Half of the couples who struggle with getting pregnant do not realize that infertility could actually be the cause. It is crucial that you understand that after trying and trying, there are options available to you and they’re much more affordable than you think. South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, Florida provides a vast array of options to help you conceive.
How to Treat Infertility
Laparoscopy
This is a type of surgery where the doctor inserts a small tube called a laparoscope into the abdominal area. An incision is made in the skin and the tube has a camera attached to it. This allows the doctor to look inside the abdomen without requiring significant surgery and recovery time.
Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and the goal is to restructure the reproductive organs. While inside, the doctor will also check for fallopian tube blockages because this could be making it difficult for you to get pregnant.
Hysteroscopy
In the case of hysteroscopy, the doctor inserts a small tube with a light through the vagina into the uterus to look at the cervix and internal lining of the uterus. This camera is called a hysteroscope. It is inserted with the goal of removing any polyps or blockages that could be making it difficult to get pregnant.
There are two types of hysteroscopy: diagnostic and operative. Diagnostic hysteroscopy helps identify issues with the uterus. This is the portion of the treatment that helps to find the issues whereas operative hysteroscopy is performed once the potential problem is identified.
Operative hysteroscopy will then correct the issue and hopefully correct your fertility concerns.
Medical Therapy
There are certain medications that you can take to help you become more fertile. Clomiphene Citrate is one of these. Clomiphene Citrate stimulates the hormones that grow and release eggs during ovulation. The medication is taken orally at a dose prescribed by the doctor and can fluctuate based on your medical history, current situation, and level of need. You’ll likely perform a series of tests to determine the dosage.
Gonadotropins are another type of medication used to help with hormonal function and reproduction. These are peptide hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland and release specific hormones necessary for the production of estrogen. These are often used in conjunction with treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
Keep in mind that there are a wide variety of gonadotropins. They each have their own function from simply stimulating your hormones, to helping with the egg fertilization process. We will help guide you in making a decision based on individual tests and medical history.
Intrauterine Insemination
If you have medical conditions such as endometriosis or your partner has lower sperm quality then Intrauterine Insemination might be an option for you. This treatment increases the likelihood of pregnancy by singling out the healthiest sperm and placing them directly on the uterus.
Intrauterine Insemination is performed when you’re most fertile. It is considered a more affordable alternative to in vitro fertilization because it’s minimally invasive. You will undergo a series of tests to determine whether or not this is the best option for you.
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a popular treatment for infertility where mature eggs are extracted and fertilized in a culture dish and then placed in the uterus. It generally takes about three weeks for this process but can be shorter or longer depending on the person.
In vitro fertilization is considered the most effective way to assist the reproductive process and you are capable of using your own sperm and eggs or that of a donor. The chances of getting pregnant with IVF depend on many factors including age and health but we’ll work with you to determine if this is the right choice.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
The process of fertilizing an egg begins with the sperm attaching itself to the outside of the egg. When it has done that, it then pushes through to the inside and fertilization begins.
There are cases where sperm have a hard time penetrating the egg because the sperm might be weak or the egg might be hard. If this happens to be the situation you face, intracytoplasmic sperm injection could be a strong option for you.
For ICSI, one sperm is inserted right into the egg using a tiny needle called a micropipette. ICSI is performed in a laboratory with extracted eggs and when fertilization begins the embryo will grow for as long as five days before being moved to the uterus. This option is popular if the male is unable to produce enough sperm for IVF or if the sperm are deemed unable to fertilize the egg on their own.
What Causes Infertility?
There are many things that can cause infertility in women including blocked fallopian tubes, problems with the uterus, ovarian insufficiency, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Beyond that, there are even factors like age, weight, and diet that can play their role.
With all of these issues, it’s no wonder that 10 percent of women ages 15-44 in the US have trouble getting pregnant and staying pregnant.
It’s important to understand how these factors can impact your likelihood of getting pregnant. All of the alternative options available can increase your chances of getting pregnant. It’s important that you do your research, understand your personal risk factors, and act quickly if you think you might have fertility issues.
Tests for Identifying Infertility
Fertility relies on the ovaries’ ability to release healthy eggs. From there, the reproductive organs must allow these eggs to pass through the fallopian tubes and be met by the sperm. Then, the two need to transport to the uterus and land in the lining. There are many things that can go wrong in this lengthy process.
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, there are some tests to help determine if alternative methods might be right for you. Ovulation testing is a blood test that measures your hormones when you’re ovulating. This will determine if your body is capable of getting pregnant naturally during ovulation.
Hysterosalpingography will identify the condition of your uterus and fallopian tubes to determine if there are any blockages. An x-ray with contrast is used to see if the fluid moves naturally through the tubes or gets stuck.
How to Cope and Manage
Finding out that you are infertile can be heartbreaking and could make you feel depressed. Even after finding out and deciding to undergo alternative treatments, you should know that it’s a long and winding road riddled with unknowns. It’s important to take your mental health into account during this time.
Make sure you’re prepared for the treatments and you understand everything that is to come. We’ll work closely with you and ensure you’re always supported, cared for, and heard. We aren’t simply here to provide options. We’re here to provide solutions and support your goals in life.
Getting pregnant is something that many couples struggle with. It’s important that you keep close contact with loved ones, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and reduce your stress. Ignoring these factors will only make the process more difficult. Keeping your mental health in check can actually increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Today Is the Day
To learn how we can help you manage and treat your infertility, contact South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, Florida today. Remember, we’re here for you and we have the solutions you need.