Where to start, with all the information and options available in fertility treatments? If you consider undergoing one, you should know that, among the different alternatives, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The first step is to visit a fertility specialist.
In fertility treatments, some procedures are simpler and others more complex, so your specialist must make a medical evaluation, know the cause of the infertility and identify your needs.
They will most likely start by asking about your medical history and perform a physical exam, followed by some routine tests to check the condition of the uterus and ovaries, as well as the semen in the case of men.
These tests often include a blood test (to assess ovarian health and the number of eggs), a carefully performed transvaginal ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) to assess the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Likewise, a spermogram is included to check the volume of the semen, as well as its concentration, movement and shape.
After the tests, the specialist will talk with you and discuss the treatment that may work best for you.
We present you the basics of three fertility treatments:
scheduled intercourse
When a woman ovulates each month, she usually releases an egg chosen by her body from a pool of available eggs. However, there are conditions that can decrease natural ovulation, including irregular menstrual cycles and age.
In this case, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs that induce follicular growth and help cause ovulation or release more than one egg at a time, increasing the chances of pregnancy in each cycle.
Ovarian stimulation has 3 basic points:
- Can be performed by daily administration of oral or subcutaneous medication for an average of 10 days.
- Ultrasounds and blood tests are performed on a regular basis to monitor and control the growth of the follicles.
- The doctor will indicate the fertile days that are the most propitious days for intercourse.
- A pregnancy test is performed.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilization is a process in which the ovules are extracted from the ovary, then the union of an ovule and a sperm is carried out in the laboratory and is incubated in a period of between 3 and 6 days. Usually, one or two embryos are chosen to be transferred to the uterus during IVF.
In Vitro Fertilization supports patients with conditions such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulatory disorders, and low ovarian reserve (when there are not many eggs available in the ovaries).
It may also be an option when there is a moderate or severe male factor, which may be low sperm count, poor sperm quality, sperm with low motility, or abnormally shaped sperm.
In Vitro Fertilization consists of 6 steps:
- Ovarian stimulation.
- Obtaining mature ovules.
- Insemination and fertilization.
- embryo culture.
- embryo transfer.
- Freezing of good quality embryos that were not transferred and that can be used in a subsequent attempt.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Artificial insemination is a low complexity treatment which consists of selecting spermatozoa from a sample and depositing them in the fundus of the uterus.
On the one hand, the patient is prepared with ovulation induction and, on the other, the semen is prepared in the laboratory to increase the chances of pregnancy.
the steps of the Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are:
- Evaluation by the specialist doctor to determine that you are a candidate.
- Ovarian stimulation.
- Routine check-ups.
- Planning the day of ovulation.
- Collection of semen sample for sperm capacitation.
- Insemination of capacitated sperm in the uterine cavity.
- Pregnancy test (after 14 days).
Now that you know a little more about fertility treatments, don't hesitate to consult a specialist in assisted reproduction or go to a fertility clinic to determine the best option for you.
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