Fertility Treatment in 2021
The Right Time is Right Now
If you’ve been putting off seeing a fertility specialist, you are not alone. Oftentimes, women wait to seek help when having trouble getting pregnant. The general rule of thumb is that if you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for one year, it’s time to see a fertility specialist. If you are over the age of 35, it’s recommended you see a fertility doctor if you’ve been trying for over six months. The new year is a time to begin your journey and explore what treatment option would be best for you.
- Ovulation induction: Ovulation induction is a less aggressive treatment option that still offers success for many patients. This type of treatment cycle includes taking oral medications (such as Clomid or Letrozole) or injectable medications to stimulate the growth of egg follicles. Once egg follicles have grown to an appropriate size, a medication to induce ovulation (such as Ovidrel) is injected to trigger the release of mature eggs. This is often paired with IUI treatments.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Intrauterine insemination, also known as IUI, is a procedure that is paired with ovulation induction to trigger ovulation in the female. Upon just the right timing, a fertility specialist inserts washed and prepared sperm (collected from the male partner, or a donor) directly into the female’s uterus via a small flexible catheter. This process allows the sperm to bypass the cervix, making more sperm available to reach and fertilize the egg(s), and increasing the chance of conception.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): As the most successful fertility treatment option available, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized reproductive endocrinology. IVF bypasses many of the common barriers that can impact fertility and offers advanced technology to increase the odds of achieving pregnancy. You can also pair various other technologies with IVF such as embryo genetic testing through PGT (preimplantation genetic testing).
- Donor Services: Donor services include using technology such as a donor egg, which is obtained from an anonymous donor. There are also options like donor embryo, which allow you to select an embryo that has been gifted from other patients. Donor sperm can be used in various treatment cycles like IUI or IVF. Using a gestational carrier gives the option for women who are unable to carry a pregnancy to have a biological child of their own.
- Reproductive Surgery: Surgeries such as hysteroscopies, laparoscopies, and additional minimally invasive procedures can remove fibroids, endometriosis, and cyst removal. All of these conditions can hinder negatively impact pregnancy rates.
If you’ve been putting off seeking fertility care, or looking to change your course of treatment, the right time is right now. The first step is to set up a consultation with a fertility specialist. Schedule online, or contact us today at 833-SINCERA.