The reasons for infertility depend on the individual, and there are some cases that are unexplained. Ovulation problems, tubal blockages, polycystic ovaries and endometriosis are the most common medical causes in women, and abnormal sperm parameters, azoospermia and antisperm antibodies in men. An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the most common non-medical reasons for infertility – excessive alcohol or smoking can affect fertility in men and women. Another major contributor is stress.
During IVF (in vitro fertilization) fertilization happens in a petrie dish, and the fertilized egg is then deposited in the woman’s uterus to continue to grow. Eggs are harvested for this procedure just before the woman ovulates. Unwanted side effects of IVF can include multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome – which is also the case with ovulation drugs and other procedures.
Reports of links between infertility treatment and cerebral palsy have raised concerns. New research shows that pregnancies resulting from infertility treatment may have a higher-than-average risk of resulting in a child with cerebral palsy. The journal Human Reproduction featured a study which found that children conceived through assisted reproduction had double the likelihood of cerebral palsy as their naturally conceived counterparts. The higher chance is believed to be mostly due to the higher rate of pre term deliveries caused by infertility treatments along with the higher rates of multiple births (54% of assisted-reproduction births are twins or triplets).
Although a lot of people choose modern medical treatments like IVF or IUI, more husbands and wives are also looking to natural or alternative health care solutions for reproduction.There are many ways to improve your chances of conception by making lifestyle changes, such as a change of diet, exercise, acupuncture, yoga and even fertility herbs. Considering the cost of traditional medical infertility treatment, the invasive and painful nature of many of the procedures, and most importantly, the risks involved, it’s highly advisable to try all possible natural options first.
Almost 25% of cases of infertility can be traced to difficulties with ovulation. A medication called Clomiphene citrate, or Clomid, is most often prescribed to stimulate ovulation. Gonadotropins may be given by injection if ovulation or pregnancy does not occur after treatment with clomiphene citrate. With all the ovarian stimulation there is a good chance that multiple eggs will be fertilized, and then your doctor will help you examine what choices to make.
Nearly 15% of husbands and wives trying to conceive experience difficulties, and many of those may opt for infertility treatment. If you have tried for more than a year to get pregnant, the next step might be to do an infertility evaluation. For those in their 30s, the infertility evaluation should be initiated after only six months of unprotected intercourse. The source of a couple’s fertility difficulties is frequently difficult to diagnose.
It is a fairly routine operation to open or remove obstructed fallopian tubes. Growths such as polyps or fibroids, scarring from previous surgery, infection, and endometriosis may also qualify for surgery. The type and severity of the condition will determine the success of the procedure. Infertiliity cannot be “cured” overnight; it may take multiple treatments over a long course of time.
Artificial Insemination is often the first step in a treatment plan for husbands and wives with unexplained infertility. When IUI is performed on a woman who is also using fertility drugs, the pregnancy rate is about 15 per cent. In order to improve the chances of an egg being fertilized, the sperm are treated to extract those with the best motility. Then when the woman is near ovulation, the doctor will deposit the sperm into the uterus.