Basic fertility treatments
While many people hear “fertility treatment” and immediately think of IVF, fewer than 3% of people struggling with infertility actually need such advanced treatment. In fact, basic fertility treatments can help the majority of people achieve pregnancy and have a baby. Which fertility treatment is best for you will depend on your diagnosis, so our Louisiana fertility center starts with comprehensive fertility testing for both the male and female partner.
For men, the first-line fertility test is a semen analysis to evaluate the sperm. For women, blood tests, ultrasound examination and other tests can help your fertility specialist understand whether ovulation is occurring and whether your Fallopian tubes are open and functioning normally. Roughly a third of all cases of infertility are related to a male factor, about a third are related to a female factor and another third are a combination of issues in both partners.
Your age also plays a role in which fertility treatment may be more likely to work for you. Female fertility naturally declines as you move closer to menopause, making it more difficult to become pregnant in your late 30s or 40s. Some women who hope to have a baby later in life choose to skip basic fertility care and move directly to more advanced treatments to take advantage of their remaining ovarian reserve.
Basic fertility treatments for men and women
For some people, simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can make a big difference in fertility. Depending on the results of your fertility tests, our Louisiana fertility center may also recommend basic fertility treatments to help you achieve pregnancy.
About 85% to 90% of cases of infertility can be treated with medication or surgical procedures to repair the reproductive organs.
- Surgery to correct a varicocele or clear sperm blockages in men, or to remove endometriosis, uterine polyps or scar tissue in women
- Antibiotics for the male partner, if the semen analysis reveals infection
- Medication to address erectile dysfunction or improve sperm count
- Hormone treatments men and women, if deficiencies are identified
- Fertility medications to regulate a woman’s cycle or induce ovulation
If basic fertility treatments are not successful, your fertility specialist may recommend that you move on to assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), with or without donor eggs or sperm.
Don’t wait for an evaluation
About 60% of couples will conceive within six months of trying, without any medical assistance. Because many fertility issues worsen with time, it’s important to seek a comprehensive fertility work-up if you are younger than 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year, or if you are 35 or older and have tried for six months without success.
To learn more about basic fertility treatments or to start your fertility evaluation, contact us to schedule an appointment at our Louisiana fertility center.
