczenia niepłodności

Leczenie niepłodności może wiązać się z pewnymi komplikacjami:

Ciąża mnoga – najczęstszą komplikacją ART jest ciąża mnoga¹²⁹. Leczenie niepłodności zwiększa szanse na ciążę mnogą, taką jak bliźnięta lub trojaczki¹³⁰.
Zespół hiperstymulacji jajników – leczenie niepłodności może powodować problemy takie jak zespół hiperstymulacji jajników¹³¹.
Stres emocjonalny i finansowy – leczenie niepłodności może być emocjonalnie i finansowo wyczerpujące¹³². IVF może być trudne zarówno fizycznie, jak i emocjonalnie. Wiele osób poddawanych leczeniu IVF zmaga się z depresją i lękiem. Problemy z niepłodnością i IVF mogą powodować, że ludzie czują się rozczarowani lub przytłoczeni¹³³.
Krwawienie i infekcje – w zależności od tego, jakie leczenie niepłodności stosujesz, istnieje również ryzyko krwawienia i infekcji¹³⁴.

Ważne jest, aby kobiety omówiły potencjalne ryzyko związane z leczeniem niepłodności ze swoim lekarzem i były świadome oznak i objawów wszelkich potencjalnych powikłań¹³⁵.

Nowe trendy i badania w leczeniu niepłodności

Dziedzina medycyny reprodukcyjnej stale się rozwija, a nowe osiągnięcia w badaniach i technologii obiecują jeszcze więcej postępów w osiąganiu bezpiecznych, zdrowych ciąż¹³⁶.

Postępy w genetyce reprodukcyjnej

Protokoły badań genetycznych mają potencjał, aby pomóc wielu parom w zwiększeniu szans na zajście w ciążę¹³⁷. Dzięki technikom przedimplantacyjnych badań genetycznych, specjaliści mogą wybrać i przenieść najwyższej jakości zarodki podczas procesu zapłodnienia in vitro (IVF), dając najlepszą szansę na urodzenie zdrowego dziecka poprzez zmniejszenie prawdopodobieństwa niepowodzenia implantacji i poronienia¹³⁸.

Kobiety, które doświadczyły trzech lub więcej kolejnych, spontanicznych poronień, mogą skorzystać z kompleksowych badań przesiewowych chromosomów, procesu, który bada wszystkie 23 pary chromosomów w zarodku podczas procesu IVF¹³⁹.

Nowe podejścia do leczenia niepłodności

Nowsze podejścia do leczenia niepłodności obejmują:

Analiza receptywności endometrium (ERA) – test diagnostyczny stosowany do oceny optymalnego czasu transferu zarodka podczas zapłodnienia in vitro (IVF)¹⁴⁰.
IVF z minimalną stymulacją lub bez stymulacji – możliwe jest przeprowadzenie IVF z mniejszą ilością leków lub bez leków w ogóle. Te leczenia obejmują naturalne IVF, IVF z łagodną stymulacją i dojrzewanie in vitro (IVM) i mogą być odpowiednie dla osób, które nie mogą przyjmować leków stymulujących płodność z powodu istniejącego stanu medycznego¹⁴¹.
Chirurgia wspomagana robotem – chirurgia wspomagana robotem okazała się bezpieczna i skuteczna, a jedna grupa zgłosiła poprawę parametrów plemników u 76% pacjentów¹⁴².

Nowe trendy w ochronie płodności

Zachowanie płodności staje się coraz bardziej popularne:

Zamrażanie jajeczek – jest to proces, w którym jajeczka kobiety są pobierane, zamrożone i przechowywane do późniejszego użycia¹⁴³. Jeśli chodzi o płodność, wiek ma znaczenie. W miarę starzenia się liczba jajeczek zmniejsza się, a ich jakość pogarsza się, co utrudnia poczęcie lub utrzymanie ciąży. Zamrożenie jajeczek w wieku 20 i 30 lat pozwala na wykorzystanie płodności organizmu w czasie, gdy jajeczka są najzdrowsze¹⁴⁴.
Mrożenie plemników – znane również jako krioprezerwacja plemników, jest procedurą stosowaną do zachowania męskiej płodności poprzez zbieranie, zamrażanie i przechowywanie plemników do późniejszego użycia¹⁴⁵.
Mrożenie zarodków – (krioprezerwacja) to proces zamrażania zarodków w bardzo niskiej temperaturze, aby mogły być rozmrożone i użyte później¹⁴⁶.

Podsumowanie możliwości leczenia niepłodności

Leczenie niepłodności oferuje wiele opcji dla par i osób, które mają trudności z poczęciem. Dostępne metody leczenia obejmują:

Leczenie farmakologiczne – leki indukujące owulację, takie jak cytrynian klomifenu, letrozol i gonadotropiny, mogą pomóc kobietom, które nie owulują regularnie¹⁴⁷.
Zabiegi chirurgiczne – mogą być stosowane do leczenia endometriozy, zespołu policystycznych jajników, mięśniaków macicy, niedrożności jajowodów i żylaków powrózka nasiennego¹⁴⁸.
Inseminacja wewnątrzmaciczna (IUI) – polega na wprowadzeniu plemników bezpośrednio do macicy za pomocą cienkiej plastikowej rurki przeprowadzonej przez szyjkę macicy¹⁴⁹.
Zapłodnienie in vitro (IVF) – polega na zapłodnieniu jajeczka poza ciałem, a następnie przeniesieniu zarodka do macicy¹⁵⁰.
Docytoplazmatyczna iniekcja plemnika (ICSI) – pojedynczy plemnik jest wstrzykiwany bezpośrednio do pobranego jajeczka w celu osiągnięcia zapłodnienia¹⁵¹.
Dawstwo jajeczek, plemników lub zarodków – daje parom możliwość korzystania z darowanych gamet w celu poczęcia¹⁵².
Surogatka – z tą opcją bezpłodne pary mogą mieć dziecko genetycznie spokrewnione z nimi, podczas gdy inna kobieta nosi ciążę¹⁵³.

Wybór najlepszej metody leczenia zależy od przyczyny niepłodności, wieku pacjentów, czasu trwania niepłodności i preferencji osobistych¹⁵⁴. Ważne jest, aby omówić wszystkie dostępne opcje leczenia niepłodności ze swoim lekarzem i wybrać tę, która najlepiej odpowiada indywidualnej sytuacji¹⁵⁵.

Dzięki wielu dostępnym dzisiaj opcjom, w tym zaawansowanym technologiom reprodukcyjnym i adopcji, większość niepłodnych par będzie mogła doświadczyć radości rodzicielstwa¹⁵⁶.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

