Best Practice For Infertility Treatment
In cases where spontaneous pregnancy doesn’t happen, couples can often still achieve a pregnancy through use of assisted reproductive technology. Infertility treatment may involve significant financial, physical, psychological and time commitments. We practice the treatment algorithm “from simple to complex” for couples, and select treatment methods depending on age,causes of infertility, duration of infertility and severity of patient’s anamnesis. There are three main types of fertility treatment:- medicines
- surgical procedures
- assisted conception – including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Medicines
Fertility medicines are usually prescribed to women as they are mostly used to help with ovulation problems. But, in some cases, they may also be prescribed to men. Medication that stimulates the ovaries isn’t recommended for women with unexplained infertility because it hasn’t been found to increase their chances of getting pregnant.Surgical Procedures
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Fallopian tube surgery :
If your fallopian tubes have become blocked or scarred, you may need surgery to repair the tubes. Surgery can be used to break up the scar tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it easier for eggs to pass along them. The success of surgery will depend on the extent of the damage to your fallopian tubes. Possible complications from tubal surgery include an ectopic pregnancy, when the fertilised egg implants outside the womb. -
Endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS :
Endometriosis is when parts of the womb lining start growing outside the womb. Laparoscopic surgery is often used for women who have endometriosis to destroy or remove fluid-filled sacs called cysts. It may also be used to remove submucosal fibroids, which are small growths in the womb.In women with PCOS, a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be used if ovulation medication hasn’t worked. This involves using either heat or a laser to destroy part of the ovary. -
Surgical sperm retreival :
The epididymis is a coil-like structure in the testicles that helps store and transport sperm. Sometimes the epididymis becomes blocked, preventing sperm being ejaculated normally. If this is causing infertility, surgery can be used to correct the blockage.
Assisted conception
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Intrauterine insemination (IUI) :
UI, also known as artificial insemination, involves inserting sperm into the womb via a fine plastic tube passed through the cervix. Sperm is first collected and washed in a fluid. The best-quality specimens – the fastest moving – are selected. -
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) :
In IVF, the egg is fertilised outside the body. The woman takes fertility medication to encourage her ovaries to produce more eggs than normal. Eggs are removed from her ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. A fertilised egg, called an embryo, is then returned to the woman’s womb to grow and develop. -
Egg and sperm donation :
If you or your partner has an infertility problem, you may be able to receive eggs or sperm from a donor to help you conceive. Infertility treatment with donor eggs is usually carried out using IVF.