Every month, most women release one egg from their ovaries, a process called ovulation. The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. For pregnancy to occur, healthy sperm must be in the uterus at the time of ovulation. Infertility in women can happen if there are problems with this process. In men, infertility can be caused by issues with sperm quantity or quality.
Ovulation is controlled by hormones. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, being overweight or underweight, or aging, can disrupt ovulation. Problems with the fallopian tubes or uterus can also cause infertility. Scarring from past infections or surgeries, fibroids (noncancerous growths), or endometriosis (tissue that grows outside the uterus) can affect these organs.
How Can Infertility Be Treated?
The right infertility treatment depends on the cause, which is often identified through blood tests, sperm tests, or imaging studies. In some cases, no clear cause is found, which is known as unexplained infertility. Multiple factors may contribute to the issue.
Some women can improve their fertility through lifestyle changes. Others may need medications or more advanced treatments. Treatment options, listed from least to most expensive and invasive, include:
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Lifestyle changes: Weight loss for overweight women or weight gain for underweight women can help promote ovulation. Quitting smoking can also improve fertility.
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Clomiphene: This medication, taken as a pill, can help stimulate ovulation.
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Hormone shots: If clomiphene is not effective, hormone injections can be used to promote ovulation.
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Intrauterine insemination (IUI): In this procedure, sperm is delivered directly into the uterus right before ovulation, often alongside clomiphene or hormone shots. IUI is especially useful for male infertility or unexplained infertility.
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In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF is the most invasive and expensive treatment. It involves removing eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab. The fertilized embryos are then placed in the uterus.
How Well Do These Treatments Work?
The success of infertility treatments varies from woman to woman, and results can take months to appear. If a treatment doesn’t work after six months, a new approach should be considered. Success rates also decrease with age.
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