Materiały źródłowe

#1 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after 1 year of having regular sexual intercourse without using birth control. If you are older than 35, an evaluation is recommended after 6 months of trying. If you are older than 40, talk with your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) now about an evaluation. […] When you seek treatment for infertility, you may start with your ob-gyn. Or you may see a reproductive endocrinologist, an ob-gyn with special training in infertility. Men may see a urologist. It is important to find a specialist you are comfortable with. […] Your treatment options will depend on the type of problem found. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes, surgery, or medication. Some treatments may be combined. In some cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found.
#2 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Approximately 85% of infertile couples have an identifiable cause. The most common causes of infertility are ovulatory dysfunction, male factor infertility, and tubal disease. The remaining 15% of infertile couples have unexplained infertility. […] Clomiphene citrate, aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, and gonadotropins are used to induce ovulation or for ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. […] For individuals presenting with anovulation, ovulation induction with timed intercourse is often the appropriate initial treatment choice. For couples with unexplained infertility, endometriosis, or mild male factor infertility, an initial 3 to 4 cycles of ovarian stimulation may be pursued; IVF should be considered if these approaches do not result in pregnancy.
#3 Patient education: Infertility treatment with gonadotropins (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/infertility-treatment-with-gonadotropins-beyond-the-basics
Patient education: Infertility treatment with gonadotropins (Beyond the Basics) […] Doctors use the term „infertility” when a couple is unable to become pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. In any given year, approximately 15 percent of couples in North America and Europe who are trying to conceive have infertility. […] This topic will discuss infertility treatment with hormones called gonadotropins, including who should consider this option, how the treatment is given, side effects, and other procedures that may also be used to increase the chances of pregnancy. […] Gonadotropins can be used for treating infertility in people who do not ovulate on their own; they are often recommended for people who have already unsuccessfully tried clomiphene citrate and/or letrozole, which are other, first-line treatments used for ovulation induction.
#4 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Approximately 85% of infertile couples have an identifiable cause. The most common causes of infertility are ovulatory dysfunction, male factor infertility, and tubal disease. The remaining 15% of infertile couples have unexplained infertility. […] Clomiphene citrate, aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole, and gonadotropins are used to induce ovulation or for ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. […] For individuals presenting with anovulation, ovulation induction with timed intercourse is often the appropriate initial treatment choice. For couples with unexplained infertility, endometriosis, or mild male factor infertility, an initial 3 to 4 cycles of ovarian stimulation may be pursued; IVF should be considered if these approaches do not result in pregnancy.
#5 What infertility treatments are available? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/treatments
In 85% to 90% of cases, infertility is treatable with conventional medical therapy. Treatments for infertility can range from medications to embryo implantation through assisted reproductive technology (ART). […] In 85% to 90% of cases, infertility is treated with conventional medical therapies, such as medication or surgery. […] If fertility treatments are unsuccessful, it is possible to use eggs or sperm donated by a third party or to have another woman carry a fetus.
#6 What infertility treatments are available? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/treatments
In 85% to 90% of cases, infertility is treatable with conventional medical therapy. Treatments for infertility can range from medications to embryo implantation through assisted reproductive technology (ART). […] In 85% to 90% of cases, infertility is treated with conventional medical therapies, such as medication or surgery. […] If fertility treatments are unsuccessful, it is possible to use eggs or sperm donated by a third party or to have another woman carry a fetus.
#7 Female infertility: Treatments – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/female-infertility-treatments
Infertility is a complex disorder with significant medical, psychosocial, and economic aspects. Great strides have been achieved in infertility therapy, particularly the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART). […] Once the cause of infertility is identified, therapy aimed at correcting reversible etiologies and overcoming irreversible factors can be implemented. The couple is also counseled on lifestyle modifications to improve fertility, such as smoking cessation, reducing excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, and appropriate frequency of coitus (every one to two days around the expected time of ovulation). […] The patient should be involved in fertility treatment choices. These choices involve four major factors: effectiveness (eg, live birth rate), burden of treatment (eg, frequency of injections and office visits), safety (eg, risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple gestation), and financial costs. […] This topic will provide an overview of the treatment of female infertility.
#8 Infertility – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354322
Infertility treatment depends on: […] Some causes of infertility can’t be corrected. […] If pregnancy doesn’t happen after a year of unprotected sex, couples often can still become pregnant through infertility treatments called assisted reproductive technology. But treatment can involve big financial, physical, emotional and time commitments. […] Men’s treatment for general sexual problems or a lack of healthy sperm may include: […] Some women need only one or two treatments to improve fertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is any fertility treatment in which the egg and sperm are handled. […] In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique. […] Complications of infertility treatment may include: […] Get professional help from a therapist if the emotional impact of infertility treatment, pregnancy or parenthood becomes too heavy for you or your partner.
#9 Infertility – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354322
Infertility treatment depends on: […] Some causes of infertility can’t be corrected. […] If pregnancy doesn’t happen after a year of unprotected sex, couples often can still become pregnant through infertility treatments called assisted reproductive technology. But treatment can involve big financial, physical, emotional and time commitments. […] Men’s treatment for general sexual problems or a lack of healthy sperm may include: […] Some women need only one or two treatments to improve fertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is any fertility treatment in which the egg and sperm are handled. […] In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique. […] Complications of infertility treatment may include: […] Get professional help from a therapist if the emotional impact of infertility treatment, pregnancy or parenthood becomes too heavy for you or your partner.
#10 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
In approximately 40% of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole or a contributing cause of infertility. Therefore, a semen analysis is important in the initial evaluation. […] Treatment for male factor infertility may include surgical correction of varicocele or duct obstruction or medications to improve sperm production. […] In some cases, no obvious cause of poor sperm quality can be found. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF may then be recommended. […] In approximately 10% of couples trying to get pregnant, all of the above tests are normal and there is no easily identifiable cause for infertility. […] Fertility drugs and IUI have been used in couples with unexplained infertility with limited success. If no pregnancy occurs within three to six treatment cycles, IVF may be recommended, and has been shown to be the most effective treatment for unexplained infertility.
#11 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after 1 year of having regular sexual intercourse without using birth control. If you are older than 35, an evaluation is recommended after 6 months of trying. If you are older than 40, talk with your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) now about an evaluation. […] When you seek treatment for infertility, you may start with your ob-gyn. Or you may see a reproductive endocrinologist, an ob-gyn with special training in infertility. Men may see a urologist. It is important to find a specialist you are comfortable with. […] Your treatment options will depend on the type of problem found. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes, surgery, or medication. Some treatments may be combined. In some cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found.
#12 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Once you choose a qualified physician, you and your partner will undergo a series of tests. […] During this visit, you’ll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires. […] Your physician will review your history and ask you and your partner questions to help identify potential causes for your difficulty in conceiving. […] If you are not ovulating, your physician may order special tests to determine the reason and then prescribe certain drugs to induce ovulation. […] Older women tend to have a lower response to fertility medications and a higher miscarriage rate than younger women. […] Because of the marked effect of age on pregnancy and birth rates, it is common for older couples to begin fertility treatment sooner, and, in some cases, to consider more aggressive treatment than younger couples.
#13 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Once you choose a qualified physician, you and your partner will undergo a series of tests. […] During this visit, you’ll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires. […] Your physician will review your history and ask you and your partner questions to help identify potential causes for your difficulty in conceiving. […] If you are not ovulating, your physician may order special tests to determine the reason and then prescribe certain drugs to induce ovulation. […] Older women tend to have a lower response to fertility medications and a higher miscarriage rate than younger women. […] Because of the marked effect of age on pregnancy and birth rates, it is common for older couples to begin fertility treatment sooner, and, in some cases, to consider more aggressive treatment than younger couples.
#14 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Performed to check for blockage of the fallopian tubes or for growths in the uterus. […] One of the simplest treatment options for infertility and can be a starting point for many couples. […] For women who are not ovulating regularly, menstruation irregularities, the goal of treatment is to mature and ovulate a single eggâthis is known as ovulation induction. […] Some causes of infertility can be effectively treated with superovulation therapy. […] Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a procedure used to preserve male fertility by collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. […] Artificial insemination is a low tech form of fertility treatment. […] You and your partner may elect to use donated sperm if the male partner has no sperm or very poor quality sperm.
#15 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
When you meet with Dr. Craig, Kristen, Kristina, or Shannon for your initial consult, he or she will outline a diagnostic plan (an infertility work-up) based on your gender, your medical history, a physical examination, ultrasound, diagnostic labs, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and if necessary a semen analysis and/or diagnostic surgery. […] The ability for a woman to conceive is directly related to the number of eggs she has remaining in her ovarian reserve. […] A sonohysterogram (SHG), also called a saline infusion sonogram (SIS) is a diagnostic procedure performed in our office to evaluate the uterus by injecting saline into the uterine cavity while performing an ultrasound. […] A Male Factor Infertility Evaluation is a series of tests and assessments used to identify potential causes of infertility in men.
#16
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/treatment/
If you have fertility problems, the treatment you’re offered will depend on what’s causing the problem and what’s available from your local integrated care board (ICB). […] There are 3 main types of fertility treatment: medicines, surgical procedures, assisted conception including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). […] Some of these medicines may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and hot flushes. […] Medicine that stimulates the ovaries is not recommended for women with unexplained infertility because it has not been found to increase their chances of getting pregnant. […] There are several types of surgical procedures that may be used to investigate fertility problems and help with fertility. […] If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used if ovulation medicine has not worked.
#17 Fertility Treatments | NewYork-Presbyterian
https://www.nyp.org/womens/fertility-treatments
Infertility in women can be caused by one or more of the following factors: Advanced age. Couples in which the female partner is 35 years of age or older are more likely to report difficulty conceiving. […] Infertility in men can be identified by doing a semen analysis which evaluates the number (concentration), motility (movement), and morphology (shape) of the sperm as well as the volume of the ejaculate. […] Women are typically advised to seek the care of a fertility specialist after unsuccessfully trying to conceive for one year if they are younger than 35 years old, or after six months if they are 35 or older. […] The complex nature of infertility requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. […] The evaluation and treatment of infertility requires a team approach with specialists who have expertise in providing comprehensive, personalized care that meets their patients individualized needs.
#18 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
Infertility is defined as not getting pregnant after 1 year of having regular sexual intercourse without using birth control. If you are older than 35, an evaluation is recommended after 6 months of trying. If you are older than 40, talk with your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) now about an evaluation. […] When you seek treatment for infertility, you may start with your ob-gyn. Or you may see a reproductive endocrinologist, an ob-gyn with special training in infertility. Men may see a urologist. It is important to find a specialist you are comfortable with. […] Your treatment options will depend on the type of problem found. Recommendations may include lifestyle changes, surgery, or medication. Some treatments may be combined. In some cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found.
#19 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Some men and women may carry genetic abnormalities that make it more difficult to become pregnant and more likely that a pregnancy ends as a miscarriage. […] The success of IVF depends on many factors, especially your age and the quality of your embryos. […] It is important to know that these feelings are normal responses to infertility and are experienced by many couples. […] After a full evaluation, your physician can give you a reasonable idea of your chances of achieving pregnancy with various treatment options. […] Thanks to the many options existing today, including advanced reproductive technologies and adoption, most infertile couples will be able to experience the joy of parenthood.
#20 Infertility | Kaiser Permanente
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.infertility.hw203714
Infertility treatment is a success if it results in the birth of a healthy baby. Many things affect your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy. These include: Your age and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. […] Medicine or hormone treatments are often the first steps in fertility treatment. They’re also used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies. […] For some people with fertility problems, a structural problem can be treated with surgery. Treatment can increase the chances of natural conception. […] Complementary medicine may help you stay well and cope with infertility. Complementary medicine for fertility includes: Acupuncture. Dietary changes. Relaxation techniques. Mind-body medicine.
#21 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Performed to check for blockage of the fallopian tubes or for growths in the uterus. […] One of the simplest treatment options for infertility and can be a starting point for many couples. […] For women who are not ovulating regularly, menstruation irregularities, the goal of treatment is to mature and ovulate a single eggâthis is known as ovulation induction. […] Some causes of infertility can be effectively treated with superovulation therapy. […] Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a procedure used to preserve male fertility by collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. […] Artificial insemination is a low tech form of fertility treatment. […] You and your partner may elect to use donated sperm if the male partner has no sperm or very poor quality sperm.
#22 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
IVF may be considered as a first-line treatment strategy in women older than 38 to 40 years. IVF is also indicated in cases of severe male factor infertility or untreated bilateral tubal factor. […] Approximately 1 in 8 women aged 15 to 49 years receive infertility services. […] Accurate diagnosis and effective therapy along with shared decision-making can facilitate achievement of fertility goals in many couples treated for infertility. […] Commonly used infertility treatments include ovulation induction, which refers to the use of pharmacologic treatments to induce ovulation, and ovarian stimulation, which is performed with the goal of inducing multiple mature ovarian follicles. […] Two oral medications are used for ovulation induction. Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modifier that blocks the negative feedback effect of circulating estradiol and causes an increased hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency and subsequent pituitary FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) production, promoting ovarian follicular growth.
#23 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a myth that relaxing or „giving it time” will overcome infertility. It’s a medical problem that can often be treated. Worldwide, more than 3 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Other treatments are successful, too. For at least half the couples who seek help, the woman gets pregnant. […] Medicine can help if you don’t „ovulate” — release an egg from your ovaries — normally. The most common medication choice is clomiphene (Clomid) About 30%-40% of women who take it will get pregnant, usually within three cycles. Be aware that you’re more likely to get pregnant with twins (or more!) because it makes your ovaries release more than one egg at a time. […] If you don’t get pregnant after taking clomiphene for 3 to 6 months, your doctor may recommend fertility hormone shots to help you ovulate. You’ve got a wide range of drugs to choose from, and they work well. About half of women who ovulate get pregnant taking them. These medications can also make you more likely to carry twins or more.
#24 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
