Female infertility treatment depends on the cause of the infertility, how long the woman has been infertile, how old she is. The woman’s personal choices are also taken into account while deciding on the course of treatment. Most female infertility treatments will start off with a physical exam to determine the cause of the infertility.
Once the cause has been determined, treatment will be started. This could be in the form of fertility drugs or even surgery or even assisted reproduction in order to get pregnant. There are many options available for female infertility treatment.
Most doctors recommend counseling couples before they embark on any form of infertility treatment. This counseling of couples is important as the couples are going through an emotional and traumatic time. Couples can express their concerns and doubts about the treatment as well at this time.
Medical therapy for female infertility usually involves the use of drugs which help to stimulate ovulation or regulate ovulation. These drugs are known as fertility drugs and are recommended for women who suffer with ovulation disorders. This is the first form of treatment for women who have ovulation problems.
Reproductive surgery is a good option for women who are infertile as it can help to deal with problems such as fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis and so on. Reproductive surgery is either performed by using an operative hysteroscope or an operative laparoscope. In rare cases, open surgery may be performed as well.
Intrauterine insemination (IU) or artificial insemination (AI) is a process whereby a washed sample of sperm is placed high in to the uterine cavity with the help of a catheter. The woman is usually given fertility drugs to regulate ovulation prior to the procedure and the insemination takes place at the time of ovulation.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to the process where sperm and eggs are combined (with the help of advanced technology), outside the body. Generally, ART procedures use In Vitro fertilization or IVF. The process is similar to intrauterine insemination, except that eggs are fertilized in the laboratory and then placed within the woman’s uterus. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is another ART procedure that can be used.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure where the sperm and egg are fertilized in a glass dish in the laboratory. The woman is first given fertility drugs to boost the production of eggs. The eggs are then removed surgically. The man’s sperm is then placed along with the eggs and incubated for 48-120 hours. After about 5 days of fertilization, the best eggs are selected and either one or up to three are inserted into the uterus.
