Infertility is a common problem that affects millions of couples around the world. It can be an emotionally and financially draining experience, but there is hope. With modern medicine and treatment options, more and more couples can conceive and have healthy babies despite your Houston Infertility issues. Infertility affects both men and women and has a variety of causes.
When you book an appointment with a fertility specialist, the doctor will ask you and your partner many questions about your medical history and lifestyle habits. The specialist can also do a physical exam. Once all the tests are done, the doctor can give you a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
Causes of Infertility
Many different factors can contribute to infertility. In some cases, the cause is unknown; here are some of the known causes:
- Hormonal problems: Hormones play a vital role in reproduction. If the body doesn’t produce enough of the right hormones, or if there is an imbalance of hormones, it can interfere with ovulation or sperm production and result in infertility.
- Anovulation: This is when the ovaries don’t release eggs regularly. It is a common cause of infertility, especially in women over 35.
- Ovulation disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with normal ovulation.
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities: Abnormalities of the uterus or cervix can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant or survive in the uterus.
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage: They are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. If the tubes are damaged or blocked, conception may be impossible.
- Endometriosis: This condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain and infertility.
The good news is that there are treatment options available for infertile couples, including:
Medication
When it comes to medication, there are many options available to help couples conceive. Clomiphene citrate is a common fertility drug that helps women with ovulation disorders. Some medicines can help men with sperm production problems.
In Vitro fertilization (IVF)
IVF is a process where eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are implanted in the woman’s uterus. The procedure entails a lot of time and emotional investment, but it can be successful.
Surgery
When your infertility specialist has determined the cause of your infertility, the doctor may recommend surgery to fix the problem. Surgery can be used to repair damaged fallopian tubes, remove uterine fibroids, or treat endometriosis.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
ART is a general term for fertility treatments that involve manipulating eggs and sperm outside the body. Common ART procedures include:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This is a procedure where a single sperm is injected into an egg.
- Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT): This procedure is where eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab and then transferred to the fallopian tubes.
- Donor eggs: This is a procedure where eggs from a donor are fertilized by sperm from the woman’s partner. The resulting embryo is then implanted in the woman’s uterus.
Couples who are facing infertility have many options available. Visit Memorial Women’s Specialists, and your infertility doctor can help you create a treatment plan that is right for you.
