Fertility treatment is a series of medical procedures aiding individuals in conceiving a child. The treatment consists of techniques such as IVF, OI, IUI, etc.
Fertility treatment is a series of medical procedures that aid individuals in conceiving a child. The treatment consists of several techniques, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. In addition, these treatments address issues such as low sperm count, ovulation disorders, and tubal blockages.
Fertility treatment options have provided hope and a solution to many individuals who face challenges in starting a family. According to your unique situation, your surgeon creates a special treatment plan. There are signs that you need fertility treatment.
Fertility treatment is suitable for those who have signs that are listed below:
If you are a couple and you cannot conceive a child for an extended period of time (over 6 months), you may be suitable for fertility treatment.
Fertility treatment is a compact plan that will help you conceive a child. There are surgical and non-surgical fertility treatments, which your surgeon will advise according to your overall health, age, or specific situation.
Ovulation Induction (OI)
Ovulation induction is a non-surgical treatment that involves taking medication to stimulate the ovaries to release eggs. It is often used for women with irregular ovulation. During an OI cycle, medications are typically prescribed during the first week of the menstrual cycle.
While OI can be very effective, it also carries risks such as OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) and the potential for a high-risk pregnancy due to the release of multiple eggs.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI fertility treatment consists of a procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization. If you have unexplained sperm abnormalities, your surgeon may suggest you have this treatment.
This fertility treatment process is coordinated with your partner’s natural cycle or with fertility medications to stimulate ovulation. Before the procedure, sperm from your partner or a donor is prepared through a process called “sperm washing." During the procedure, the sperm is directly inserted into the uterus with a thin tube called a catheter.
IUI is a more affordable fertility treatment option when compared to other treatments. However, this treatment comes with a slight chance of infection due to the insertion of the catheter.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a non-surgical and advanced fertility treatment where eggs are extracted from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab to create embryos. The process at the fertility center starts with ovulation induction.
After the retrieval, the eggs are combined with sperm in a laboratory dish for fertilization at the IVF clinic. To evaluate the genetic health of the embryos, your surgeon may perform Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). This test is performed to be sure that selected embryos are free of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities.
Once the embryos show growth, your surgeon will select one or two sperm to transfer into your uterus. IVF success rate depends on various factors, such as age and the underlying causes of infertility.
IVF may carry several risks, such as premature birth, low birth weight, or OHSS. Even though this treatment can be considered expensive, it offers many advantages and gives individuals a chance to conceive a child.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI fertility treatment is kind of a specialized form of IVF. If there is a severe case of male factor infertility that is diagnosed with a male fertility test, your surgeon may perform this fertility treatment.
During ICSI, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries after ovarian stimulation. Instead of mixing the sperm and eggs in a dish, your embryologist selects a single sperm and injects it directly into the egg. If sperm count is extremely low, motility is poor, or there are issues with sperm morphology, this technique can significantly enhance the fertilization chances.
There are concerns about passing on infertility issues to male offspring. Furthermore, since ICSI is typically more expensive than traditional IVF, it is usually recommended only when necessary.
Donor Eggs or Sperm
After fertility test for women and men, your surgeon may detect that you may not use your own gametes due to various medical reasons. During this fertility treatment, your surgeon will use eggs or sperm from a donor.
The benefits of using donor eggs or sperm include enabling pregnancy in situations where it would otherwise be impossible. In addition to the psychological challenges that you may face, the process can be costly.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is also known as keyhole surgery. It is minimally invasive and widely used for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting fertility. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) and specialized instruments are inserted. This technique allows surgeons to view and operate on the internal organs without the need for large incisions.
Laparoscopic surgery for fertility treatment usually results in reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, enhanced fertility, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
Both are less common and involve transferring gametes (GIFT) or zygotes (ZIFT) into the fallopian tubes. These procedures are surgical and are sometimes considered when IVF is not an option.
Fertility treatment mostly requires self-motivation. Even though you will always be in contact with your surgeon, you should not stress or feel depressed. A general overview of the treatment can be summarized as follows:
The first step in fertility treatment is to schedule an appointment with your fertility specialist or a reproductive endocrinologist. During the initial consultation, your specialist will evaluate your medical history, conduct necessary fertility tests for both you and your partner, and discuss potential treatment options based on the results.
It is not possible to indicate a treatment as the best. Because the treatment to achieve pregnancy depends on circumstances such as the reasons for infertility, age, sex, or general health conditions. According to your needs, your surgeon may offer surgical and non-surgical methods.
Fertility treatment cost varies depending on the type of treatment technique, your gender, the difficulty of the process, your special needs, etc. In addition to diagnosing the fertility problems, your surgeon needs to perform a fertility check test, which will change the total cost as well. Therefore, it is difficult to share a budget for the treatment. To get an approximate budget, you should consult with your doctor.
