Understanding the Different Types of Infertility Treatment Options
Owing to our atrocious lifestyle and unhealthy habits, many ailments have paved their way into our lives. Infertility is no exception. Nowadays, infertility has become a growing concern, and many couples face challenges in conceiving naturally. While modern medicine has provided many infertility treatment options to help aspiring parents start their own families, understanding the treatment alternatives is crucial. Wondering what are the different infertility treatment options? Here you go!
Medications for infertility
Infertility medications stimulate ovulation in women and increase sperm count in men. Some common medications used for infertility treatment include Clomiphene Citrate, Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These medications are prescribed by a fertility specialist, and they should only be taken under their supervision.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
An intrauterine insemination is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which sperm is directly injected into the uterus. It is necessary in cases where the male partner has a low sperm count or mobility issues. The process is relatively simple and painless and involves washing and preparing the sperm before injecting it into the uterus. The success rates of IUI vary, but it is generally lower than other more advanced ART treatments.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro, fertilization is one of the most commonly used infertility treatments worldwide. It involves fertilizing an egg outside the body in a laboratory and then transferring the embryo back into the uterus. IVF becomes indispensable in cases where natural conception is not possible, or other infertility treatments have failed. IVF success rates vary depending on factors such as age, cause of infertility, and the number of embryos transferred.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is an ART technique that involves injecting a single sperm directly into the egg. ICSI helps in cases where the male partner has severe sperm abnormalities. The success rates of ICSI are generally higher than IUI, but it is a more invasive and expensive procedure.
Donor Eggs and Sperm
Donor eggs and sperm can be used when one or both partners have infertility issues. Donor eggs are typically used in cases where the female partner cannot produce viable eggs, while donor sperm finds its uses when the male partner has a low sperm count or mobility issues. Donor eggs and sperm can be obtained from a known or anonymous donor and can be used with various ART treatments such as IVF or IUI.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is used to detect genetic abnormalities in embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. PGD is essential in cases where one or both partners are carriers of genetic disorders or when there is a history of genetic disorders in the family. The procedure involves removing a small number of cells from the embryo and testing them for genetic abnormalities. Only embryos without genetic abnormalities are transferred into the uterus.
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