Trying to Get Pregnant? Infertility Treatments Explained.
Reproductive(Fertility) Health Data Verified

Trying to Get Pregnant? Infertility Treatments Explained.

Written by
Dr. Gowrimeena
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

Published on May 07, 2014 and last reviewed on May 10, 2023   -  2 min read

Abstract

Infertility is when a couple is unable to conceive after 12 months of regular sexual relationships without protection. Read the article to know more.

Trying to Get Pregnant? Infertility Treatments Explained.

Infertility is a condition where the couple is unable to conceive after 12 months of regular sexual relationship without birth control.

In some cases we do not wait for this 12 month period to start investigating eg if the patient’s age is 35 or more, patient has irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, pelvic infections, has had appendisectomy etc.

Types of infertility

  • primary infertility mean that the couple has never conceived.
  • Secondary infertility means that the couple has experienced a pregnancy before and failed to conceive later.

Facts About Infertility

It's a myth that infertility is always a "woman's problem". Half of all cases of infertility result from problems with the man's reproductive system. Most infertility results from physical problems in a man or woman's reproductive system. Sometimes we may not be able to find a cause for infertility (Unexplained infertility).

  • Tests for the male partner are first advised as they are relatively simple and help decide treatment. This includes a basic health assessment & lab testing including semen analysis.
  • Tests for the female are done to check general health, hormones affecting fertility & infections.

In some cases we may ask for tests to detect ovarian reserve (number of eggs in the ovary). Additional tests include ultrasound scan to assess health of reproductive organs & to check ovulation (egg release).

Tubal patency can be checked by HSG or Hysterosalpingogram which is an X ray test or during a laparoscopy (key hole surgery). You may also need hysteroscopy (camera test for uterus) if we suspect fibroids or polyps in the uterus hindering pregnancy.

Infertility treatment can range from practical lifestyle changes to extended medical procedures - depending on the nature of the problem.

As a first step, it may just be a few simple measures, like sexual education, awareness of fertile period and adhering to a healthy lifestyle.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is the term used for advanced infertility treatments. These treatments are designed to increase the number of eggs or sperm, and to bring them together, thus improving the likelihood of pregnancy.

The Types of Treatment Are

OI (Ovulation induction): This is offered when the female has irregular ovulation. Medication is provided to increase the number of eggs released to improve chances of pregnancy.

IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination): This is the method by which processed semen is placed directly in the uterus with the help of a catheter.

IVF (Invitro Fertilization): IVF means fertilization of an ovum outside the body and consequently, the transfer of the fertilized ovum (embryo) into the uterus of the woman.

ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection): In this technique, a single sperm is directly injected into the cytoplasm of an egg in order to achieve fertilization.

Frequently Asked Questions


1.

What Happens in a Fertility Treatment?

In fertility treatment, the egg is fertilized outside the body. Medications will be given to boost egg production in a woman. Then, the egg and the sperm are fertilized in the laboratory. After fertilization, the embryo is placed in the uterus and allowed to grow.

2.

Are There Chances of Getting Pregnant With Fertility Treatments?

The chances of getting pregnant with fertility are quite high. However, the possibilities depend on the age of the person as well—the younger the individual, the greater the chance of getting pregnant with fertility treatment.

3.

Which Is the Most Effective Treatment for Fertility?

The most effective fertility treatment depends on the individual's requirements. However, the most common fertility treatments may include artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization.

4.

Is Fertility Treatment Painful?

There might be some amount of discomfort that may be associated with fertility treatment. Few patients may experience more significant pain than others due to the injections. The drugs given for fertility treatment may be associated with abdominal pain.

5.

What Is the Time Duration of a Fertility Treatment?

One cycle of IVF (in vitro fertilization) usually takes two to three weeks. However, one may require more than one cycle. Fertility treatment, on average, takes five to six months.

6.

What Are the Factors That Increase the Risk of Infertility?

Infertility can affect anyone. However, some factors pose an infertility risk. These include age, excessive use of alcohol, smoking, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease), and thyroid.

7.

How Does an Infertility Treatment Start?

The beginning of fertility treatment can happen by choosing the right team of doctors. The doctors will then evaluate the person's overall health and design a treatment plan.

8.

What Is the Ideal Age to Get Pregnant?

The ideal age to get pregnant varies depending on various factors. Some may consider late pregnancy over an early issue. However, the body is in the perfect condition to bear a child from the mid-20s to early 30s.

9.

What Are the Signs of Female Infertility?

The signs of female infertility may include the inability to conceive, menstrual irregularities, or menstruation that could be absent.

10.

What Are the Tests Done to Check for Infertility?

The various tests that could be performed to check for infertility include blood tests to see hormone assessment, semen analysis, and other scans the doctor may deem necessary.

11.

Can You Suffer With Infertility Even After Having a Regular Menstrual Cycle?

Regular menstruation does not guarantee fertility and vice-versa. But, on the other hand, a person can have good fertility even without regular cycles.

12.

Does Infertility Mean Absence of Eggs in a Woman?

Infertility does not always mean the absence of eggs. However, at times the eggs may not be produced at regular intervals, or they may not be of good quality.

13.

Is Infertility Common?

Infertility can be understood as the inability to get pregnant after trying to conceive for over a year. Unfortunately, infertility is a common problem. It may occur in almost 10 % of the population.

Last reviewed at:
10 May 2023  -  2 min read

RATING

15

Tags:

Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Related Questions & Answers


Causes of Male Infertility

Article Overview: Cases of infertility are on a surge in males, especially with the sedentary lifestyle. This article throws light on the causes of male infertility. Read Article


Duraisamy Palanisamy
Duraisamy Palanisamy
Diabetology

What Is the Process of Conception? Conception is nothing but getting pregnant. For conception to occur, several steps are involved, which includes the following: What Factors Determine the Conception Process? The process of conception is dependent on several factors, which is shown below: What Is Ma...  Read Article

How to Prevent Infertility in Males?

Article Overview: In half of the couples who cannot conceive, male infertility plays an important role. Read the article to know more. Read Article


D. V. R. Poosha
D. V. R. Poosha
Sexology

Introduction Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive even after frequent sexual intercourse. Male infertility is a common issue nowadays. Subfertility (reduced fertility) in males is on the rise. A number of environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and habits are adding to the biologic...  Read Article

Popular Articles Most Popular Articles

Do you have a question on Infertility Treatment or Intra Uterine Insemination?

Ask a Doctor Online

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.