Infertility Treatments for Men and Women
Through this article, we offer an overall summary of the options available for them or their partner’s infertility treatments. But before getting into infertility treatments options, one must know the exact treatment for their infertility case and the various test involved. So, to help you, we have included the various tests and treatment options available for treating infertility in both men and women.
Before moving ahead, let’s know when a couple should visit the doctor’s place for fertility assistance.
- The couple should visit for fertility assistance when a female is over the age of 35 years and has been attempting to get pregnant for six months or more with no success. But it is not only a female who should undergo a fertility test.
- Both males and females must undergo the test to know the overall infertility issues because it can be either by female, male, or a blend of both.
- A complete evaluation of the infertility issue also helps the patient with all the possible answers to numerous inquiries.
However, there is no guarantee that you will get pregnant after all the testing and counselling.
Table of Contents
Tests Options for Women
Female infertility tests are done to find out the exact cause of their infertility, such as whether their ovary is releasing a healthy egg or not, whether there is a problem with the fallopian tube or with the implantation, etc. So, doctor performs a physical examination and the following tests:
1. Ovulation Testing
A blood test is done to measure hormone levels and determine whether you are ovulating. A test for progesterone and another hormone level, such as prolactin, may also be checked.
2. Hysterosalpingography
In this X-ray is injected into the uterus to check if there is any problem inside the uterus and to find out whether the fluid spills out of the fallopian tubes or any other problems.
3. Ovarian Reserve Testing
Ovarian reserve testing determines the quality and quantity of eggs that are available for ovulation. Women above the age of 35years can have a series of blood and imaging tests.
4. Another Hormone Testing
Other hormone tests are done to check the level of pituitary, thyroid, and ovulatory hormones that control reproductive processes.
5. Imaging Test
Imaging tests are done to look for ovarian or uterine disease. And sometimes saline infusion sonogram or hysteroscopy is used to see the detail inside the uterus, which cannot be seen in a routine ultrasound.
In some Rare Situations, your test may also includes the-
6. Hysteroscopy
In some situations, the doctor may also request for hysteroscopy. A thin light device is inserted through the cervix into your uterus to look for uterine disease or other potential abnormalities.
7. Laparoscopy
A small incision is made beneath your naval, and a thin device is inserted to examine the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. It helps identify the problem related to the ovaries and uterus, any blockage in the fallopian tube, etc.
Tests Options for Men
Male infertility tests are done to determine whether there is any problem in producing healthy sperm or any problem related to ejaculation etc. In men, a general physical examination together with a genital’s examination is performed.
1. Semen Analysis
Depending on the situation doctor may advise for one or more semen specimens. It is obtained by interrupting intercourse or masturbating and then sent to the lab for analysis. In some cases, urine is also tested for the presence of sperm.
2. Hormone Testing
A blood test is done to determine the male hormones and testosterone levels.
3. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is done to determine whether there is a genetic defect causing infertility.
4. Testicular Biopsy
Sometimes, a testicular biopsy is done to identify abnormalities contributing to infertility or recover sperm for assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF.
5. Imaging
In some situations, imaging studies are done, such as a brain MRI, transrectal, or vas deferens (vasography).
6. Another Specialty Testing
In some rare cases, other tests are done to evaluate the quality of the sperm.
Infertility Treatments for Women and Men
Infertility treatments is designed to assist people with fertility problems. These include treatment for both men and women.
There are several things on which infertility treatments depends, such as the duration of your infertility, the couple’s age, personal preferences, etc.
Infertility Treatments for Women
A. Fertility Drugs
Fertility drugs are the primary treatment for women, mainly if their infertility is due to ovulation disorders. These drugs help in regulating and induce ovulation. Discuss with your fertility doctor all the drug options, including each type’s benefits and disadvantages.
B. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
In IUI fertility treatment, a healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus when the ovary releases eggs to fertilize it. Depending on the cause of infertility, the timing of IUI is coordinated with the regular cycle.
C. Surgery
This involves hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery treats uterine issues like endometrial polyps, a uterine septum, intrauterine scar tissue, etc. And laparoscopic surgery is done to treat Endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, larger fibroids, etc.
Infertility Treatments for Men
A. Changing Lifestyle
Changing certain lifestyles and behaviors can increase the chances of pregnancy, such as discontinuing certain medications, reducing or eliminating harmful substances, regular exercise, and optimizing other factors that may cause other impair fertility.
B. Medications
Certain medications can improve sperm count and helps in achieving a successful pregnancy. These medicines may also improve testicular function, including sperm quality and production.
C. Surgery
In some cases, surgery can reverse sperm blockage and restore fertility.
D. Sperm Retrieval
In this, sperm is obtained when there is a problem in ejaculation or when sperm is not present in the ejaculated fluid. This may also be used when assisted reproductive techniques are planned, but the sperm counts are low or otherwise abnormal.
Complications Involved in Infertility Treatments
There are also some complications involved in infertility treatments, such as-
Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple pregnancies are a common difficulty of infertility treatment. Generally, more foetuses in infertility treatment led to the risk of premature labor and delivery and also the problem of gestational diabetes. Premature delivery leads to the risk of health and development issues.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Medications that induce ovulation can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, especially with ART. In this, ovaries become swollen and painful, which leads to abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, etc.
Bleeding or Infection
There is a rare risk of bleeding or infection with reproductive surgery or assisted reproductive technology.