Letrozole blocks aromatase, reducing serum concentrations of estradiol and stimulating pituitary gonadotropins. […] In women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, letrozole is the first-line therapy based on the Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary II Trial, which demonstrated that letrozole results in higher live birth rates compared with clomiphene. […] A typical IVF cycle includes gonadotropin stimulation, followed by aspiration of multiple ovarian follicles. Oocytes can be fertilized in vitro either by mixing with spermatozoa (IVF) or with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if severe male factor infertility exists and sperm can be obtained surgically or from the ejaculate. […] Donor oocytes or sperm may be considered when either partner has severe defects in gamete quality or quantity or a severe genetic condition.
#25 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
Letrozole blocks aromatase, reducing serum concentrations of estradiol and stimulating pituitary gonadotropins. […] In women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, letrozole is the first-line therapy based on the Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary II Trial, which demonstrated that letrozole results in higher live birth rates compared with clomiphene. […] A typical IVF cycle includes gonadotropin stimulation, followed by aspiration of multiple ovarian follicles. Oocytes can be fertilized in vitro either by mixing with spermatozoa (IVF) or with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if severe male factor infertility exists and sperm can be obtained surgically or from the ejaculate. […] Donor oocytes or sperm may be considered when either partner has severe defects in gamete quality or quantity or a severe genetic condition.
#26 Non-IVF Therapies | Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis
https://fertility.wustl.edu/treatments-services/medical-therapies/
Letrozole is a preferred first line ovulation induction agent for patients diagnosed with PCOS. […] Metformin is a diabetic medication used to reduce insulin resistance and may play a role in women who continue to be resistant to oral ovulation induction medications. […] Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that are identical to the natural follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland, alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH), also produced by the pituitary gland. […] They are also used to induce development and ovulation of multiple follicles in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. […] Intrauterine insemination is a medical procedure that places the sperm directly into the uterus. The advantage of IUI is that it puts a much larger number of sperm into the uterus than would occur with intercourse. IUI may be useful if the male partner has a low sperm count, but also has a role in empiric use.
#27 Non-IVF Therapies | Fertility & Reproductive Medicine Center | Washington University in St. Louis
https://fertility.wustl.edu/treatments-services/medical-therapies/
Letrozole is a preferred first line ovulation induction agent for patients diagnosed with PCOS. […] Metformin is a diabetic medication used to reduce insulin resistance and may play a role in women who continue to be resistant to oral ovulation induction medications. […] Gonadotropins are fertility medications given by injection that are identical to the natural follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland, alone or combined with luteinizing hormone (LH), also produced by the pituitary gland. […] They are also used to induce development and ovulation of multiple follicles in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination. […] Intrauterine insemination is a medical procedure that places the sperm directly into the uterus. The advantage of IUI is that it puts a much larger number of sperm into the uterus than would occur with intercourse. IUI may be useful if the male partner has a low sperm count, but also has a role in empiric use.
#28 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a myth that relaxing or „giving it time” will overcome infertility. It’s a medical problem that can often be treated. Worldwide, more than 3 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Other treatments are successful, too. For at least half the couples who seek help, the woman gets pregnant. […] Medicine can help if you don’t „ovulate” — release an egg from your ovaries — normally. The most common medication choice is clomiphene (Clomid) About 30%-40% of women who take it will get pregnant, usually within three cycles. Be aware that you’re more likely to get pregnant with twins (or more!) because it makes your ovaries release more than one egg at a time. […] If you don’t get pregnant after taking clomiphene for 3 to 6 months, your doctor may recommend fertility hormone shots to help you ovulate. You’ve got a wide range of drugs to choose from, and they work well. About half of women who ovulate get pregnant taking them. These medications can also make you more likely to carry twins or more.
#29 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Infertility is a condition where you cant get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility. Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for women who wish to begin or expand their family. Treatment for infertility depends mostly on the cause and your goals. Your age, how long youve been trying to conceive and your personal preferences are factors in deciding on a treatment. Sometimes, one person needs treatment, but other times, treatment involves both partners. In most cases, women and couples with infertility have a high chance of pregnancy. Things like medication, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help. Often, lifestyle changes or improving the frequency and timing of intercourse can improve your chances of pregnancy. Treatment can also include a combination of methods. Treatments for infertility in women include: Lifestyle modification: Gaining or losing weight, stopping smoking or using drugs, and improving other health conditions can improve your chance of pregnancy. Medications: Fertility drugs stimulate your ovaries to ovulate more eggs, which increases your chance of getting pregnant. Surgery: Surgery can open blocked fallopian tubes and remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue. Treatments for infertility in men include: Medications: Medications can raise testosterone or other hormone levels. There are also drugs for erectile dysfunction to help you maintain an erection during sex. Surgery: Some men need surgery to open blockages in the tubes that carry sperm or to repair structural problems. Varicocele surgery can make sperm healthier and improve the odds of conception. Some couples need more help conceiving using assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is any fertility treatment that involves a healthcare provider handling the sperm or egg. To increase pregnancy odds, you can take medications to stimulate ovulation before trying one of these options: In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs from your ovary, then placing them with sperm in a lab dish. The sperm fertilizes the eggs. A provider transfers one to three of the fertilized eggs (embryos) into your uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure may be performed during the IVF process. An embryologist injects a single sperm directly into each egg. Then, a provider transfers one to three of the embryos into your uterus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A healthcare provider uses a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into your uterus. IUI is sometimes called artificial insemination. Assisted hatching: A process that involves opening the outer layer of an embryo to make it easier for it to implant in your uterine lining. Third-party ART: Couples may use donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos. Some couples need a gestational carrier or surrogate. Yes, but it depends on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle modification, medication, ART or surgery can treat infertility and allow a woman to conceive.
#30 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Infertility is a condition where you cant get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility. Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for women who wish to begin or expand their family. Treatment for infertility depends mostly on the cause and your goals. Your age, how long youve been trying to conceive and your personal preferences are factors in deciding on a treatment. Sometimes, one person needs treatment, but other times, treatment involves both partners. In most cases, women and couples with infertility have a high chance of pregnancy. Things like medication, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help. Often, lifestyle changes or improving the frequency and timing of intercourse can improve your chances of pregnancy. Treatment can also include a combination of methods. Treatments for infertility in women include: Lifestyle modification: Gaining or losing weight, stopping smoking or using drugs, and improving other health conditions can improve your chance of pregnancy. Medications: Fertility drugs stimulate your ovaries to ovulate more eggs, which increases your chance of getting pregnant. Surgery: Surgery can open blocked fallopian tubes and remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue. Treatments for infertility in men include: Medications: Medications can raise testosterone or other hormone levels. There are also drugs for erectile dysfunction to help you maintain an erection during sex. Surgery: Some men need surgery to open blockages in the tubes that carry sperm or to repair structural problems. Varicocele surgery can make sperm healthier and improve the odds of conception. Some couples need more help conceiving using assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is any fertility treatment that involves a healthcare provider handling the sperm or egg. To increase pregnancy odds, you can take medications to stimulate ovulation before trying one of these options: In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs from your ovary, then placing them with sperm in a lab dish. The sperm fertilizes the eggs. A provider transfers one to three of the fertilized eggs (embryos) into your uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure may be performed during the IVF process. An embryologist injects a single sperm directly into each egg. Then, a provider transfers one to three of the embryos into your uterus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A healthcare provider uses a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into your uterus. IUI is sometimes called artificial insemination. Assisted hatching: A process that involves opening the outer layer of an embryo to make it easier for it to implant in your uterine lining. Third-party ART: Couples may use donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos. Some couples need a gestational carrier or surrogate. Yes, but it depends on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle modification, medication, ART or surgery can treat infertility and allow a woman to conceive.
#31 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
A limited number of medical treatments are available for improving chances of conception in men with certain causes of infertility. […] A number of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism respond to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy or gonadotropin replacement. Pulsatile GnRH therapy can be used in those with intact pituitary function. Gonadotropin replacement can be effective in patients with hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction. […] Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a luteinizing hormone (LH) analogue that may be used alone or in combination with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for Leydig cell stimulation. […] Estrogen modulators can also be of use. Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole) block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thus increasing the serum testosterone concentration.
#32 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
A limited number of medical treatments are available for improving chances of conception in men with certain causes of infertility. […] A number of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism respond to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy or gonadotropin replacement. Pulsatile GnRH therapy can be used in those with intact pituitary function. Gonadotropin replacement can be effective in patients with hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunction. […] Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a luteinizing hormone (LH) analogue that may be used alone or in combination with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for Leydig cell stimulation. […] Estrogen modulators can also be of use. Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole) block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thus increasing the serum testosterone concentration.
#33 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
Clomiphene citrate is a weak estrogen-receptor antagonist that works by blocking the negative feedback inhibition of estrogen on the anterior pituitary, thus increasing the release of FSH and LH. This will then result in increased testosterone production, ultimately augmenting spermatogenesis. […] Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may respond to therapy with glucocorticoids, while those with isolated testosterone deficiency may respond to testosterone replacement. […] Treatment of hyperprolactinemia is with dopamine antagonists, such as bromocriptine or cabergoline. […] Use of steroids in patients with antisperm antibodies is controversial, with some studies showing improvement in spermatozoal quality and conception rates and others showing no benefit in rates of conception.
#34
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/treatment/
If you have fertility problems, the treatment you’re offered will depend on what’s causing the problem and what’s available from your local integrated care board (ICB). […] There are 3 main types of fertility treatment: medicines, surgical procedures, assisted conception including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). […] Some of these medicines may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and hot flushes. […] Medicine that stimulates the ovaries is not recommended for women with unexplained infertility because it has not been found to increase their chances of getting pregnant. […] There are several types of surgical procedures that may be used to investigate fertility problems and help with fertility. […] If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used if ovulation medicine has not worked.
#35 Patient education: Infertility treatment with gonadotropins (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/infertility-treatment-with-gonadotropins-beyond-the-basics
Gonadotropin therapy can also be used for ovarian stimulation in people who do ovulate but are still having trouble conceiving, or for people undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Candidates for gonadotropin therapy â There are two categories in which treatment with gonadotropins may be recommended: People who do not ovulate at all or who ovulate irregularly â In this group, gonadotropins are given as second-line treatment (after clomiphene citrate and/or letrozole) with a goal of stimulating the development of a single follicle and release of a single egg. […] People who ovulate normally â Gonadotropins may improve the chances of becoming pregnant in people who ovulate normally by stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one follicle. […] Gonadotropins usually do not cause side effects directly. However, the ovaries become somewhat enlarged during treatment, which can cause abdominal discomfort and, in more severe cases, nausea and vomiting.
#36 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
While youre receiving fertility treatment, you may feel that the intense feelings you have are here to stay. Research shows your feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability arent only psychological symptoms. […] Medications used to treat infertility such as clomiphene, leuprolide, and gonadotropins may lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and irritability. […] Researchers are still divided over whether psychological intervention for people undergoing fertility treatment can improve pregnancy rates. […] However, a 2016 study shows evidence that psychological intervention does improve your chances on your journey to parenthood. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking. CBT teaches you that thoughts can affect how you feel and what you do.
#37 Infertility | Kaiser Permanente
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.infertility.hw203714
Infertility treatment is a success if it results in the birth of a healthy baby. Many things affect your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy. These include: Your age and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. […] Medicine or hormone treatments are often the first steps in fertility treatment. They’re also used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies. […] For some people with fertility problems, a structural problem can be treated with surgery. Treatment can increase the chances of natural conception. […] Complementary medicine may help you stay well and cope with infertility. Complementary medicine for fertility includes: Acupuncture. Dietary changes. Relaxation techniques. Mind-body medicine.
#38 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Most female fertility surgeries are completed using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. […] Several female conditions that cause infertility can be treated by surgery. […] Once the fertility specialist has diagnosed the cause of infertility he or she may suggest surgery as a treatment option. […] A considerable benefit of many surgeries is that they can fix the cause of infertility at the time of the procedure, so in the future a woman can have multiple children if she desires. […] Endometriosis causes tissue that grows on the inside lining (the endometrium) of the uterus to implant in other parts of the abdomen. […] There are two surgical options to treat endometriosis, but only one is appropriate for women seeking to maintain their ability to have children. […] A fallopian tube blockage can cause infertility because the egg and sperm cannot meet for fertilization or the fertilized egg cannot make it to the uterus to implant.
#39 Infertility Treatment â UH Fertility Center | University Hospitals | Cleveland | University Hospitals
https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/obgyn-womens-health/conditions-and-treatments/fertility-and-reproductive-health/treatment-options
Embryo cryopreservation: Excess embryos are frozen for implantation at a later date […] Egg donation: Gives women/couples the opportunity to use donated eggs for their in vitro fertilization treatment […] Pre-implantation genetic testing for single-gene disorders (PGT-M): Testing performed to determine whether a genetic condition carried by a parent(s) has been transmitted to the egg or embryo […] Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): For parents who have no known genetic abnormalities, embryos can be screened for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) […] Ovulation induction: Simple oral medications regulate or begin a woman’s ovulation […] Reproductive surgery: Our team has extensive experience in a wide range of specialized surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, that can help preserve and enhance fertility. These procedures, including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, allow our surgeons to remove endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, polyps and scar tissue, repair fallopian tubes, and perform exploratory procedures.
#40 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are a number of surgical procedures that may help address infertility. They include: Fallopian tube surgery â involves repairing blocked or scarred fallopian tubes to break up scar tissue and make it easier for eggs to pass through them. Laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis â a condition in which parts of the womb lining start to grow outside the womb. Surgery is performed to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It is also used to remove fibroids, small, submucosal growths in the womb. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling to treat PCOS â another minor surgical procedure that can be used if ovulation medicine has proved unsuccessful. It involves the use of heat or a laser to eliminate part of the ovary. Surgical correction of a testicular blockage â unblocks an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm. Any sperm collected as a result of the surgery can be frozen and placed in storage for future use.
