Dr. Soumya Rathi | ACE Fertility Centre

Infertility Treatment

Infertility Treatment

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that prevents pregnancy. It can affect anyone and has various causes. The process of conception involves several steps:

  • The brain produces reproductive hormones to control ovarian function.
  • An egg matures in the ovary.
  • The ovary releases the egg (ovulation).
  • The fallopian tube picks up the egg.
  • Sperm travels through the vagina, uterus, and reaches the fallopian tube.
  • Fertilization of the egg by sperm creates an embryo.
  • The embryo travels to the uterus and implants for pregnancy to occur.

What are the types of infertility?

Types of infertility include:

  1. Primary infertility: When you’ve never been pregnant and can’t conceive after one year (or six months if you’re 35 or older) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.

  2. Secondary infertility: When you’re unable to get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy.

  3. Unexplained infertility: When fertility testing fails to identify a specific reason why a person or couple is unable to conceive.

What are signs of infertility?

The primary indicator of infertility is the inability to conceive after six months to one year of regular, unprotected sex. While some individuals may not experience any other symptoms, others may notice:

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods, or absence of periods
  • Penile disorders or difficulties with ejaculation

How is female infertility diagnosed?

Initially, your healthcare provider will gather your complete medical and sexual history. Fertility in individuals with a uterus relies on the healthy release of eggs during ovulation. This process involves hormonal signals from the brain, releasing an egg from the ovary, and its journey through the fallopian tube to the uterine lining. Fertility testing aims to identify any issues in these processes. Various tests can diagnose or rule out problems:
  • Pelvic exam: Your provider examines for structural issues or signs of disease.
  • Blood test: Checks hormone levels for imbalance or ovulation.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: A wand inserted into the vagina examines the reproductive system.
  • Hysteroscopy: A lighted tube (hysteroscope) inspects the uterus.
  • Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): Saline fills the uterus for ultrasound imaging.
  • Sono hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Saline and air bubbles assess tubal blockages during SIS.
  • X-ray hysterosalpingogram (HSG): X-rays trace injectable dye through fallopian tubes for blockages.
  • Laparoscopy: A camera-equipped tube (laparoscope) through a small abdominal incision detects issues like endometriosis, fibroids, or scar tissue.

How is infertility treated?

Treating infertility depends largely on its cause and individual goals. Factors such as age, duration of attempts to conceive, and personal preferences influence treatment decisions. Sometimes, treatment is necessary for one partner, while in other cases, both partners may need interventions.

Most individuals and couples facing infertility have a good chance of achieving pregnancy. Treatments may involve medications, surgical procedures, or assisted reproductive technology (ART). Lifestyle adjustments and optimizing the timing and frequency of intercourse can also enhance pregnancy prospects. Often, a combination of approaches is used to maximize effectiveness.

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