Reproductive fertility care includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. In the female reproductive system, infertility is caused by anomalies in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the endocrine system. And in men, it’s characterized by a low sperm count and irregular testosterone levels.
If you are struggling with infertility and have experienced failed attempts at getting pregnant, reproductive fertility services can help to increase your chances of conceiving. Thanks to advanced technology, fertility doctors can help couples through fertility issues to help them achieve their dream of raising a family.
Fertility treatments sometimes involve one treatment, and other times, a combination of treatments for both. In addition, these treatments can include hormonal injections that encourage ovulation. These are sometimes combined with minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility can be present in both male and female reproductive systems. According to the World Health Organization, these are the leading causes of infertility.
In females:
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Uterine disorders which can be benign (e.g., fibroids), congenital (e.g., septate uterus), or inflammatory (e.g., endometriosis) in nature.
- Ovarian disorders, e.g., follicular disorders.
- The reproductive hormone imbalance causes endocrine system disorders.
In males:
- Blockage of the reproductive tract that carries semen results from injury or infection.
- The hormonal imbalance leads to irregular or low sperm production.
- Impairment of sperm-producing cells by medical treatments like chemotherapy.
- Low sperm quality, including abnormal shape and movement.
- Lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, and obesity can also affect fertility.
Treating Infertility Among Couples
There are a few ways of treating infertility, depending on the primary cause; these treatments include the following:
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
ART incorporates several procedures that create better chances of conceiving. And it includes egg extraction from the ovaries, fertilization of the egg, and implantation onto the uterine lining. Assisted reproduction improves the chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Medicines
Medicines improve the hormonal environment of the developing embryo for higher chances of implanting in the uterus. Additionally, some fertility medicines such as Clomiphene and Tamoxifen encourage regular ovulation, while Gonadotropins also improve fertility in men.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery treatment improves fertility by correcting anomalies in the reproductive system. Such surgeries include fallopian tube surgery to unclog the passageway and epididymal surgery to create a path for the male sperm.
Intrauterine Insemination
During this reproductive fertility service, your doctor washes and concentrates the sperm, then places it into the uterus right about when ovulation occurs. The sperm and egg then fertilize and form an embryo that implants on the uterine wall.
Egg and Sperm or Embryo Donation
Receiving eggs, sperm, or embryo donation from a donor can also help you to conceive if you or your partner is experiencing an infertility problem. Treatment using donor eggs or embryos is usually donor using IVF, and apart from infertility, the prospective parents also avoid certain genetic conditions.
Reproductive Fertility Services Statistics
Conception through Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) has doubled over the last decade. And at least 2% of infants in the US are conceived through ART. CDC reports that in 2019, there were 83,946 live-born infants out of 330,773 ART cycles. And out of the total, 121,086 were banking cycles frozen for future use.
In addition, about 33% of American adults have either sought a reproductive fertility service or know someone who has used it. And about 48% of families with incomes above $75,000 have also encountered a particular form of fertility treatment.
Reproductive Fertility Service Q&As
A: Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive or to carry the pregnancy to term. Either of the two can be the reason for infertility. For instance, the man can have a low sperm count, or the woman could have blocked fallopian tubes.
A: Conception takes about two weeks, and the doctor can test if you have positive results.
A: In-Vitro Fertilization has about a 55% chance of success on the first trial. This may fluctuate based on your age and other factors.
A: Reproductive treatments include hormonal medicines, corrective surgical procedures, and assisted conception such as In-vitro fertilization, assisted hatching, and intrauterine insemination.
A: Women in their 20s and 30s have the best chances of a successful pregnancy, but reproductive treatments such as assisted hatching can also work in older persons.
A: A man’s fertility declines at 40 years, while a woman’s starts at 30.
A: A couple should see their fertility doctor after six months to one year of trying to get pregnant.
