Fertility Treatments for Women: Support, Resources, and Hope

04/03/2024

 

Types of Infertility and Its Causes

Infertility is of 2 types:

• Primary Infertility: This is when a female has not achieved pregnancy in the past and has trouble getting pregnant.

• Secondary Infertility: When a person who has had at least one pregnancy in the past is now facing issues achieving pregnancy.

Potential Causes of Infertility

There are many causes of infertility in females; a few common reasons are as follows:

Irregular ovulation or no ovulation:

Such issues could be due to hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet, substance abuse, excessive stress, thyroid, etc.

Damaged or blockage in the fallopian tube:

It is one of the most common causes of infertility and develops due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). When diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea are left untreated, it could result in PID.

Endometriosis:

It is a disorder in which the tissues resembling the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, making pregnancy difficult.

Quality and Count of Eggs:

The quality and count of eggs decrease in women with age, particularly after 40. Egg quality is linked to the number of chromosomes. Women are born with limited eggs, and the count keeps decreasing. The rate of decrease increases after the age of 35.

Infertility Treatments

There are various treatments available for infertility; the best-suited treatment would be suggested based on an individual’s condition. Some of the infertility treatments are as mentioned below.

Fertility Medications

Some of the commonly used medications to treat infertility in women are:

• Clomifene: It is used to treat women who ovulate irregularly or do not ovulate at all.

• Tamoxifen: This drug is used as a substitute for clomifene to help treat women having ovulation issues.

• Metformin: This medication is prescribed to women who are suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): HCG shots are recommended for women as it promotes the release of mature eggs from the ovaries during ovulation, enhancing the chances of pregnancy.

There are other medications that your healthcare expert could prescribe. Some of the medicines listed above can also cause adverse effects, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before you buy Generic Female Infertility Drugs or start taking any medications.

Surgery of the Fallopian Tube

If a woman's fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, surgery is carried out to repair it. The surgery enables the smooth passage of eggs. The success rate of the surgery depends on the extent to which the fallopian tube is damaged.

Laparoscopic Surgery

• The disorder, Endometriosis, is treated by conducting a Laparoscopic surgery. It is done to eliminate the fluid-filled sacs called cysts and enhance the possibility of pregnancy.

• Laparoscopic surgery is also used to remove fibroids from the womb.

• Females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have to undergo surgery known as Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). It maximizes the chances of pregnancy by promoting normal ovulation.

Guided Conception

Assisted or guided conception includes intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):

In this, healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterine cavity, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy. It is also known as “artificial insemination” and is used as a treatment for infertility and boosting the probability of successful pregnancy.

In-vitro Fertilization (IVF):

This process involves fertilizing the egg in the laboratory and then transferring the fertilized embryo into the woman’s uterus. It is the most common type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility.

Donor Egg Programme

If a woman is unable to use her egg because of infertility issues, such couples can go for a donor’s eggs to help them conceive. The received egg and the sperm are combined for fertilization and later implanted in the uterus.

Managing Hope While Dealing With Infertility

Hope gives courage and motivation to overcome obstacles and reach the goal. Some people remain hopeful when the odds are against them, and some lose hope even when the treatment seems promising. A few of the points mentioned below can minimize hopelessness.

• Communication between doctors and infertility patients plays a vital role. It can infuse hope in the patients. Good doctors boost their patients' confidence that with the right treatments and medication, they will be successful in having a baby.

• The support and encouragement from fellow infertility patients also help with stress. Support groups, an online community, and waiting lounges connect people who have infertility. The news of a fellow infertility patient getting pregnant instills confidence in other patients.

• Faith helps nurture hope in infertility patients, which is necessary to fight the battle. As for some patients, it could take years and multiple tries before getting a positive result.

• Younger women also opt for egg freezing, which is linked to future hope as they might not be ready. It gives them a sense of reproductive control and enhanced hope for the future.

Conclusion

It could be painful for a woman not to be able to conceive, mainly when they see children with their mother. It can lead to mental and emotional trauma. Women with infertility suffer from tension, anxiety, depression, self-reproach, and even suicidal tendencies. But they shouldn’t lose hope; with advancements in clinical research and medical treatment, the condition can be treated under the guidance of a specialist. Such couples must approach the doctor as early as possible so that the condition can be treated and further worsening can be prevented.