Fertility options today

Facing a fertility challenge takes courage, and how infertility is treated depends on the cause.

In men, impotence or premature ejaculation can cause infertility. A lack of sperm may also be a factor. When woman experience infertility, physicians will often begin therapy with fertility medications that can regulate or induce ovulation.

Common medications you may be prescribed include:

  • clomiphene citrate – this medication induces ovulation in women who have ovulation disorders
  • human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) – women who don't ovulate on their own can get this injected to directly stimulate the ovaries
  • follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – this medication stimulates the ovaries, resulting in mature egg follicles

Injectable fertility medications can directly increase the risk of multiple births. Oral fertility medications can also increase the risk of multiple births, but generally at a much lower rate.

Surgery is also a viable treatment for infertility in women. Irregularities in the fallopian tubes can often be repaired surgically. If endometriosis is a problem, your physician may treat you with ovulation therapy. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option if endometriosis is the problem.

Believe it or not, fewer than 5% of infertile couples use IVF as a treatment option. For these patients, IVF can help them realize their dream of raising a cherished child. It involves egg removal, fertilization in a laboratory dish, and transportation back into the uterus.

How successful is IVF? According to recent data from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, the live birth rate per cycle is approximately 30%, depending on the woman’s age.

With a myriad of options, your fertility specialist will guide you to help determine what's best for your family. Before seeing a specialist, people often find it helpful to review the latest information on fertility treatments.

While it takes courage to face fertility challenges, it's also comforting to know you're not alone. Your fertility specialist is equipped to help you every step of the way – committed as you are to a new beginning.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Multiple-Births-Fertility-Misconceptions