Understanding Fertility Treatments And Who Should Consider Them

Struggling to conceive after years of trying? Don’t lose hope—because the toughest battles often lead to the most beautiful victories. And here, fertility treatments can help you win yours. They offer hope to millions of couples struggling with infertility ¹. There may be many reasons why a couple may have trouble getting pregnant, but the good news is that with advances in technology, these challenges are not the end of the road. Treatments have evolved, making it possible for couples to achieve their dream of having a child.

In this blog, we'll discuss the different types of fertility treatments available and who should consider them.

What Is Fertility Treatment

Fertility treatment is any medical help that can make it easier for couples to get pregnant. Whether it's medication to help with ovulation or a procedure like IVF, these treatments are designed to increase the chances of conception. The goal is simple – to help couples overcome the hurdles that are standing in the way of their dream of parenthood.

These treatments aren’t just for known issues; they can also help with unexplained infertility or age-related challenges like ²

• Lower egg and sperm quality
• Hormonal imbalances
• Lower ovarian reserve (when a woman has fewer eggs remaining in her ovaries)
• Endometriosis (a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus)
• Tubal blockage (when the fallopian tubes are blocked, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus)
• Or men/women opting for delayed parenthood

Types Of Fertility Treatments

a) In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): A Popular And Effective Option

IVF is a popular treatment for fertility but is highly dependent on egg freezing, a critical yet underestimated feature. IVF success rates heavily depend on the quality and number of eggs retrieved, which can be a challenge for women approaching their mid-30s or older. In fact, IVF success rates are higher in younger women, with nearly 50% success in those under 35. By freezing eggs at a younger age, women can increase their chances of success with IVF later in life. Also, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine now considers egg freezing a standard and acceptable method of fertility preservation.

Frozen eggs can also be utilised for other types of fertility treatments like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and donor egg IVF. In the IVF procedure, eggs are removed from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab . The embryos so formed are implanted in the uterus. If you're considering delaying childbearing or dealing with medical conditions that affect fertility, egg freezing could be a good option.

b) Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A Less Invasive Alternative

Another option is IUI, where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus during ovulation. This can be done with or without fertility medications.⁸ IUI has a success rate of around 20%, similar to natural conception. While its success rate is lower than that of IVF, it's less invasive and also less expensive.⁹

For Male:

c) Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A Solution For Male Factor Infertility

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is an effective treatment for male infertility. In this process, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to help with fertilisation. The procedure is done in a lab, and the embryos are then implanted into the uterus. ICSI is helpful with issues arising from sperm quality or quantity. It yields a higher success rate compared to IVF.¹⁰

d) Sperm Retrieval Procedures:

Azoospermia is a condition with no sperm in the semen sample. The condition is generally treated through sperm retrieval procedures, such as: Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) or Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA). The procedure involves Sperm extraction directly from the epididymis or testicles, which is used for IVF or ICSI.¹¹

e) Sperm Banking:

Sperm banking involves collecting and freezing sperm for future use. It’s helpful for men who may want to preserve their fertility before undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or for those who are planning to delay fatherhood. It ensures that healthy, viable sperm is available when the time is right for fatherhood.¹²

For Women:

c) Egg Donation: A Solution For Egg Quality Issues

When a woman’s eggs are not viable or her ovarian reserve is too low, egg donation can be a valuable option. In this process, eggs are retrieved from a donor, fertilised with the partner’s sperm (or donor sperm), and then the embryos are implanted into the woman’s uterus. This treatment can help women who cannot use their own eggs successfully to achieve pregnancy.¹³

e) Frozen Embryo Transfer

FET is the process of transferring frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle. The embryos are thawed and introduced into the woman’s uterus with a thin catheter. This is usually done when women opt to postpone pregnancy or those who require a break between IVF cycles (maybe for medical or personal reasons).¹⁴

Essential Fertility Tests for Men & Women

Tests For Men

1. Semen Analysis

It tests the number, movement, and morphology of sperm in a semen sample to determine fertility, all of which are essential for conception. ¹⁵

You can opt for LifeCell’s at-home, self-collection semen analysis kit called SpermScore and get a detailed report on 10 sperm health parameters and conditions—without stepping into a lab. 

2. Hormone Testing

Blood tests measure hormone levels, including testosterone, which influence sperm production. Any imbalance may indicate underlying conditions that contribute to infertility.¹⁵

3. Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can help identify if genetic conditions are affecting sperm production, especially in cases of azoospermia (no sperm in the semen) or other male fertility issue.¹⁵

4. Scrotal Ultrasound

The scrotum shields the testicles and controls their temperature. When temperature increases or veins that surround the testicles are dilated (varicocele), it can influence sperm production. This can result in decreased sperm count and quality, and fertility can be impaired. A scrotal ultrasound can identify such conditions—examining damage, varicocele, or any other condition that is detrimental to sperm health.

5. Sperm Function Test

DNA fragmentation evaluates the integrity of the sperm's DNA which detects the cause of unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy failure

Tests For Women-

1. Ovarian Reserve Testing

AMH (Anti-Müllerian) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating) hormone tests help assess ovarian function. This test evaluates a woman’s egg count and quality, providing insight into her fertility potential.¹⁵

2. Ultrasound

A deep scan of the ovaries and uterus helps uncover possible fertility roadblocks such as PCOS, fibroids, or ovarian cysts. ¹⁷

3. Hysterosalpingography

HSG, a form of X-ray, helps evaluate problems with fallopian tubes and the uterus. This may suggest blockages, structural concerns, or fibroids that could be a roadblock to conceive a child.¹⁵

4. Hormonal Tests

These tests quantify the levels of key hormones like LH (Luteinizing Hormone), FSH, estrogen, and progesterone, all of which are critical to ovulation regulation.

5. Laparoscopy

In some cases, laparoscopy is used to diagnose conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or other pelvic issues that could hinder fertility. It's a minimally invasive surgery that provides a clear view of the pelvic organs.¹⁵

6. Thyroid Function Test: 

Thyroid conditions may interfere with menstrual cycles and ovulation, affecting conception. Doctors check TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels to see if the thyroid may be the cause of being unable to get pregnant.¹⁵

Conclusion

Fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, and ICSI offer hope to many couples. These methods are safe and work well due to advances in medical tech. However, you should talk to a doctor to find the best option for you as every couple's journey to having a baby is different. That is why getting the right advice is essential for building a future family.