#41 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Most female fertility surgeries are completed using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. […] Several female conditions that cause infertility can be treated by surgery. […] Once the fertility specialist has diagnosed the cause of infertility he or she may suggest surgery as a treatment option. […] A considerable benefit of many surgeries is that they can fix the cause of infertility at the time of the procedure, so in the future a woman can have multiple children if she desires. […] Endometriosis causes tissue that grows on the inside lining (the endometrium) of the uterus to implant in other parts of the abdomen. […] There are two surgical options to treat endometriosis, but only one is appropriate for women seeking to maintain their ability to have children. […] A fallopian tube blockage can cause infertility because the egg and sperm cannot meet for fertilization or the fertilized egg cannot make it to the uterus to implant.
#42 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Most female fertility surgeries are completed using hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. […] Several female conditions that cause infertility can be treated by surgery. […] Once the fertility specialist has diagnosed the cause of infertility he or she may suggest surgery as a treatment option. […] A considerable benefit of many surgeries is that they can fix the cause of infertility at the time of the procedure, so in the future a woman can have multiple children if she desires. […] Endometriosis causes tissue that grows on the inside lining (the endometrium) of the uterus to implant in other parts of the abdomen. […] There are two surgical options to treat endometriosis, but only one is appropriate for women seeking to maintain their ability to have children. […] A fallopian tube blockage can cause infertility because the egg and sperm cannot meet for fertilization or the fertilized egg cannot make it to the uterus to implant.
#43 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are a number of surgical procedures that may help address infertility. They include: Fallopian tube surgery â involves repairing blocked or scarred fallopian tubes to break up scar tissue and make it easier for eggs to pass through them. Laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis â a condition in which parts of the womb lining start to grow outside the womb. Surgery is performed to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It is also used to remove fibroids, small, submucosal growths in the womb. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling to treat PCOS â another minor surgical procedure that can be used if ovulation medicine has proved unsuccessful. It involves the use of heat or a laser to eliminate part of the ovary. Surgical correction of a testicular blockage â unblocks an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm. Any sperm collected as a result of the surgery can be frozen and placed in storage for future use.
#44
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/treatment/
If you have fertility problems, the treatment you’re offered will depend on what’s causing the problem and what’s available from your local integrated care board (ICB). […] There are 3 main types of fertility treatment: medicines, surgical procedures, assisted conception including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). […] Some of these medicines may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and hot flushes. […] Medicine that stimulates the ovaries is not recommended for women with unexplained infertility because it has not been found to increase their chances of getting pregnant. […] There are several types of surgical procedures that may be used to investigate fertility problems and help with fertility. […] If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used if ovulation medicine has not worked.
#45 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are a number of surgical procedures that may help address infertility. They include: Fallopian tube surgery â involves repairing blocked or scarred fallopian tubes to break up scar tissue and make it easier for eggs to pass through them. Laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis â a condition in which parts of the womb lining start to grow outside the womb. Surgery is performed to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It is also used to remove fibroids, small, submucosal growths in the womb. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling to treat PCOS â another minor surgical procedure that can be used if ovulation medicine has proved unsuccessful. It involves the use of heat or a laser to eliminate part of the ovary. Surgical correction of a testicular blockage â unblocks an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm. Any sperm collected as a result of the surgery can be frozen and placed in storage for future use.
#46 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Surgery depends on the location and extent of the blocked fallopian tubes. […] Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus and can cause cramping, heavy bleeding, painful sex or an urge to urinate. […] Uterine polyps affect fertility by interfering with implantation of an embryo and they also can cause miscarriage. […] Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause major problems with fertility. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and is commonly found in women of reproductive age. […] Men may also need surgery to correct structural issues causing infertility. […] Types of surgeries to improve or reverse infertility in men include a vasectomy reversal and a varicocelectomy. […] A vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy will reconnect the vas deferens, which was disconnected during the vasectomy.
#47 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are a number of surgical procedures that may help address infertility. They include: Fallopian tube surgery â involves repairing blocked or scarred fallopian tubes to break up scar tissue and make it easier for eggs to pass through them. Laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis â a condition in which parts of the womb lining start to grow outside the womb. Surgery is performed to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It is also used to remove fibroids, small, submucosal growths in the womb. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling to treat PCOS â another minor surgical procedure that can be used if ovulation medicine has proved unsuccessful. It involves the use of heat or a laser to eliminate part of the ovary. Surgical correction of a testicular blockage â unblocks an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm. Any sperm collected as a result of the surgery can be frozen and placed in storage for future use.
#48 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Surgery depends on the location and extent of the blocked fallopian tubes. […] Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus and can cause cramping, heavy bleeding, painful sex or an urge to urinate. […] Uterine polyps affect fertility by interfering with implantation of an embryo and they also can cause miscarriage. […] Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause major problems with fertility. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and is commonly found in women of reproductive age. […] Men may also need surgery to correct structural issues causing infertility. […] Types of surgeries to improve or reverse infertility in men include a vasectomy reversal and a varicocelectomy. […] A vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy will reconnect the vas deferens, which was disconnected during the vasectomy.
#49 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Surgery depends on the location and extent of the blocked fallopian tubes. […] Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus and can cause cramping, heavy bleeding, painful sex or an urge to urinate. […] Uterine polyps affect fertility by interfering with implantation of an embryo and they also can cause miscarriage. […] Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause major problems with fertility. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and is commonly found in women of reproductive age. […] Men may also need surgery to correct structural issues causing infertility. […] Types of surgeries to improve or reverse infertility in men include a vasectomy reversal and a varicocelectomy. […] A vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy will reconnect the vas deferens, which was disconnected during the vasectomy.
#50 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Surgery depends on the location and extent of the blocked fallopian tubes. […] Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow in the uterus and can cause cramping, heavy bleeding, painful sex or an urge to urinate. […] Uterine polyps affect fertility by interfering with implantation of an embryo and they also can cause miscarriage. […] Pelvic adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can cause major problems with fertility. […] Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and is commonly found in women of reproductive age. […] Men may also need surgery to correct structural issues causing infertility. […] Types of surgeries to improve or reverse infertility in men include a vasectomy reversal and a varicocelectomy. […] A vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy will reconnect the vas deferens, which was disconnected during the vasectomy.
#51 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Varicocelectomy treats varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum that disrupts a mans fertility. […] Sperm retrieval techniques are done by our urology partner at the university and can be completed using microsurgical epididymis sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE).
#52 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Infertility is a condition where you cant get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility. Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for women who wish to begin or expand their family. Treatment for infertility depends mostly on the cause and your goals. Your age, how long youve been trying to conceive and your personal preferences are factors in deciding on a treatment. Sometimes, one person needs treatment, but other times, treatment involves both partners. In most cases, women and couples with infertility have a high chance of pregnancy. Things like medication, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help. Often, lifestyle changes or improving the frequency and timing of intercourse can improve your chances of pregnancy. Treatment can also include a combination of methods. Treatments for infertility in women include: Lifestyle modification: Gaining or losing weight, stopping smoking or using drugs, and improving other health conditions can improve your chance of pregnancy. Medications: Fertility drugs stimulate your ovaries to ovulate more eggs, which increases your chance of getting pregnant. Surgery: Surgery can open blocked fallopian tubes and remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue. Treatments for infertility in men include: Medications: Medications can raise testosterone or other hormone levels. There are also drugs for erectile dysfunction to help you maintain an erection during sex. Surgery: Some men need surgery to open blockages in the tubes that carry sperm or to repair structural problems. Varicocele surgery can make sperm healthier and improve the odds of conception. Some couples need more help conceiving using assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is any fertility treatment that involves a healthcare provider handling the sperm or egg. To increase pregnancy odds, you can take medications to stimulate ovulation before trying one of these options: In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs from your ovary, then placing them with sperm in a lab dish. The sperm fertilizes the eggs. A provider transfers one to three of the fertilized eggs (embryos) into your uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure may be performed during the IVF process. An embryologist injects a single sperm directly into each egg. Then, a provider transfers one to three of the embryos into your uterus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A healthcare provider uses a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into your uterus. IUI is sometimes called artificial insemination. Assisted hatching: A process that involves opening the outer layer of an embryo to make it easier for it to implant in your uterine lining. Third-party ART: Couples may use donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos. Some couples need a gestational carrier or surrogate. Yes, but it depends on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle modification, medication, ART or surgery can treat infertility and allow a woman to conceive.
#53 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
Imipramine or alpha-sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, may help close the bladder neck to assist in antegrade ejaculation. […] Patients should be encouraged to stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana and to limit environmental exposures to harmful substances and/or conditions. […] Oxidative stress causes suboptimal levels of fertility in men; therefore, the idea of antioxidant supplementation to improve male subfertility has theoretical merit. […] Successful varicocelectomy results in improvement in semen parameters in 60-70% of patients. […] A meta-analysis that compared the various varicocelectomy approaches found that pregnancy rates increased in inguinal, subinguinal, open inguinal, and laparoscopic approaches. […] Robotic-assisted microsurgery has been shown to be safe and efficacious, with one group reporting improved sperm parameters in 76% of patients.
#54 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
Patients with a known or suspected obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts may be eligible for transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED), which durably improves semen quality in patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction. […] Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is performed at the time of testicular biopsy or as a separate procedure using the same technique. […] ICSI involves the direct injection of a sperm into an egg under microscopy. It is indicated in patients in whom more conservative therapies have failed or those with severe abnormalities in which no other treatment would be effective, including patients with sperm extracted directly from the epididymis or testicle.
#55 Surgical Infertility Treatment | Loma Linda University Center for Fertility
https://lomalindafertility.com/treatments/surgical-infertility-treatment/
Varicocelectomy treats varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins in the scrotum that disrupts a mans fertility. […] Sperm retrieval techniques are done by our urology partner at the university and can be completed using microsurgical epididymis sperm aspiration (MESA), percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE).
#56 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which either eggs or embryos are handled outside of the body. […] ART can be expensive and time-consuming. Despite these challenges, ART has helped many couples have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. […] The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy. […] Donor eggs are sometimes used for women who cannot produce eggs. […] A gestational carrier (surrogate) carries an embryo that was formed from the egg of another woman with the expectation of returning the infant to its intended parents.
#57
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/treatment/
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, involves inserting sperm into the womb via a thin plastic tube passed through the cervix. […] In vitro fertilisation (IVF), is when an egg is fertilised outside the body. Fertility medicine is taken to encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. […] If you or your partner has an infertility problem, you may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor to help you conceive. Treatment with donor eggs is usually done using IVF. […] Fertility treatment funded by the NHS varies across the UK. […] If you have an infertility problem you may want to consider private treatment. […] If you decide to go private, you can ask a GP for advice. Make sure you choose a clinic licensed by the HFEA. […] There’s no evidence to suggest complementary therapies for fertility problems are effective.
#58 Fertility treatment explained | VARTA
https://www.varta.org.au/fertility-treatment/fertility-treatment-explained
Artificial insemination, also known as IUI, involves the insertion of your partner or a donors sperm into the uterus of the person undergoing treatment at the time of or just before ovulation. […] During IVF, hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to help enables multiple follicles to develop and be monitored and result in the multiple eggs being collected. […] ICSI is sperm selection procedure used to overcome male factor infertility, which includes low sperm count, low sperm motility (movement), poor sperm morphology (shape) and problems with ejaculation. […] Fertility specialists are constantly looking for ways to improve your chance of getting pregnant through IVF or other fertility treatments. […] Donor insemination (DI) or IVF with donor sperm may be used when: a person does not produce any sperm; a person does not produce normal sperm; there is a high risk of a person passing on a genetic disease or abnormality to a child; a person accessing treatment is a solo mum by choice, or; a same-sex couple accessing treatment.
#59 Explore fertility treatments | HFEA
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/
There are a number of different fertility treatments, from fertility drugs and embryo screening to surgical sperm extraction and IVF. Explore all the different treatments available and find out about the risks of treatment, using donated eggs, sperm and embryos and having treatment abroad. […] IUI or artificial insemination is commonly used by people who are using donated sperm in their treatment, including single women and female couples, but can also be used by some heterosexual couples. […] IVF is suitable for people with a wide range of fertility issues and is the one of the most commonly used and successful treatments available for many people. […] ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility. […] Some people with polycystic ovary syndrome or fertility problems caused by hormone imbalances may be able to have fertility drug treatment without needing to have a more invasive treatment like IVF or IUI.
#60 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#61 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
For couples with unexplained infertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends an initial 3 to 4 cycles of ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination, an approach that can also be used for women with endometriosis or partners with mild male factor infertility. IVF should be considered if these approaches do not result in pregnancy.
#62 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
For couples with unexplained infertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends an initial 3 to 4 cycles of ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination, an approach that can also be used for women with endometriosis or partners with mild male factor infertility. IVF should be considered if these approaches do not result in pregnancy.
#63 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a popular procedure to treat many fertility problems. Doctors place sperm into your uterus, but not into the egg itself, while you ovulate. You may also need to take drugs to trigger ovulation. IUI is less expensive and simpler than IVF (in vitro fertilization), but pregnancy rates are much lower. […] This option offers hope when other infertility treatments don’t work. It directly combines the egg and sperm in a lab. Doctors then place the growing embryos in your uterus. IVF can be expensive, with an average cycle costing $12,000-$17,000, not including medication. In 2018, pregnancy rates per IVF cycle ranged from 50% for women under age 35 and about 37% for women ages 35 to 37. The rate drops with age. […] Doctors can inject the sperm directly into the egg in a lab. This technique, called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), helps when men’s sperm count is very low or their sperm don’t move well. When the fertilized egg is ready, it goes into the woman’s uterus through the normal IVF process.
#64 Patient education: Infertility treatment with gonadotropins (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/infertility-treatment-with-gonadotropins-beyond-the-basics
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure to place sperm directly into the uterus, which may increase the chances of getting pregnant. […] IUI in combination with gonadotropins may increase the likelihood of pregnancy, but it also increases the chances for multiple pregnancy. […] More than one cycle of treatment is often needed in order to get pregnant. However, some people will not become pregnant despite multiple attempts. If you have had several (for instance three to six) cycles of unsuccessful ovulation induction, your health care provider might consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] The costs of infertility treatments can be high, depending upon what tests are required, the type and dose of medication(s) used, and the number of cycles required to become pregnant.
#65 Infertility – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354322
Infertility treatment depends on: […] Some causes of infertility can’t be corrected. […] If pregnancy doesn’t happen after a year of unprotected sex, couples often can still become pregnant through infertility treatments called assisted reproductive technology. But treatment can involve big financial, physical, emotional and time commitments. […] Men’s treatment for general sexual problems or a lack of healthy sperm may include: […] Some women need only one or two treatments to improve fertility. Others may need a few types of therapies to become pregnant. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is any fertility treatment in which the egg and sperm are handled. […] In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART technique. […] Complications of infertility treatment may include: […] Get professional help from a therapist if the emotional impact of infertility treatment, pregnancy or parenthood becomes too heavy for you or your partner.
#66 In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from sacs called follicles within an ovary. An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish. The fertilized egg, called an embryo, is transferred into the uterus. […] In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a complex series of procedures that can lead to a pregnancy. It’s a treatment for infertility, a condition in which you can’t get pregnant after at least a year of trying for most couples. IVF also can be used to prevent passing on genetic problems to a child. […] In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this group of treatments is called assisted reproductive technology. […] IVF can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or it may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or unknown donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus might be used.
#67 In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from sacs called follicles within an ovary. An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish. The fertilized egg, called an embryo, is transferred into the uterus. […] In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a complex series of procedures that can lead to a pregnancy. It’s a treatment for infertility, a condition in which you can’t get pregnant after at least a year of trying for most couples. IVF also can be used to prevent passing on genetic problems to a child. […] In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this group of treatments is called assisted reproductive technology. […] IVF can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or it may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or unknown donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus might be used.
#68 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
Letrozole blocks aromatase, reducing serum concentrations of estradiol and stimulating pituitary gonadotropins. […] In women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, letrozole is the first-line therapy based on the Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary II Trial, which demonstrated that letrozole results in higher live birth rates compared with clomiphene. […] A typical IVF cycle includes gonadotropin stimulation, followed by aspiration of multiple ovarian follicles. Oocytes can be fertilized in vitro either by mixing with spermatozoa (IVF) or with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if severe male factor infertility exists and sperm can be obtained surgically or from the ejaculate. […] Donor oocytes or sperm may be considered when either partner has severe defects in gamete quality or quantity or a severe genetic condition.
#69 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#70 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#71 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#72 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#73 Treating Infertility | ACOG
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/treating-infertility
In intrauterine insemination (IUI), healthy sperm is placed in the uterus as close to the time of ovulation as possible. IUI can be used with ovulation stimulation. The woman’s partner or a donor may provide the sperm. […] Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled. ART usually involves in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, sperm is combined with the egg in a laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus. IVF is done for the following causes of infertility: damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that cannot be treated with surgery, severe endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency, some male infertility factors, and unexplained infertility. […] Infertility treatment takes time, and it can have high costs. It takes a big commitment from both partners. Some treatments are expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
#74 In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. […] Sometimes, IVF is offered as a main treatment for infertility in people over the age of 40. […] IVF may be an option if you or your partner has fallopian tube damage or blockage, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, previous surgery to prevent pregnancy, issues with sperm, unexplained infertility, or a genetic disorder. […] A desire to preserve fertility due to cancer or other health conditions. […] People who don’t have a working uterus or for whom pregnancy poses a serious health risk might choose IVF using another person to carry the pregnancy. […] IVF raises the chances of certain health problems. […] IVF can be draining for the body, mind and finances. […] IVF raises the risk of having more than one baby. […] The chances of giving birth to a healthy baby after using IVF depend on various factors, including maternal age, embryo status, reproductive history, cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.
#75 Diagnosis and Management of Infertility
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9302705/
For couples with unexplained infertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends an initial 3 to 4 cycles of ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination, an approach that can also be used for women with endometriosis or partners with mild male factor infertility. IVF should be considered if these approaches do not result in pregnancy.
#76 In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
During in vitro fertilization, eggs are removed from sacs called follicles within an ovary. An egg is fertilized by injecting a single sperm into the egg or mixing the egg with sperm in a petri dish. The fertilized egg, called an embryo, is transferred into the uterus. […] In vitro fertilization, also called IVF, is a complex series of procedures that can lead to a pregnancy. It’s a treatment for infertility, a condition in which you can’t get pregnant after at least a year of trying for most couples. IVF also can be used to prevent passing on genetic problems to a child. […] In vitro fertilization is the most effective type of fertility treatment that involves the handling of eggs or embryos and sperm. Together, this group of treatments is called assisted reproductive technology. […] IVF can be done using a couple’s own eggs and sperm. Or it may involve eggs, sperm or embryos from a known or unknown donor. In some cases, a gestational carrier someone who has an embryo implanted in the uterus might be used.
#77 Fertility treatment explained | VARTA
https://www.varta.org.au/fertility-treatment/fertility-treatment-explained
Artificial insemination, also known as IUI, involves the insertion of your partner or a donors sperm into the uterus of the person undergoing treatment at the time of or just before ovulation. […] During IVF, hormone injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to help enables multiple follicles to develop and be monitored and result in the multiple eggs being collected. […] ICSI is sperm selection procedure used to overcome male factor infertility, which includes low sperm count, low sperm motility (movement), poor sperm morphology (shape) and problems with ejaculation. […] Fertility specialists are constantly looking for ways to improve your chance of getting pregnant through IVF or other fertility treatments. […] Donor insemination (DI) or IVF with donor sperm may be used when: a person does not produce any sperm; a person does not produce normal sperm; there is a high risk of a person passing on a genetic disease or abnormality to a child; a person accessing treatment is a solo mum by choice, or; a same-sex couple accessing treatment.
#78 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
Patients with a known or suspected obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts may be eligible for transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED), which durably improves semen quality in patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction. […] Testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is performed at the time of testicular biopsy or as a separate procedure using the same technique. […] ICSI involves the direct injection of a sperm into an egg under microscopy. It is indicated in patients in whom more conservative therapies have failed or those with severe abnormalities in which no other treatment would be effective, including patients with sperm extracted directly from the epididymis or testicle.
#79 Explore fertility treatments | HFEA
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/
There are a number of different fertility treatments, from fertility drugs and embryo screening to surgical sperm extraction and IVF. Explore all the different treatments available and find out about the risks of treatment, using donated eggs, sperm and embryos and having treatment abroad. […] IUI or artificial insemination is commonly used by people who are using donated sperm in their treatment, including single women and female couples, but can also be used by some heterosexual couples. […] IVF is suitable for people with a wide range of fertility issues and is the one of the most commonly used and successful treatments available for many people. […] ICSI is the most common and successful treatment for male infertility. […] Some people with polycystic ovary syndrome or fertility problems caused by hormone imbalances may be able to have fertility drug treatment without needing to have a more invasive treatment like IVF or IUI.
#80 Fertility Treatment Options: 9 Ways to Treat Infertility
https://rmanetwork.com/blog/infertility-treatment-options/
Single embryo transfer (SET) involves transferring one high-quality embryo into the womans uterus during an IVF cycle. […] Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment option that accompanies an IVF cycle. […] Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an additional step that can be included in an IVF cycle to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. […] Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. […] Egg freezing gives women the opportunity to preserve their eggs for future use.
#81 Fertility Treatment Options: 9 Ways to Treat Infertility
https://rmanetwork.com/blog/infertility-treatment-options/
Single embryo transfer (SET) involves transferring one high-quality embryo into the womans uterus during an IVF cycle. […] Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment option that accompanies an IVF cycle. […] Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an additional step that can be included in an IVF cycle to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. […] Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. […] Egg freezing gives women the opportunity to preserve their eggs for future use.
#82 Infertility: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
Infertility is a condition where you cant get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Many treatment options are available for people with infertility. Infertility is more common than you might think. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for women who wish to begin or expand their family. Treatment for infertility depends mostly on the cause and your goals. Your age, how long youve been trying to conceive and your personal preferences are factors in deciding on a treatment. Sometimes, one person needs treatment, but other times, treatment involves both partners. In most cases, women and couples with infertility have a high chance of pregnancy. Things like medication, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help. Often, lifestyle changes or improving the frequency and timing of intercourse can improve your chances of pregnancy. Treatment can also include a combination of methods. Treatments for infertility in women include: Lifestyle modification: Gaining or losing weight, stopping smoking or using drugs, and improving other health conditions can improve your chance of pregnancy. Medications: Fertility drugs stimulate your ovaries to ovulate more eggs, which increases your chance of getting pregnant. Surgery: Surgery can open blocked fallopian tubes and remove polyps, fibroids or scar tissue. Treatments for infertility in men include: Medications: Medications can raise testosterone or other hormone levels. There are also drugs for erectile dysfunction to help you maintain an erection during sex. Surgery: Some men need surgery to open blockages in the tubes that carry sperm or to repair structural problems. Varicocele surgery can make sperm healthier and improve the odds of conception. Some couples need more help conceiving using assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is any fertility treatment that involves a healthcare provider handling the sperm or egg. To increase pregnancy odds, you can take medications to stimulate ovulation before trying one of these options: In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs from your ovary, then placing them with sperm in a lab dish. The sperm fertilizes the eggs. A provider transfers one to three of the fertilized eggs (embryos) into your uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure may be performed during the IVF process. An embryologist injects a single sperm directly into each egg. Then, a provider transfers one to three of the embryos into your uterus. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): A healthcare provider uses a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into your uterus. IUI is sometimes called artificial insemination. Assisted hatching: A process that involves opening the outer layer of an embryo to make it easier for it to implant in your uterine lining. Third-party ART: Couples may use donor eggs, donor sperm or donor embryos. Some couples need a gestational carrier or surrogate. Yes, but it depends on the cause. In 85% to 90% of cases, lifestyle modification, medication, ART or surgery can treat infertility and allow a woman to conceive.
#83 Fertility Treatment Options: 9 Ways to Treat Infertility
https://rmanetwork.com/blog/infertility-treatment-options/
Single embryo transfer (SET) involves transferring one high-quality embryo into the womans uterus during an IVF cycle. […] Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a fertility treatment option that accompanies an IVF cycle. […] Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an additional step that can be included in an IVF cycle to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. […] Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. […] Egg freezing gives women the opportunity to preserve their eggs for future use.
#84 Fertility Treatments in California | Dallas IVF
https://dallasivf.com/treatments
If youve experienced miscarriages, evaluation and treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss could help. Dallas IVF is highly experienced in evaluating recurrent miscarriage and determining which treatment is best to prevent future losses. […] Genetic testing with Dallas IVF involves running tests on each embryo before transferring to a uterus. This may help to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy by reducing the risk of implanting an embryo with genetic abnormalities. […] Male infertility is a common contributing factor to a couples inability to conceive. Approximately 50% of all infertility is associated with a male factor. […] Egg freezing is a process in which eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and preserved for future use. […] You deserve a medical team that understands your unique fertility needs.
#85 Infertility Treatment | Infertility Treatment | Duke Health
https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/infertility
IVF is a multi-step process. First, fertility drugs will be prescribed to stimulate the development and maturation of several eggs. The eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries using a long needle under ultrasound guidance. […] Individuals or couples who need donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier can seek treatment at Duke Fertility Center knowing that we have extensive experience in third-party reproduction cases. […] We strive to offer cost-effective options for all of our patients. If more expensive treatments like IVF are recommended, our financial care counselors can help you understand your options. Financing plans are available through our partnership with the ARC Fertility Network. […] Fertility diagnosis and treatment is often emotionally draining. To address that stress, our clinical psychologist provides individual and couples therapy, support groups, and more.
#86 Infertility Treatment â UH Fertility Center | University Hospitals | Cleveland | University Hospitals
https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/obgyn-womens-health/conditions-and-treatments/fertility-and-reproductive-health/treatment-options
Embryo cryopreservation: Excess embryos are frozen for implantation at a later date […] Egg donation: Gives women/couples the opportunity to use donated eggs for their in vitro fertilization treatment […] Pre-implantation genetic testing for single-gene disorders (PGT-M): Testing performed to determine whether a genetic condition carried by a parent(s) has been transmitted to the egg or embryo […] Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): For parents who have no known genetic abnormalities, embryos can be screened for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) […] Ovulation induction: Simple oral medications regulate or begin a woman’s ovulation […] Reproductive surgery: Our team has extensive experience in a wide range of specialized surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, that can help preserve and enhance fertility. These procedures, including laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, allow our surgeons to remove endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, polyps and scar tissue, repair fallopian tubes, and perform exploratory procedures.
#87 Fertility Treatments in California | Dallas IVF
https://dallasivf.com/treatments
