Infertility refers to the inability of a person to reproduce. Human infertility affects about 15% worldwide. No one wants to suffer from infertility, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 12 percent of women in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. There are plenty of medical reasons why a couple can’t conceive, including infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and hormonal disorders which affect the menstrual cycle and reproduction system. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to treat infertility, and most of them are relatively affordable and effective. Leela K Patel M.D., a fertility specialist in South Charleston, can recommend an ideal treatment based on your situation. This article looks at some of the most effective infertility treatments.
1. Hormone Therapy
One of the most common ways to treat infertility is hormone therapy. This involves taking medication to help stimulate the production of hormones that are essential for reproduction. Hormone therapy can be used independently or in combination with other treatments, such as IVF.
One of the most common hormones that are affected by infertility is estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the development and growth of the ovaries, and it helps prepare the body for reproduction. If estrogen levels are low, it can affect the ability of a woman to produce eggs and conceive. Hormone therapy can be used to increase estrogen levels and help improve fertility.
2. Varicocelectomy
A varicocele is a condition that affects the veins that supply blood to the testicles. It occurs when these veins become enlarged and twisted, and it can cause fertility problems in men. A varicocelectomy is a surgery used to remove enlarged veins and improve fertility.
The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and it is typically effective in restoring fertility. Recovery time is generally short, and most men can return to their normal activities within a few days.
3. IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure used to help couples conceive a child. It involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and then transferring the resulting embryos to the womb. The fertilization process consists of putting the sperm into a petri dish and then adding eggs. The resulting embryos are monitored for several days, and after they have developed sufficiently, they are transferred to the woman’s uterus using a thin tube.
This is usually one of the most effective infertility treatments because it allows the doctor to control fertilization. The success rate of IVF is generally around 50%, which is significantly higher than other treatments.
4. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure used to help couples conceive a child. It involves injecting sperm directly into the woman’s uterus. This is usually done using a thin tube inserted through the cervix.
IUI is often used to treat infertility when there are problems with the sperm or the egg. It offers several benefits over other treatments, including lower costs and shorter treatment periods. It usually takes about three to five days of treatment for IUI to succeed.
In summary, infertility refers to the inability of a person to reproduce, but you can correct it with various treatments. Common infertility treatments include intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, hormone therapy, and varicocelectomy.
