Infertility

Purpose

To enhance the chances of conception by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle.

Benefits

Increased Egg Production

Producing multiple eggs increases the odds of fertilization.

Flexibility

Can be used with IUI, IVF, or timed intercourse.

Process

- Medications are administered to stimulate egg production. These may include Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid), Gonadotropins, or Letrozole.

- Regular ultrasounds and blood tests monitor follicle growth and hormone levels, allowing for dose adjustments.

Complication

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

In rare cases, excessive response can cause swelling, pain, or more severe symptoms.

Multiple Pregnancies

Higher chances of twins or triplets due to multiple eggs being released or fertilized.

Purpose

To track the development and size of follicles in the ovaries to determine the best timing for ovulation and subsequent steps like IUI or IVF.

Benefits

Precision

Ensures timing aligns with peak fertility for procedures like IUI or IVF.

Safety

Helps avoid OHSS by closely monitoring ovarian response to stimulation.

Process

- Starting early in the cycle, transvaginal ultrasounds track follicle size, while blood tests monitor hormone levels (especially estrogen).

- Monitoring continues until follicles reach the ideal size (18-22 mm), indicating egg maturity.

Complication

Frequent Appointments

Requires regular visits for monitoring, which can be time-intensive.

Cost

Can add to treatment costs, although it is essential for optimal timing and success.

Purpose

To check for structural issues in the uterus or blockages in the fallopian tubes, which could prevent fertilization.

Benefits

Diagnostic Clarity

Reveals physical obstacles to conception, such as blocked tubes or abnormal uterine shapes.

Therapeutic Effects

Occasionally, the dye itself can clear minor blockages, improving natural conception chances afterward.

Process

- A contrast dye is injected into the uterus through the cervix. X-ray images are then taken to track the dye as it flows through the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Complication

Discomfort

Some women experience mild to moderate pain or cramping.

Risks

Rarely, infections or allergic reactions to the dye may occur.

Purpose

To bypass challenges such as low sperm count or motility, optimizing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and facilitating fertilization.

Benefits

Enhanced Sperm Placement

Increases the chances of sperm reaching the egg by placing them closer to the fallopian tubes.

Minimal Invasiveness

Less invasive and less expensive than IVF, often used as a first step in assisted reproduction.

Process

- Sperm is collected, "washed" to remove impurities and concentrate motile sperm, then inserted directly into the uterus near ovulation.

Complication

Lower Success Rates for Certain Cases

May be less effective for women over 35 or those with more severe infertility factors.

Timing

Requires close timing with ovulation for optimal success, often coordinated with medications.

Purpose

IVF is used for various fertility issues, including blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or other situations where other treatments have not been successful.

Benefits

High Success Rate

One of the most effective assisted reproduction methods, with advancements like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) for male factor infertility.

Flexible

Works for a range of fertility issues and allows for genetic testing of embryos.

Process

Ovarian Stimulation:Similar to IUI, medications stimulate multiple eggs.

Egg Retrieval: Once eggs mature, they are retrieved via a minor surgical procedure using ultrasound guidance.

Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to facilitate fertilization, creating embryos.

Embryo Transfer: One or more embryos are transferred to the uterus after a few days, while remaining viable embryos can be frozen.

Complication

Cost

IVF is generally more expensive than other treatments.

Physical and Emotional Demands

IVF involves multiple procedures, medications, and possible cycles, which can be physically and emotionally taxing.

Risk of Multiple Pregnancies

Can be minimized by limiting the number of embryos transferred.