Using donor eggs can be an option for anyone without healthy eggs, including same-sex male couples. […] In surrogacy an embryo is placed into the uterus of a gestational carrier (also known as a surrogate), who will carry the pregnancy. […] In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the treatment options we offer and is a great choice for a wide variety of patients. IVF might be right for you if youre experiencing PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, tubal issues, male infertility, fibroids, or genetic disorders. […] We offer comprehensive services for same-sex couples and transgender and non-binary patients looking to grow their families, and are committed to offering compassionate and personalized care to all people. […] The price of fertility treatment varies widely depending on your unique needs and insurance coverage.
#88 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Performed to check for blockage of the fallopian tubes or for growths in the uterus. […] One of the simplest treatment options for infertility and can be a starting point for many couples. […] For women who are not ovulating regularly, menstruation irregularities, the goal of treatment is to mature and ovulate a single eggâthis is known as ovulation induction. […] Some causes of infertility can be effectively treated with superovulation therapy. […] Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a procedure used to preserve male fertility by collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. […] Artificial insemination is a low tech form of fertility treatment. […] You and your partner may elect to use donated sperm if the male partner has no sperm or very poor quality sperm.
#89 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a process where a womanâs eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. […] The Donor Embryo Adoption Program at Fertility Treatment Center is a method for you to achieve pregnancy at a much lower cost than In Vitro Fertilization. […] Seeking pregnancy through egg donation is an option for women who are over the age of 38. […] Assisted Hatching is a process used to aide the embryo to emerge from its covering prior to implantation in the uterus.
#90 Fertility treatment explained | VARTA
https://www.varta.org.au/fertility-treatment/fertility-treatment-explained
Surrogacy involves a person with a uterus carrying a child for another person or couple with the intention of giving the child to that person or couple after birth. […] In Australia, Medicare and private health insurers cover some of the costs associated with IVF but there are also substantial out-of-pocket costs.
#91 In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility or genetic problems. […] Sometimes, IVF is offered as a main treatment for infertility in people over the age of 40. […] IVF may be an option if you or your partner has fallopian tube damage or blockage, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, previous surgery to prevent pregnancy, issues with sperm, unexplained infertility, or a genetic disorder. […] A desire to preserve fertility due to cancer or other health conditions. […] People who don’t have a working uterus or for whom pregnancy poses a serious health risk might choose IVF using another person to carry the pregnancy. […] IVF raises the chances of certain health problems. […] IVF can be draining for the body, mind and finances. […] IVF raises the risk of having more than one baby. […] The chances of giving birth to a healthy baby after using IVF depend on various factors, including maternal age, embryo status, reproductive history, cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.
#92 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which either eggs or embryos are handled outside of the body. […] ART can be expensive and time-consuming. Despite these challenges, ART has helped many couples have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. […] The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy. […] Donor eggs are sometimes used for women who cannot produce eggs. […] A gestational carrier (surrogate) carries an embryo that was formed from the egg of another woman with the expectation of returning the infant to its intended parents.
#93 Patient education: Infertility treatment with gonadotropins (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/infertility-treatment-with-gonadotropins-beyond-the-basics
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure to place sperm directly into the uterus, which may increase the chances of getting pregnant. […] IUI in combination with gonadotropins may increase the likelihood of pregnancy, but it also increases the chances for multiple pregnancy. […] More than one cycle of treatment is often needed in order to get pregnant. However, some people will not become pregnant despite multiple attempts. If you have had several (for instance three to six) cycles of unsuccessful ovulation induction, your health care provider might consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] The costs of infertility treatments can be high, depending upon what tests are required, the type and dose of medication(s) used, and the number of cycles required to become pregnant.
#94 Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/ethics-opinions/disparities-in-access-to-effective-treatment-for-infertility-in-the-united-states-an-ethics-committee-opinion-2021/
It is the responsibility of all those providing reproductive and infertility care, including assisted reproductive technology, such as physicians, policymakers, and insurance providers, to actively and deliberately address and lessen the barriers to infertility care. […] Many individuals in the United States with impaired fertility remain untreated or undertreated. […] The majority of patients who undergo IVF in the United States pay out of pocket for their medical treatment because either they lack health insurance or their insurance policies exclude fertility care, cover infertility diagnosis only, or exclude IVF. […] Economic, regional, and racial/ethnic disparities in access to and use of infertility services are clearly present. […] Studies confirm that compared with their presence in the US population, persons of middle to lower socio-economic status and persons of African-American or Hispanic ethnicity are underrepresented in the population of treated infertility patients.
#95 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a popular procedure to treat many fertility problems. Doctors place sperm into your uterus, but not into the egg itself, while you ovulate. You may also need to take drugs to trigger ovulation. IUI is less expensive and simpler than IVF (in vitro fertilization), but pregnancy rates are much lower. […] This option offers hope when other infertility treatments don’t work. It directly combines the egg and sperm in a lab. Doctors then place the growing embryos in your uterus. IVF can be expensive, with an average cycle costing $12,000-$17,000, not including medication. In 2018, pregnancy rates per IVF cycle ranged from 50% for women under age 35 and about 37% for women ages 35 to 37. The rate drops with age. […] Doctors can inject the sperm directly into the egg in a lab. This technique, called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), helps when men’s sperm count is very low or their sperm don’t move well. When the fertilized egg is ready, it goes into the woman’s uterus through the normal IVF process.
#96 Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/ethics-opinions/disparities-in-access-to-effective-treatment-for-infertility-in-the-united-states-an-ethics-committee-opinion-2021/
It is the responsibility of all those providing reproductive and infertility care, including assisted reproductive technology, such as physicians, policymakers, and insurance providers, to actively and deliberately address and lessen the barriers to infertility care. […] Many individuals in the United States with impaired fertility remain untreated or undertreated. […] The majority of patients who undergo IVF in the United States pay out of pocket for their medical treatment because either they lack health insurance or their insurance policies exclude fertility care, cover infertility diagnosis only, or exclude IVF. […] Economic, regional, and racial/ethnic disparities in access to and use of infertility services are clearly present. […] Studies confirm that compared with their presence in the US population, persons of middle to lower socio-economic status and persons of African-American or Hispanic ethnicity are underrepresented in the population of treated infertility patients.
#97 Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/ethics-opinions/disparities-in-access-to-effective-treatment-for-infertility-in-the-united-states-an-ethics-committee-opinion-2021/
It is the responsibility of all those providing reproductive and infertility care, including assisted reproductive technology, such as physicians, policymakers, and insurance providers, to actively and deliberately address and lessen the barriers to infertility care. […] Many individuals in the United States with impaired fertility remain untreated or undertreated. […] The majority of patients who undergo IVF in the United States pay out of pocket for their medical treatment because either they lack health insurance or their insurance policies exclude fertility care, cover infertility diagnosis only, or exclude IVF. […] Economic, regional, and racial/ethnic disparities in access to and use of infertility services are clearly present. […] Studies confirm that compared with their presence in the US population, persons of middle to lower socio-economic status and persons of African-American or Hispanic ethnicity are underrepresented in the population of treated infertility patients.
#98 Disparities in access to effective treatment for infertility in the United States: an Ethics Committee opinion (2021) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM
https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/ethics-opinions/disparities-in-access-to-effective-treatment-for-infertility-in-the-united-states-an-ethics-committee-opinion-2021/
As of this writing, 9 states provide comprehensive or near-comprehensive coverage for infertility treatment to at least some residents through state law mandates. […] State-mandated insurance coverage has been shown to increase approximately 3-fold the use of infertility services. […] These limitations will be overcome only when fertility treatment is included in all health insurance coverage, whether private or public. […] The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) strongly supports the inclusion of fertility care in all programs of coverage. […] The ASRM has joined the worldwide trend of recognizing infertility as a disease and so arguments to the contrary or against the medical necessity of treatment are unpersuasive. […] The continued exclusion of infertility treatment from most private health care insurance policies and governmental programs of health care in the United States, long after fertility treatment has ceased to be experimental, discriminates against those who need medical help to procreate.
#99 Infertility Therapy & Fertility Counseling Services | IRMS
https://sbivf.com/fertility-counseling-services/
Infertility is a crisis that can impact nearly every aspect of life, including your relationships, career and self-esteem. […] For those who seek treatment, most didn’t expect to need medical intervention to build their family. […] At IRMS we understand the heartache of infertility. We recognize that treatment can be stressful even under the best of circumstances, and that there are many issues one has to consider both before and during the treatment process. […] In an effort to treat the total patient, we offer a holistic approach, caring for the body and the mind. […] Research has shown that talking about this crisis with a mental health professional can facilitate the development of necessary coping skills and add confidence in your decision-making strategies. […] Esther draws upon her extensive experience and training to help patients navigate the emotional and physical challenges of infertility and feel more informed and prepared to make decisions while gaining understanding, being supported, and developing tools to cope with the often-overwhelming family building process.
#100 Infertility Therapy & Fertility Counseling Services | IRMS
https://sbivf.com/fertility-counseling-services/
Infertility is a crisis that can impact nearly every aspect of life, including your relationships, career and self-esteem. […] For those who seek treatment, most didn’t expect to need medical intervention to build their family. […] At IRMS we understand the heartache of infertility. We recognize that treatment can be stressful even under the best of circumstances, and that there are many issues one has to consider both before and during the treatment process. […] In an effort to treat the total patient, we offer a holistic approach, caring for the body and the mind. […] Research has shown that talking about this crisis with a mental health professional can facilitate the development of necessary coping skills and add confidence in your decision-making strategies. […] Esther draws upon her extensive experience and training to help patients navigate the emotional and physical challenges of infertility and feel more informed and prepared to make decisions while gaining understanding, being supported, and developing tools to cope with the often-overwhelming family building process.
#101 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
According to a 2018 review, the further into infertility treatment you get, the more often you may display symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that people with one infertility treatment failure had significantly higher levels of anxiety. People with two failures experienced more depression when compared with those without a history of treatment. […] During fertility treatment, you may find yourself becoming irritable and angry. Medical procedures may leave you feeling vulnerable, exposed, and helpless. These feelings may fuel your irritability and anger. […] Sometimes, fertility treatments may entail loss and mourning. You may experience miscarriage or failed IVF cycles. You may mourn the loss of your imagined family, or the loss of being related if donor egg, sperm, or embryos are used.
#102 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
According to a 2018 review, the further into infertility treatment you get, the more often you may display symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that people with one infertility treatment failure had significantly higher levels of anxiety. People with two failures experienced more depression when compared with those without a history of treatment. […] During fertility treatment, you may find yourself becoming irritable and angry. Medical procedures may leave you feeling vulnerable, exposed, and helpless. These feelings may fuel your irritability and anger. […] Sometimes, fertility treatments may entail loss and mourning. You may experience miscarriage or failed IVF cycles. You may mourn the loss of your imagined family, or the loss of being related if donor egg, sperm, or embryos are used.
#103 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
According to a 2018 review, the further into infertility treatment you get, the more often you may display symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that people with one infertility treatment failure had significantly higher levels of anxiety. People with two failures experienced more depression when compared with those without a history of treatment. […] During fertility treatment, you may find yourself becoming irritable and angry. Medical procedures may leave you feeling vulnerable, exposed, and helpless. These feelings may fuel your irritability and anger. […] Sometimes, fertility treatments may entail loss and mourning. You may experience miscarriage or failed IVF cycles. You may mourn the loss of your imagined family, or the loss of being related if donor egg, sperm, or embryos are used.
#104 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
According to a 2018 review, the further into infertility treatment you get, the more often you may display symptoms of depression and anxiety. Researchers found that people with one infertility treatment failure had significantly higher levels of anxiety. People with two failures experienced more depression when compared with those without a history of treatment. […] During fertility treatment, you may find yourself becoming irritable and angry. Medical procedures may leave you feeling vulnerable, exposed, and helpless. These feelings may fuel your irritability and anger. […] Sometimes, fertility treatments may entail loss and mourning. You may experience miscarriage or failed IVF cycles. You may mourn the loss of your imagined family, or the loss of being related if donor egg, sperm, or embryos are used.
#105 Infertility Therapy & Fertility Counseling Services | IRMS
https://sbivf.com/fertility-counseling-services/
Infertility is a crisis that can impact nearly every aspect of life, including your relationships, career and self-esteem. […] For those who seek treatment, most didn’t expect to need medical intervention to build their family. […] At IRMS we understand the heartache of infertility. We recognize that treatment can be stressful even under the best of circumstances, and that there are many issues one has to consider both before and during the treatment process. […] In an effort to treat the total patient, we offer a holistic approach, caring for the body and the mind. […] Research has shown that talking about this crisis with a mental health professional can facilitate the development of necessary coping skills and add confidence in your decision-making strategies. […] Esther draws upon her extensive experience and training to help patients navigate the emotional and physical challenges of infertility and feel more informed and prepared to make decisions while gaining understanding, being supported, and developing tools to cope with the often-overwhelming family building process.
#106 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#107 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#108 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#109 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#110 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#111 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Infertility is commonly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term. […] Treatment for infertility requires a team approach and should include both medical and mental health professionals. […] While the primary focus of infertility treatment is medical, dealing with the personal and familial implications of infertility is vital for a persons mental health. […] Marriage and Family Therapy can be most beneficial when: Starting a new treatment or after a failed treatment, Having to make difficult treatment decisions, Needing extended family support and assistance, Considering third party assistance (surrogacy, egg or sperm donation), Investigating other options for family building. […] The marriage and family therapist will provide his or her clients with a safe, neutral ground in which to discuss the numerous issues related to infertility, and also validate the intense feelings and emotions which often accompany the crisis.
#112 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
While youre receiving fertility treatment, you may feel that the intense feelings you have are here to stay. Research shows your feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability arent only psychological symptoms. […] Medications used to treat infertility such as clomiphene, leuprolide, and gonadotropins may lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and irritability. […] Researchers are still divided over whether psychological intervention for people undergoing fertility treatment can improve pregnancy rates. […] However, a 2016 study shows evidence that psychological intervention does improve your chances on your journey to parenthood. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking. CBT teaches you that thoughts can affect how you feel and what you do.
#113 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
