3 Fertility Treatments that are Not IVF
Are you struggling to conceive? Research shows that roughly one in every eight couples in America are also finding conception difficult.
Perhaps you have been evaluating procedures that will lead to a successful pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are numerous infertility treatments to consider for both men and women. Along with an expert fertility doctor, you can find the right treatment for your body, your baby, and your budget.
Identifying the Root of Infertility
All bodies are different, so infertility causes differ from woman to woman and man to man. According to the American Pregnancy Association, at least 25% of women experience more than one infertility cause.
Of course, age matters. Data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reveals, among other important information, that women aged 35 years and above should seek help after six months of trying to conceive.
Experts suggest that both male and female partners should work hand-in-hand to find solutions from fertility specialists. Other reasons for infertility or low fertility include factors like:
· The quality and quantity of ovarian eggs
· Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
· Endometriosis
· Varicocele
This article will give you insights into various options to boost fertility, including assisted reproductive technology options (ART fertility methods). It is always recommended to consult with your medical provider before making any treatment decision.
Effective infertility treatments range from conventional medical therapies to surgeries. Although In vitro fertilization (IVF) is widely practiced and quite successful, it is not always the easiest, most practical and most affordable solution. There are several other fertility treatments out there that have been proven safe and successful.
Such treatments include:
IntraUterine Insemination (IUI)
This process involves a collection of the male partner’s sperm, which is then inserted medically into the uterus. IUI’s goal is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, thus increasing the chances of fertilization.
IUI boosts infertility rates in two ways:
1. The medication provided aids in the growth and ovulation of one or two mature eggs.
2. With artificial insemination, the sperm is placed much closer to its target.
IUI is less invasive and potentially dangerous than procedures like IVF, and therefore should be considered before proceeding to a more invasive procedure. The general success rate in using IUI varies from 5-20% per cycle, and the chances of successful implantation often happen within the first three or four treatment cycles. Besides, the cost of undertaking IUI is significantly lower compared to the use of IVF.
Use of Medication to Induce Ovulation
Proceed with caution if you choose to use any herbal supplements without a doctor’s recommendation. However, several proven prescription medications can be used to treat infertility.
Clomiphene citrate is one such medication. When a male-factor is ruled out, the focal point becomes the woman’s egg production. Egg production can be enriched with oral drugs like Colomiphene citrate. The medication is used to:
· Induce ovulation
· Correct irregular ovulation
· Increase egg production
· Correct luteal phase deficiency
Other medications that are widely used include Letrozole, Metformin, and Gonadotropins. With a little more information about your reproductive cycle, a fertility clinic near you can recommend one of the options above for fertility treatment.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction treatment (ART) where intended parents work with a gestational mother whose role is to carry for the baby or babies until birth.
Surrogacy may be considered if the woman cannot get pregnant due to a hysterectomy or missing reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes). In some instances, women have some health conditions which often make pregnancy dangerous, and surrogacy is a better option.
The surrogacy process often takes about four to six months initially during the search for a surrogate mother. Depending on the fertilization period and the conception speed, it may only take one and a half years to childbirth. The cost implication is also significant, but varies from one region to another.
If IVF isn’t right for you, you have several other effective options available to increase fertility. Online fertility doctors can also help you address your concerns without leaving home.