Treatments
Common infertility treatments are ovulation induction (OI), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). With OI treatment, a woman takes an oral medication, like clomid or letrozole, to stimulate eggs to develop in the ovaries. OI can be combined with intercourse timed around expected ovulation or coordinated with an IUI procedure. These medications will usually stimulate 2-4 eggs to develop. A good candidate for this treatment has at least one normal fallopian tube and normal partner or donor sperm. The natural fertility rate for fertile couples is 20-25% per cycle, and rates for couples treated with medication and IUI can reach 15-20% per cycle.
Treatment with IVF is more involved than OI and IUI. With IVF, a woman takes hormone injections for about 10-12 days to stimulate many eggs to develop at one time. The developed eggs are removed from the ovary during a minor surgical procedure and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The developing embryos are then placed directly in the woman’s uterus. IVF treatments are more costly than other therapies, but every couple does not require IVF. There are a few situations where IVF is absolutely necessary, such as absent or damaged fallopian tubes, low sperm counts or unsuccessful attempts with less invasive treatments. If one of these indications does not exist, there are usually affordable and effective fertility treatments for you.
Where to start for help?
The first step is recognizing that there may be a problem. Ladies, if you have been trying to get pregnant for over one year without success it’s time to see a fertility specialist. Women over 35 should see a doctor after just six months of trying. If you already have a history of infertility, low sperm count, tubal/uterine issues or ovulation problems, don’t delay in getting evaluated and on your way to treatment.
Black Infertility: Facts Every Couple Should Know was originally published on blackdoctor.org