Relaxation techniques significantly reduce anxiety scores in women undergoing infertility treatment. […] Mindfulness can help you cope with the stress of fertility treatments. Research from 2020 claims that mindfulness shows better outcomes than other therapies for fertility stress because it touches on a wider spectrum of psychological problems. […] A 2017 clinical trial of male-female couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment explored the benefit of expressive writing. […] Researchers found that while anxiety and infertility-related distress did not significantly decrease, people who participated in the expressive writing group had reduced symptoms of depression. […] You may feel a variety of emotions while going through fertility treatments. Whatever you are feeling is OK. […] If you are facing depression, anxiety, and other difficult emotions, help is available. Sharing your feelings with your partner, doctor, other healthcare professionals, or a mental health professional can help.
#114 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
Relaxation techniques significantly reduce anxiety scores in women undergoing infertility treatment. […] Mindfulness can help you cope with the stress of fertility treatments. Research from 2020 claims that mindfulness shows better outcomes than other therapies for fertility stress because it touches on a wider spectrum of psychological problems. […] A 2017 clinical trial of male-female couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment explored the benefit of expressive writing. […] Researchers found that while anxiety and infertility-related distress did not significantly decrease, people who participated in the expressive writing group had reduced symptoms of depression. […] You may feel a variety of emotions while going through fertility treatments. Whatever you are feeling is OK. […] If you are facing depression, anxiety, and other difficult emotions, help is available. Sharing your feelings with your partner, doctor, other healthcare professionals, or a mental health professional can help.
#115 How to Care for Mental Health During Infertility
https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/mental-health-during-fertility-treatment
Relaxation techniques significantly reduce anxiety scores in women undergoing infertility treatment. […] Mindfulness can help you cope with the stress of fertility treatments. Research from 2020 claims that mindfulness shows better outcomes than other therapies for fertility stress because it touches on a wider spectrum of psychological problems. […] A 2017 clinical trial of male-female couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment explored the benefit of expressive writing. […] Researchers found that while anxiety and infertility-related distress did not significantly decrease, people who participated in the expressive writing group had reduced symptoms of depression. […] You may feel a variety of emotions while going through fertility treatments. Whatever you are feeling is OK. […] If you are facing depression, anxiety, and other difficult emotions, help is available. Sharing your feelings with your partner, doctor, other healthcare professionals, or a mental health professional can help.
#116
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/infertility
In therapy, those faced with infertility will be able to discuss options and make decisions about how to proceed, whether through adoption, fertility treatments, artificial insemination, surrogate parenting, or even separation. […] Therapy can also help couples deal with the feelings of guilt or anger that may arise between two partners when only one person is infertile. […] A recent diagnosis of infertility can potentially cause stress and anxiety, and both the wait for a diagnosis and attempts to find a fertility treatment that works can cause anxiety and conflict in a partnership. […] When a couple is affected by fertility issues, couples therapy can help improve communication and may make it easier for the couple to make decisions that work for both partners. […] Therapy may also be a useful place to discuss how long infertility treatments should be pursued or the amount of money that should be spent on attempting treatment. […] A support group may be helpful in dealing with the effects of a diagnosis of infertility. […] Social support can also play an important role in helping people move past stress, particularly if they feel judged or inadequate because they are dealing with fertility issues.
#117 Infertility
https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/Consumer_Updates/Infertility.aspx
Although marriage and family therapists cannot actually intervene in medical treatments to help a woman become pregnant, they can help individuals wade through the process, communicate better with each other, and gather more support from family and friends. […] Therapy can also provide an opportunity for individuals and couples to learn more efficient ways of addressing issues, make sense of them, reduce conflict and stress, and make wiser decisions regarding medical treatments. […] The guidance of a marriage and family therapist is an essential component for resolving the infertility crisis. Therapy addresses the critical issues at hand, and will assist in building constructive bridges to life goals that are realistic and meaningful.
#118 IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf
IVF can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Many people doing IVF treatment struggle with depression and anxiety. Infertility struggles and IVF can leave people feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. […] Your age is one of the strongest factors in the success of IVF. Your chance of becoming pregnant through IVF is much higher if youre under 35 years old, and lower if youre over 40 years old. The live birth rate also varies and is strongly associated with age. […] Research shows that your chances of getting pregnant or having a live birth after IVF treatment decreases beginning at age 35. The success rate declines significantly after age 40.
#119 IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf
IVF can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Many people doing IVF treatment struggle with depression and anxiety. Infertility struggles and IVF can leave people feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. […] Your age is one of the strongest factors in the success of IVF. Your chance of becoming pregnant through IVF is much higher if youre under 35 years old, and lower if youre over 40 years old. The live birth rate also varies and is strongly associated with age. […] Research shows that your chances of getting pregnant or having a live birth after IVF treatment decreases beginning at age 35. The success rate declines significantly after age 40.
#120 IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf
IVF can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Many people doing IVF treatment struggle with depression and anxiety. Infertility struggles and IVF can leave people feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. […] Your age is one of the strongest factors in the success of IVF. Your chance of becoming pregnant through IVF is much higher if youre under 35 years old, and lower if youre over 40 years old. The live birth rate also varies and is strongly associated with age. […] Research shows that your chances of getting pregnant or having a live birth after IVF treatment decreases beginning at age 35. The success rate declines significantly after age 40.
#121 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Once you choose a qualified physician, you and your partner will undergo a series of tests. […] During this visit, you’ll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires. […] Your physician will review your history and ask you and your partner questions to help identify potential causes for your difficulty in conceiving. […] If you are not ovulating, your physician may order special tests to determine the reason and then prescribe certain drugs to induce ovulation. […] Older women tend to have a lower response to fertility medications and a higher miscarriage rate than younger women. […] Because of the marked effect of age on pregnancy and birth rates, it is common for older couples to begin fertility treatment sooner, and, in some cases, to consider more aggressive treatment than younger couples.
#122 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Once you choose a qualified physician, you and your partner will undergo a series of tests. […] During this visit, you’ll begin to understand the degree of commitment and cooperation that an infertility investigation requires. […] Your physician will review your history and ask you and your partner questions to help identify potential causes for your difficulty in conceiving. […] If you are not ovulating, your physician may order special tests to determine the reason and then prescribe certain drugs to induce ovulation. […] Older women tend to have a lower response to fertility medications and a higher miscarriage rate than younger women. […] Because of the marked effect of age on pregnancy and birth rates, it is common for older couples to begin fertility treatment sooner, and, in some cases, to consider more aggressive treatment than younger couples.
#123 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a myth that relaxing or „giving it time” will overcome infertility. It’s a medical problem that can often be treated. Worldwide, more than 3 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Other treatments are successful, too. For at least half the couples who seek help, the woman gets pregnant. […] Medicine can help if you don’t „ovulate” — release an egg from your ovaries — normally. The most common medication choice is clomiphene (Clomid) About 30%-40% of women who take it will get pregnant, usually within three cycles. Be aware that you’re more likely to get pregnant with twins (or more!) because it makes your ovaries release more than one egg at a time. […] If you don’t get pregnant after taking clomiphene for 3 to 6 months, your doctor may recommend fertility hormone shots to help you ovulate. You’ve got a wide range of drugs to choose from, and they work well. About half of women who ovulate get pregnant taking them. These medications can also make you more likely to carry twins or more.
#124 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a myth that relaxing or „giving it time” will overcome infertility. It’s a medical problem that can often be treated. Worldwide, more than 3 million babies have been born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Other treatments are successful, too. For at least half the couples who seek help, the woman gets pregnant. […] Medicine can help if you don’t „ovulate” — release an egg from your ovaries — normally. The most common medication choice is clomiphene (Clomid) About 30%-40% of women who take it will get pregnant, usually within three cycles. Be aware that you’re more likely to get pregnant with twins (or more!) because it makes your ovaries release more than one egg at a time. […] If you don’t get pregnant after taking clomiphene for 3 to 6 months, your doctor may recommend fertility hormone shots to help you ovulate. You’ve got a wide range of drugs to choose from, and they work well. About half of women who ovulate get pregnant taking them. These medications can also make you more likely to carry twins or more.
#125 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a popular procedure to treat many fertility problems. Doctors place sperm into your uterus, but not into the egg itself, while you ovulate. You may also need to take drugs to trigger ovulation. IUI is less expensive and simpler than IVF (in vitro fertilization), but pregnancy rates are much lower. […] This option offers hope when other infertility treatments don’t work. It directly combines the egg and sperm in a lab. Doctors then place the growing embryos in your uterus. IVF can be expensive, with an average cycle costing $12,000-$17,000, not including medication. In 2018, pregnancy rates per IVF cycle ranged from 50% for women under age 35 and about 37% for women ages 35 to 37. The rate drops with age. […] Doctors can inject the sperm directly into the egg in a lab. This technique, called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), helps when men’s sperm count is very low or their sperm don’t move well. When the fertilized egg is ready, it goes into the woman’s uterus through the normal IVF process.
#126 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
It’s a popular procedure to treat many fertility problems. Doctors place sperm into your uterus, but not into the egg itself, while you ovulate. You may also need to take drugs to trigger ovulation. IUI is less expensive and simpler than IVF (in vitro fertilization), but pregnancy rates are much lower. […] This option offers hope when other infertility treatments don’t work. It directly combines the egg and sperm in a lab. Doctors then place the growing embryos in your uterus. IVF can be expensive, with an average cycle costing $12,000-$17,000, not including medication. In 2018, pregnancy rates per IVF cycle ranged from 50% for women under age 35 and about 37% for women ages 35 to 37. The rate drops with age. […] Doctors can inject the sperm directly into the egg in a lab. This technique, called ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), helps when men’s sperm count is very low or their sperm don’t move well. When the fertilized egg is ready, it goes into the woman’s uterus through the normal IVF process.
#127 Fertility Treatment
https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/infertility/
Every individual and couple is different, so fertility strategies and success rates can vary. The collective, national success rate of these methods is about 26 percent, which is roughly the same success rate of fertile couples who do not require fertility assistance. […] If you are interested in learning more about your fertility treatment options, our dedicated and attentive professionals are ready to hear from you.
#128 Infertility | Kaiser Permanente
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.infertility.hw203714
Infertility treatment is a success if it results in the birth of a healthy baby. Many things affect your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy. These include: Your age and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. […] Medicine or hormone treatments are often the first steps in fertility treatment. They’re also used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies. […] For some people with fertility problems, a structural problem can be treated with surgery. Treatment can increase the chances of natural conception. […] Complementary medicine may help you stay well and cope with infertility. Complementary medicine for fertility includes: Acupuncture. Dietary changes. Relaxation techniques. Mind-body medicine.
#129 Infertility: Frequently Asked Questions | Reproductive Health | CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/infertility-faq/index.html
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes all fertility treatments in which either eggs or embryos are handled outside of the body. […] ART can be expensive and time-consuming. Despite these challenges, ART has helped many couples have children that otherwise would not have been conceived. […] The most common complication of ART is a multiple pregnancy. […] Donor eggs are sometimes used for women who cannot produce eggs. […] A gestational carrier (surrogate) carries an embryo that was formed from the egg of another woman with the expectation of returning the infant to its intended parents.
#130 Benefits & Risks of Infertility Treatment For Females
https://www.audubonfertility.com/post/infertility-treatment-for-females
Infertility treatment can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conceive. […] Part of the treatment for infertility is often a full assessment of a woman’s reproductive health. […] Infertility treatment increases the chances of multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets. […] Infertility treatment can be emotionally and financially taxing. […] It is important for women to discuss the potential risks of infertility treatment with their healthcare provider and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of any potential complications. […] There are several infertility treatment options available for females, including: Inducing ovulation, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Egg freezing. […] When it comes to choosing the right infertility treatment option, there are several factors to consider.
#131 Benefits & Risks of Infertility Treatment For Females
https://www.audubonfertility.com/post/infertility-treatment-for-females
Infertility treatment can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conceive. […] Part of the treatment for infertility is often a full assessment of a woman’s reproductive health. […] Infertility treatment increases the chances of multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets. […] Infertility treatment can be emotionally and financially taxing. […] It is important for women to discuss the potential risks of infertility treatment with their healthcare provider and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of any potential complications. […] There are several infertility treatment options available for females, including: Inducing ovulation, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Egg freezing. […] When it comes to choosing the right infertility treatment option, there are several factors to consider.
#132 Benefits & Risks of Infertility Treatment For Females
https://www.audubonfertility.com/post/infertility-treatment-for-females
Infertility treatment can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conceive. […] Part of the treatment for infertility is often a full assessment of a woman’s reproductive health. […] Infertility treatment increases the chances of multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets. […] Infertility treatment can be emotionally and financially taxing. […] It is important for women to discuss the potential risks of infertility treatment with their healthcare provider and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of any potential complications. […] There are several infertility treatment options available for females, including: Inducing ovulation, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Egg freezing. […] When it comes to choosing the right infertility treatment option, there are several factors to consider.
#133 IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22457-ivf
IVF can be difficult both physically and emotionally. Many people doing IVF treatment struggle with depression and anxiety. Infertility struggles and IVF can leave people feeling disappointed or overwhelmed. […] Your age is one of the strongest factors in the success of IVF. Your chance of becoming pregnant through IVF is much higher if youre under 35 years old, and lower if youre over 40 years old. The live birth rate also varies and is strongly associated with age. […] Research shows that your chances of getting pregnant or having a live birth after IVF treatment decreases beginning at age 35. The success rate declines significantly after age 40.
#134 Thinking about fertility treatment | March of Dimes
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/thinking-about-fertility-treatment
Even if you get pregnant with just one baby, some fertility treatments make your baby more likely to have problems than a baby born without fertility treatment. […] Depending on what fertility treatments you use, there is also a risk for bleeding and infection. […] There are several kinds of fertility treatment. You, your partner and your provider can decide which treatment gives you the best chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy. […] Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (also called COH) is a kind of fertility treatment that uses medicines to help your body ovulate (release an egg). […] In vitro fertilization (also called IVF) is a kind of fertility treatment called assisted reproductive technology (also called ART). […] Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (also called ICSI) is another form of ART similar to IVF where a single sperm is injected into a mature egg.
#135 Benefits & Risks of Infertility Treatment For Females
https://www.audubonfertility.com/post/infertility-treatment-for-females
Infertility treatment can help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with trying to conceive. […] Part of the treatment for infertility is often a full assessment of a woman’s reproductive health. […] Infertility treatment increases the chances of multiple gestations, such as twins or triplets. […] Infertility treatment can be emotionally and financially taxing. […] It is important for women to discuss the potential risks of infertility treatment with their healthcare provider and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of any potential complications. […] There are several infertility treatment options available for females, including: Inducing ovulation, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF), Egg freezing. […] When it comes to choosing the right infertility treatment option, there are several factors to consider.
