Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility.
Infertility Treatments
Transcript
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility.
Hi, I'm Dr. Roger Lobo with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Today we're talking about treatments for infertility.
One of the most common reasons for female fertility problems is anovulation when a woman is not making or releasing mature eggs. Anovulation is most often treated with medications that work in two ways. One is to stimulate a woman's own hormones to work more effectively. The second is to provide additional hormones called gonadotropins to stimulate the ovary directly. Both treatments stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs. Talk to your doctor to see which method is best for you.
For some patients, basic infertility therapies do not work, and other treatment options can be considered. In vitro fertilization, called IVF, is probably the best-known form of assisted reproductive technology or ART. With IVF a man's sperm and a woman's eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. The embryos that develop are transferred to the woman's uterus to hopefully implant in the uterine lining and continue to develop.
"Physically IVF is probably the most difficult thing I've ever done to my body. We knew we wanted to have a baby and our last resort was really IVF. So the decision didn't come easily but it was really the only decision left to be made in our journey."
IVF is a delicate procedure and should be performed in specialty centers by experienced reproductive care clinicians. It involves many stages of preparation, including medications given to the woman to stimulate multiple eggs, retrieving and inseminating the eggs with her partner's sperm, and returning the embryos to her uterus.
ART also includes other procedures often used with IVF. A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI is often used for men with sperm abnormalities. In a very delicate procedure, a single sperm is introduced through the egg's outer shell into the area where it can more easily fertilize the egg.
Multiple eggs are usually produced in an IVF cycle. After fertilization, any embryos over the number that should be transferred can be cryopreserved or frozen for future use.
Third-party reproduction using another source of sperm, eggs, or embryos, may be an option when these are not biologically possible for a couple. Some may use a gestational carrier or a surrogate when a woman cannot physically carry a pregnancy.
"In situations where a woman is missing a uterus either because she was born without a uterus or because she had it surgically removed in the past, if she still has eggs that are functional it may be possible for her to go through a process where she gets those eggs extracted. Those eggs are then mixed with her partner's sperm in the laboratory, and the embryos that then develop can be inserted into another woman's body. So that other person, the gestational carrier, can actually carry the pregnancy for the patient."
A newer technology called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis or PGD allows for certain genetic conditions to be diagnosed in the embryo before being transferred. This is a very complex procedure and is currently recommended only for specific known genetic abnormalities.
For men with infertility, there are, unfortunately, fewer treatments available. Usually, for an abnormal semen analysis, a special type of insemination called intrauterine insemination is used. Sperm are washed and concentrated to provide more sperm in a small amount of fluid. When the woman's cycle timing is right for insemination, the small sample can be inserted through a catheter directly into her uterus.
Other treatments for infertile men may involve surgery such as correction of a varicocele.
When the basic infertility therapies do not work patients can begin to consider moving on to other treatment options.
Videos
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SART Fertility Experts - Financial Aspects of Infertility Treatment
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Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
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Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
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Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
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Age and Fertility (booklet)
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This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet
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Stress and infertility
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Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
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Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
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Infertility Infographics
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SART Fertility Experts - Preconception Counseling
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Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Fibroids and Fertility
Fibroids and their impact on fertility are discussed in this episode featuring Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, interviewed by host Dr. Brooke Rossi. Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet
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Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should. View the Fact Sheet
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Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
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If you haven’t been able to get pregnant after trying for 6 months, some tests can be done to help find the reason. Your doctor may test your hormone levels, your partner’s sperm, and your reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus [womb]). View the Fact Sheet
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
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Conditions Treated with Adnexal Surgery
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Diagnostic Testing for Female Infertility
An evaluation of a woman for infertility is appropriate for women who have not become pregnant after having 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. View the Fact Sheet
Endometriosis (booklet)
Women with endometriosis may experience infertility, pelvic pain, or both. This booklet will describe options for diagnosing and treating pain or infertility that may be attributed to endometriosis. View the Booklet
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Ovulation Detection
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FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Female Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Female Fertility better. View the Infographics
Ovarian Reserve Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Ovarian Reserve better. View the InfographicsMale Fertility/Andrology
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey
SART Fertility Experts - Urology and Male Reproductive Health
SART Fertility Experts - Male Factor
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Male Fertility
Did you know that up to 40% of infertile couples suffer from male factor infertility? Listen to the Episode
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet
Male cancer, cryopreservation, and fertility
This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casual conversation. View the fact sheet
Male infertility evaluation: what do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet
Surgical techniques for sperm retrieval: what should I know?
As many as 10% to 15% of infertile men have no sperm in their ejaculate (the fluid released from the penis during orgasm). View the fact sheet
Testosterone use and male infertility
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). View the fact sheet
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet
Sperm morphology (shape): Does it affect fertility?
The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. View the fact sheet
Spinal cord injury sperm retrieval
There are several reasons a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) might have infertility. View the fact sheet
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
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Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
When a couple has trouble having a baby, there's about a 50-50 chance that the man has a problem contributing to the pregnancy.View the Fact Sheet
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts
Male Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Male Fertility better. View the infographicsFind a Health Professional
