Infertility Treatment: Giving That Ray of Hope

Infertility is one of the most challenging medical conditions and it is estimated that nearly 15 percent of couples in the US may be infertile. In general, this is indicated by the inability of the couple to conceive a child after up to a year of unprotected intercourse, or when the woman is unable to hold the pregnancy to term.

Facts and Myths
There are a number of myths surrounding infertility, and while some may be cultural a range of beliefs can be attributed to misguided information sources. For instance, a vast majority of couples believe the problem lies with the woman, and this could not be further from the truth. In reality, any one of the partners may be infertile and in some cases the actual cause may not be clearly discernable. 

The most common causes of sterility in men may be varicocele, which in essence is a condition that affects the testicle resulting in lowered sperm production and viability. In some cases, the sperm count may be too low, or the sperms produced may be non-functional resulting in loss of reproductive ability. Conditions such as cystic fibrosis are also known to cause fertility problems in men. In women, the primary cause of fertility problems is irregular ovulation or menstruation patterns. Sometimes ovulation can be disrupted in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which causes hormonal imbalance that interferes with release of the ova for fertilization. Issues with the uterus and fallopian tubes are also known to cause fertility issues. Blockage of the tubes result in what are termed ectopic pregnancies that invariably are not sustainable to term and will usually end in spontaneous abortions.

The general consensus among the medical community is that an individual’s fertility varies greatly depending on their overall health and lifestyle choices. For instance, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can impact sperm counts in men, while it can result in menstrual problems in women. In addition, the age and general physical status as well as external factors such as stress and radiation can play a significant role in determining the overall fertility and ease of conception.

Treatment Options
In general, the most common causes of infertility can be addressed via appropriate medical intervention including hormonal therapy. Most reputed fertility clinics employ trained and certified reproductive endocrinologists who analyze the medical history of the couple prior to recommending hormonal treatment. Depending on the nature of problem, stimulating release of the ovum may help facilitate fertilization in cases where the woman has ovulation issues. Hormonal therapy can also help men by increasing sperm production thus boosting the chances of pregnancy. In addition to treating the causes of reproductive problems, a number of couples are considering IVF or in-vitro fertilization, one of many procedures that form part of assisted reproduction. 

Aside from undergoing the right treatment, it is always a good idea to make specific lifestyle improvements to enhance the probability of pregnancy. There is little doubt that with the array of sophisticated techniques available, overcoming the limitations of infertility and conceiving a child is no longer an unattainable dream for modern couples.