#136 When Should We Seek Infertility Treatment? – Scripps Health
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/2934-when-to-seek-infertility-treatment
Infertility treatment options include: Medications to induce ovulation, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), In vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Fertility drugs may be prescribed to help induce ovulation if the problem is hormonal in nature. […] IVF is the most effective fertility treatment available that uses assisted reproductive technology (ART). […] With IVF, eggs are removed from a womans ovaries in an outpatient procedure under anesthesia and fertilized with sperm in a lab setting. […] IVF can sometimes be a lengthy and emotionally challenging process. […] For some conditions, surgery may be recommended. […] This is an exciting time in reproductive medicine and new developments in research and technology promise even more advancements in achieving safe, healthy pregnancies, Dr. Schmidt says.
#137 What are the Advanced Treatment Options for Infertility? | Nova IVF Fertility
https://www.novaivffertility.com/fertility-help/what-are-the-advanced-treatment-options-for-infertility
IVF involves administering medications by the woman to stimulate the ovary to grow multiple mature eggs. They are extracted using a minor surgical procedure and placed in a dish along with a sperm sample where fertilization occurs. The embryos developed can be transferred to the uterus within a few days of development or stored as frozen embryos for future implantation. […] ICSI involves injecting a healthy sperm into the cytoplasm of an egg using a fine glass needle. This treatment does not rely on the ability of the sperm to move and attach itself to the egg and hence is highly beneficial for couples who face male infertility issues. […] When the egg or sperm cells are affected by severe problems, the usage of donor cells can cause fertilization and a successful pregnancy. […] For women who lack a functional uterus or have the potential to endure a high-risk pregnancy can opt for IVF using a gestational carrier. Surrogacy is a form of ART in which a woman (the surrogate) carries a child for another person or couple with the intention of giving the child to that person or couple after birth. The embryo or blastocysts are placed in the uterus of the carrier for pregnancy. […] Genetic testing protocols have the potential to help many couples in increasing their chances of getting pregnant.
#138 Infertility Treatments and Services | CCRM Fertility Clinic
https://www.ccrmivf.com/services/
While infertility is often thought of as female issue, about half of all infertility cases stem from male reproductive problems. Since sperm health is vital to conception, it is important to have your sperm evaluated if you are struggling with infertility. Fortunately, many causes of male infertility are treatable. […] Through preimplantation genetic testing techniques, CCRM can select and transfer the highest quality embryos possible during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, giving you the best chance of having a healthy baby by reducing the likelihood of implantation failure and miscarriage. […] When it comes to fertility, age matters. As you get older, your eggs diminish in numbers and in quality making it more difficult to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Freezing your eggs in your 20s and 30s allows you to take advantage of your bodys fertility at a time when your eggs are at their healthiest.
#139 Infertility Treatments and Services | CCRM Fertility Clinic
https://www.ccrmivf.com/services/
Women that have experienced three or more consecutive, spontaneous miscarriages may benefit from comprehensive chromosome screening, a process that examines all 23 pairs of chromosomes in an embryo during the IVF process. […] Many of our patients turn to CCRM after unsuccessful IVF cycles elsewhere. CCRM specializes in the management of the poor responder and those with previously unsuccessful cycles. […] CCRMs Donor Egg Bank is essential in treating the most complicated fertility cases. Our donors undergo rigorous screening and only the most qualified women are accepted into our program. […] In gestational surrogacy, the child is not biologically related to the surrogate mother, and instead created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors, and is then transferred to the surrogate.
#140 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a technique that can be used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for a variety of genetic disorders. […] ICSI is a procedure used in conjunction with IVF in which a single sperm is inserted with a micro-needle into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. […] These are the most common ART procedures. […] Our successful Gestational Carrier Program at Fertility Treatment Center was established for women who are unable to safely carry a pregnancy. […] FET is a cutting-edge infertility treatment. […] The Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the optimal timing for embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation) is the process of freezing embryos at a very low temperature so that they can be thawed and used later.
#141 Explore fertility treatments | HFEA
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/
Its possible to have IVF with either less medication, or no medication at all. These treatments include natural IVF, mild stimulation IVF and in vitro maturation (IVM) and may be suitable for people who are unable to take fertility drugs due to an existing medical condition. […] If you have no, or extremely low numbers of sperm in your semen, you may be able to have sperm collected surgically. […] Some conditions that affect your fertility may be treatable with surgery. This includes women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis and fibroids and men who have had a vasectomy which they want to have reversed. […] Surrogacy is the main treatment for same sex male couples whod like to have a family. It can also be used by women who have a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to get pregnant and couples who have had repeated miscarriages or failed treatment cycles.
#142 Male Infertility Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Surgical Care, Consultations
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436829-treatment
Imipramine or alpha-sympathomimetics, such as pseudoephedrine, may help close the bladder neck to assist in antegrade ejaculation. […] Patients should be encouraged to stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana and to limit environmental exposures to harmful substances and/or conditions. […] Oxidative stress causes suboptimal levels of fertility in men; therefore, the idea of antioxidant supplementation to improve male subfertility has theoretical merit. […] Successful varicocelectomy results in improvement in semen parameters in 60-70% of patients. […] A meta-analysis that compared the various varicocelectomy approaches found that pregnancy rates increased in inguinal, subinguinal, open inguinal, and laparoscopic approaches. […] Robotic-assisted microsurgery has been shown to be safe and efficacious, with one group reporting improved sperm parameters in 76% of patients.
#143 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a process where a womanâs eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. […] The Donor Embryo Adoption Program at Fertility Treatment Center is a method for you to achieve pregnancy at a much lower cost than In Vitro Fertilization. […] Seeking pregnancy through egg donation is an option for women who are over the age of 38. […] Assisted Hatching is a process used to aide the embryo to emerge from its covering prior to implantation in the uterus.
#144 Infertility Treatments and Services | CCRM Fertility Clinic
https://www.ccrmivf.com/services/
While infertility is often thought of as female issue, about half of all infertility cases stem from male reproductive problems. Since sperm health is vital to conception, it is important to have your sperm evaluated if you are struggling with infertility. Fortunately, many causes of male infertility are treatable. […] Through preimplantation genetic testing techniques, CCRM can select and transfer the highest quality embryos possible during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process, giving you the best chance of having a healthy baby by reducing the likelihood of implantation failure and miscarriage. […] When it comes to fertility, age matters. As you get older, your eggs diminish in numbers and in quality making it more difficult to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Freezing your eggs in your 20s and 30s allows you to take advantage of your bodys fertility at a time when your eggs are at their healthiest.
#145 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Performed to check for blockage of the fallopian tubes or for growths in the uterus. […] One of the simplest treatment options for infertility and can be a starting point for many couples. […] For women who are not ovulating regularly, menstruation irregularities, the goal of treatment is to mature and ovulate a single eggâthis is known as ovulation induction. […] Some causes of infertility can be effectively treated with superovulation therapy. […] Sperm freezing, also known as sperm cryopreservation, is a procedure used to preserve male fertility by collecting, freezing, and storing sperm for future use. […] Artificial insemination is a low tech form of fertility treatment. […] You and your partner may elect to use donated sperm if the male partner has no sperm or very poor quality sperm.
#146 Infertility Treatment and Services | Fertility Treatment Center
https://fertilitytreatmentcenter.com/infertility-treatment/
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a technique that can be used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to test embryos for a variety of genetic disorders. […] ICSI is a procedure used in conjunction with IVF in which a single sperm is inserted with a micro-needle into the cytoplasm of a mature egg. […] These are the most common ART procedures. […] Our successful Gestational Carrier Program at Fertility Treatment Center was established for women who are unable to safely carry a pregnancy. […] FET is a cutting-edge infertility treatment. […] The Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the optimal timing for embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation) is the process of freezing embryos at a very low temperature so that they can be thawed and used later.
#147 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
If you and your partner want to start a family but are having a hard time conceiving, take heart â you are certainly not alone. As many as 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile, meaning they are unable to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year. […] The cause of infertility may stem from a problem either you or your partner have, or it may be the result of a combination of factors. Whatever the reason, there are many safe and effective treatments to enhance your chances of getting pregnant. The three main types include medication, surgical procedures, and assisted conception in the form of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Common fertility medications include: Clomiphene â promotes ovulation (the monthly release of an egg) in women who do not or cannot ovulate regularly or at all. Tamoxifen â an alternative to clomiphene if you are having difficulty ovulating. Metformin â an anti-diabetic medication that lowers blood sugar levels by improving the way your body handles insulin and is especially beneficial for women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes irregular periods and adversely affects fertility. Gonadotrophins â can help stimulate ovulation in women and can also improve male fertility. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and dopamine agonists â also encourage ovulation.
#148 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are a number of surgical procedures that may help address infertility. They include: Fallopian tube surgery â involves repairing blocked or scarred fallopian tubes to break up scar tissue and make it easier for eggs to pass through them. Laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis â a condition in which parts of the womb lining start to grow outside the womb. Surgery is performed to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It is also used to remove fibroids, small, submucosal growths in the womb. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling to treat PCOS â another minor surgical procedure that can be used if ovulation medicine has proved unsuccessful. It involves the use of heat or a laser to eliminate part of the ovary. Surgical correction of a testicular blockage â unblocks an obstruction that prevents the release of sperm. Any sperm collected as a result of the surgery can be frozen and placed in storage for future use.
#149 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are several options with assisted conception. They include: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) â also known as artificial insemination, IUI involves the insertion of sperm into the womb by way of a thin plastic tube passed through the cervix. The sperm is first collected and washed in a fluid to ensure the best quality specimens are selected and used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) â involves fertilization of an egg outside the body. First, fertility medicine is taken to enable the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. Then, the eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm. The fertilized egg (or embryo) is then returned to the womb, where it can grow and develop. Egg and sperm donation â with this option, infertile couples may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor, which are then used to help them conceive using IVF.
#150 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are several options with assisted conception. They include: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) â also known as artificial insemination, IUI involves the insertion of sperm into the womb by way of a thin plastic tube passed through the cervix. The sperm is first collected and washed in a fluid to ensure the best quality specimens are selected and used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) â involves fertilization of an egg outside the body. First, fertility medicine is taken to enable the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. Then, the eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm. The fertilized egg (or embryo) is then returned to the womb, where it can grow and develop. Egg and sperm donation â with this option, infertile couples may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor, which are then used to help them conceive using IVF.
#151 Infertility Treatment â UH Fertility Center | University Hospitals | Cleveland | University Hospitals
https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/obgyn-womens-health/conditions-and-treatments/fertility-and-reproductive-health/treatment-options
Gestational carrier services: An individual or couple may be recommended to use a gestational carrier (also called a surrogate), a woman who gets pregnant via IVF using egg and sperm from the intended parents and/or donors. […] LGBTQ+ fertility services: Inclusive fertility services we offer include donor insemination, IVF and gestational carrier services. […] Intrauterine insemination: A procedure in which sperm is injected directly into the uterus at the time a woman ovulates. This process can use the sperm of the intended parent or that of a donor. […] In-vitro fertilization: This process of removing eggs, fertilizing them, and returning developed embryos into a woman’s body to carry is a safe and highly effective option for couples having difficulty conceiving […] Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an individual egg retrieved from the womans ovaries to achieve fertilization
#152 3 MAIN TYPES OF INFERTILITY TREATMENTS – NJ Best OBGYN
https://www.njbestobgyn.com/2022/10/23/3-main-types-of-infertility-treatments/
There are several options with assisted conception. They include: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) â also known as artificial insemination, IUI involves the insertion of sperm into the womb by way of a thin plastic tube passed through the cervix. The sperm is first collected and washed in a fluid to ensure the best quality specimens are selected and used. In vitro fertilization (IVF) â involves fertilization of an egg outside the body. First, fertility medicine is taken to enable the ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. Then, the eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm. The fertilized egg (or embryo) is then returned to the womb, where it can grow and develop. Egg and sperm donation â with this option, infertile couples may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor, which are then used to help them conceive using IVF.
#153 Which Infertility Treatment Is for You?
https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/ss/slideshow-which-treatment-is-for-you
If IVF doesn’t work for you or you want a less expensive option, you might consider using donor embryos. These come from couples who have finished the process. The transfer costs less than standard or donor egg IVF. When you get pregnant, though, your baby will not be biologically related to you or your partner. […] If you choose this option, you work with another woman who agrees to be a „gestational surrogate.” Specialists use IVF to make embryos with your eggs and your partner’s sperm. The surrogate goes through the pregnancy after IVF. The baby will be the biological child of you and your partner. […] Ask plenty of questions about their procedures and costs. Make sure they offer the latest techniques and involve you and your partner in decisions. The CDC keeps a list of IVF success rates for U.S. clinics. But don’t make up your mind based on numbers alone. Infertility treatment is a long-term process, and you want to feel comfortable with your choice.
#154 Benefits & Risks of Infertility Treatment For Females
https://www.audubonfertility.com/post/infertility-treatment-for-females
To choose the right treatment for infertility, it is important to talk to a fertility specialist. […] Seeking professional advice from a fertility specialist can help you make an informed decision. […] In conclusion, choosing the right infertility treatment option requires careful consideration and professional guidance.
#155 Open Search
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments
If youre struggling with infertility and need help getting pregnant, there are fertility treatments that can help increase your chances of having a baby. […] The options that are best for you depend on your personal situation and whats causing your infertility. […] Fertility treatments often include medications that help with hormones and ovulation, sometimes combined with minor surgical procedures. 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) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). […] Cryopreservation (aka freezing your eggs, sperm, or embryos), egg or embryo donation, and gestational carriers (aka surrogacy) are also forms of ART. […] Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you figure out which treatments are best for you.
#156 Infertility: an Overview patient education booklet | ReproductiveFacts.org
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/fact-sheets-and-infographics/infertility-an-overview-booklet/
Some men and women may carry genetic abnormalities that make it more difficult to become pregnant and more likely that a pregnancy ends as a miscarriage. […] The success of IVF depends on many factors, especially your age and the quality of your embryos. […] It is important to know that these feelings are normal responses to infertility and are experienced by many couples. […] After a full evaluation, your physician can give you a reasonable idea of your chances of achieving pregnancy with various treatment options. […] Thanks to the many options existing today, including advanced reproductive technologies and adoption, most infertile couples will be able to experience the joy of parenthood.