What You Need to Know About Infertility Treatments

After failing to conceive for over a year, your doctor may recommend you go see a Reproductive Endocrinologist or Fertility Specialist. After having an infertility workup, there are many different avenues you can take depending on whether the infertility is female or male factor.

Female Factor Infertility

Clomid. If your infertility is caused by a lack of ovulation, Clomid is the drug that is given first. It is a pill taken either on days 3-7 or 5-9 of your cycle depending on the doctor's preference. Clomid has many side effects including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. You also increase your odds of having twins.

Hormone Shots. If Clomid fails to work for you then the next stage will be hormone shots. You have the first series of daily shots at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. With hormone shots your chances of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome are even greater.

Intrauterine Insemination. During this process, the doctor takes washed sperm and injects it with a catheter by way of the cervix. If you have issues with cervical mucus, this is one way to bypass that problem.

Surgery. If you have blocked tubes, the doctor may suggest surgery to unblock them. If you have endometriosis, the doctor may recommend having a laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial growth.

In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is a procedure where the man's sperm and the woman's eggs are mixed in a lab. Once they join, the doctor then inserts one or more eggs into the uterus. IVF increases your chances of having twins and higher order multiples.

Male Factor Infertility

Insemination. If your partner's sperm count is low, the doctor may recommend insemination. The sperm are collected and concentrated to multiply the number of healthy sperm for insemination.

ICSI. ICSI stands for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The doctor injects one of your sperm into your partner's egg in a lab. When fertilization occurs, the embryo is then implanted into the female's uterus. Very similar to IVF.

Hormones. In some rare instances, the problem can be caused by a hormone imbalance in the male. Men are treated with hormones that help start normal sperm production.

Infertility is a emotionally, physically and financially draining process. It can be a huge drain on your relationship and there are times when you will want to give up. Discuss with your partner how far you want to take fertility treatments before considering your other options such as adoption. There are plenty of kids out there who need loving homes.