There are many methods used to treat infertility. The treatment and success rate vary greatly, depending mainly on the cause of infertility. Some of the common infertility treatments are: assisted conception, fertility drugs, surgery, and homeopathic methods. Each type of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages.
Assisted conception is the manipulation of egg and sperm in treating infertility. There are a number of methods used, and they are generally used in conjunction with fertility drugs to give the best chance of success. Assisted conception techniques are invasive and expensive. They are often recommended as a last resort for having a baby. The main concern with assisted conception is multiple births. Nadya Suleman, or “octomom”, is perhaps the most well known case of multiple births in recent history.
Some of the more common methods of assisted conception:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): One of the most well known methods. Eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory environment, and the resulting embryos are transplanted to the woman’s uterus. Louise Brown, the first baby to be conceived by IVF, was born in 1978.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): One of the less technical methods used, sperm is inserted directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
- Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): Eggs and sperm combined in a laboratory and are then placed in the fallopian tubes. Fertilization happens inside the body.
- Surrogacy: This is where another woman carries the embryo to term and gives the baby to the biological parents after birth.
It is also common to use donor provided eggs or sperm in these procedures.
There are many different fertility drugs on the market. The drug prescribed will depend on the identified cause of infertility. Some of the more common fertility drugs:
- Bromocriptine (known by the brand name Parlodel): Used to treat ovulation problems caused by excess of hormone prolactin. If no other fertility problems are present, the couple may try to conceive naturally. Bromocriptine is considered safe even if it must be used for several years. 50% of women will ovulate as long as they continue taking the drug.
- Clomiphene: Used to treat women who ovulate irregularly, or not at all, as well as in cases of unexplained infertility. Clomiphene may also be used to treat men. It is the most widely used fertility drug.
- Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (hMG): Used to treat fertility problems in both men and women. hMG helps women to ovulate and improves sperm count in men. It is given to women who have not responded to clomiphene, and to men with a hormonal imbalance. It is taken by injection.
In certain cases, surgery may be required to treat infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts can all be treated with surgery.
Homeopathic remedies are becoming increasingly popular. They are often less expensive and focus on improving general health, especially reproductive health. Homeopathic remedies are natural treatments that can be used to treat both men and women. You should consult a doctor before trying homeopathic remedies, as drug companies are not required by the FDA to test or review them for safety.
Even with modern medical practices and infertility treatments, some couples still fail to conceive. When this happens, many couples have turned to adoption. Adoption can be a good alternative for infertile couples wishing to have children.
