The treatment regimen and management of infertility should ideally take a multi-disciplinary approach.  In most cases, physical work-up should be complemented with psychological and emotional therapy.  The specific treatment, of course, would depend primarily on the main cause of infertility.  In general, management of infertility may include the following.

• Education

• Counseling or psychotherapy

• Drug therapy or surgical procedures that would treat organic causes or diseases, including anatomical abnormalities in the reproductive system.

• Specific drug therapy to address problems in the reproductive organ system or hormonal imbalance.

Advancements in Infertility Treatment

Should conservative or conventional treatment regimens fail and the couple really wants to have a baby, there are various options available, including:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). Commonly referred to as artificial insemination, involves the introduction of processed sperm inside the woman’s womb or uterus during the ovulation period.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).  ART includes all methods or techniques in which the sperm and egg are handled and processed outside the body:

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is one of the most common and popular ART procedure.  With the sperms are processed and prepared, the woman is stimulated to produce mature eggs.  Retrieved matured eggs and sperms are then placed in a lab dish for fertilization to take place.  Three to five days after fertilization, the embryo is then implanted within the uterus.

Assisted Hatching. By opening the outer covering of the embryo (hatching), the implantation into the inside lining of the uterus is being assisted.

Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). A healthy sperm is injected directly into the mature egg for fertilization to take place.  This is usually done when IVF attempts have failed, and the husband has problem in producing quality sperms or adequate number of sperms.

Gestational Carrier.  Commonly, the female carrier is referred to as the surrogate mother.  This might offer solution in cases where the mother’s uterus cannot sustain the pregnancy or if the mother have a health condition that places the pregnancy as a serious health risk.  The fertilized embryo from the couple is implanted into a female carrier or surrogate.

Donor Eggs or Sperms.  In majority of ART procedures, the couple wants to use their eggs and sperms.  However, when it is difficult or impossible for the male, female or both to produce the reproductive cells, then the couple can choose egg cells or sperm cells from anonymous donors.

As previously mentioned, the treatment for infertility largely depends on various factors.  The couple will likely benefit from a meaningful Q and A session to discuss with their physician which procedure would they prefer or be comfortable with.

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.