Couples around the world struggle with infertility on a daily basis. What many don’t consider is the possibility of fertility treatments. Most also do not realize that some healthcare plans cover fertility treatments in some capacity.
There are a variety of treatments, below are just a few of the most common.
Oral Medication
Oral medication is generally the first remedy to try in order to increase fertility odds. The medications prescribed, most often Clomid and a hormone booster, are given for a specific period of time. These medications are designed to jump start viable egg production and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Hormone Injections
For women that have low hormone levels, monitored hormone injections may be an option. This can cause some emotional distress with the influx of hormones. It can also cause feelings of rage, mania and severe depression. These are all temporary.
Artificial insemination is generally the next step in the attempt to help a couple conceive. Other than oral medication and hormone injections, this is the least evasive procedure. Doctors carefully calculate ovulation time to give a female the absolute best options for conception.
In many cases, the women are able to insert the semen themselves at home. Proper instructions on how to pinpoint ovulation are provided. This can take several attempts.
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization, or IVF as it is often referred to, is an evasive procedure that requires a bit of preparation. Due to the intricacy of this procedure, several general health evaluations must take place first to determine eligibility.
Some eligibility requirements include:
• Healthy sperm from the male
• Females under the age over 35
• No pressing health conditions
• Proper gastrointestinal health
• Non-smoker
• No street drugs or alcohol consumption
• Good overall health
• Proper body weight
• Healthy lifestyle
Up to 12 attempts with IVF can be made. After this, it is generally deemed that conception is not going to occur for the couple. The female must go through a process of hormone injections and other treatments to prepare her body.
This can be stressful in itself.
Intrauterine Insemination
This is a type of artificial insemination. IUI, as it is referred to, is the process of inserting sperm that has been cleaned and washed directly into the uterus. This is timed with ovulation. The injection, or injections, should occur several times during your ovulation window.
Physicians will take the time necessary to help you determine when your ovulation cycle is expected. This will help you to pinpoint the right time for IUI implantation.
Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
This process, also known as ICSI, is the general treatment option when a low sperm count or issue with the sperm is noted. This is a time consuming process as single sperm are inserted into an egg manually. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure conception.
ICSI is often the very last treatment option given to couples. This is due to the high cost and delicacy of the process. Women go through the same hormone boosting treatments as they would for IVF.
The above are the most well-known fertility treatment options for women. That being said, there are risks for each one. Most include an unbalanced hormone influx.
Medical advancements have made it possible for thousands of couples, worldwide, each year to fulfill their dream of having a child. Not all couples are able to conceive naturally. Fertility treatments are processes, and some are trial and error.
The fact of the matter here is that you have to keep an open and positive mind. Depression, stress and negativity do hinder fertility just as much as any malfunction your body may experience.