Infertility Treatments for Women and Men
What is Infertility?
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. It can be due to issues with either the woman, the man, or both.
Female Infertility
Causes of Female Infertility:
- Ovulation Disorders:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Premature ovarian failure
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fallopian Tube Blockages:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Adhesions from surgery or infection
- Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities:
- Fibroids or polyps
- Congenital abnormalities
- Cervical stenosis
- Age-Related Factors:
- Decreased egg quality and quantity
Diagnostic Tests:
- Ovulation Testing:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Basal body temperature charting
- Ovulation predictor kits
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tubes
- Sonohysterography
- Laparoscopy:
- Surgical procedure to examine the pelvic organs
- Endometrial Biopsy:
- Examines the uterine lining
Treatment Options:
- Medications:
- Clomiphene Citrate: Stimulates ovulation.
- Gonadotropins: Hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries.
- Metformin: Used for PCOS to improve insulin resistance.
- Surgical Treatments:
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Removes endometrial tissue, fibroids, or adhesions.
- Hysteroscopic Surgery: Corrects uterine abnormalities.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body, and embryos are transferred to the uterus.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly into the uterus.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine
Male Infertility
Causes of Male Infertility:
- Sperm Production Issues:
- Low sperm count
- Poor sperm motility
- Abnormal sperm shape
- Ejaculation Problems:
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Premature ejaculation
- Testicular Conditions:
- Varicocele
- Infection or trauma
- Undescended testicle
- Hormonal Imbalances:
- Low testosterone levels
Diagnostic Tests:
- Semen Analysis:
- Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology
- Hormone Testing:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound of the testicles
- Genetic Testing:
- Identifies genetic causes of infertility
Treatment Options:
- Medications:
- Hormone Therapy: Corrects hormonal imbalances.
- Antibiotics: Treats infections affecting fertility.
- Surgical Treatments:
- Varicocele Repair: Surgical correction of enlarged veins in the scrotum.
- Vasectomy Reversal: Reconnects the vas deferens.
- Sperm Retrieval Techniques: For cases of obstructive azoospermia.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is washed and placed directly into the uterus.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Avoiding heat exposure to the testicles
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco use
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine