Infertility
Infertility can be a difficult and emotionally challenging issue for couples who are trying to conceive. Fortunately, there are a variety of infertility treatments available to increase the chances of conception.
Dr. Gary B. Sullivan at Statesboro Women's Health Specialists in Statesboro, GA is a trusted infertility specialist who offers personalized treatment plans for his valued patients. Reach out now to get the compassionate assistance you deserve, or read on below for more information about infertility treatments and what causes infertility.
Causes of Female Infertility
Infertility is typically defined as being unable to get pregnant after trying for at least one year. Women who are able to get pregnant but experience multiple miscarriages are also said to be infertile.
For a woman to get pregnant, the following steps must take place:
↳An egg is released from one of the ovaries
↳The egg moves through a fallopian tube toward the uterus
↳Sperm joins with the egg along the way
↳The fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the uterus
Interference with any one of these steps can result in infertility.
Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including problems with ovulation, issues with the reproductive organs, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions. Female fertility also declines with age, since the ovaries are unable to release as many eggs as they used to. Of course, the male reproductive system is also important to consider in this equation. Before undergoing any fertility treatments, the male partner's sperm production/sperm count should also be analyzed to weed out any male infertility issues.
In some cases, fertility problems may be due to lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental toxins, or being overweight or underweight. In other cases, there may be no clear cause of infertility.
In addition, a range of conditions can impact the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes to affect fertility and cause menstrual cycle irregularities. These conditions include:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA)
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Premature menopause
Tubal occlusion
Uterine fibroids
Complications from gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted infections
If you suspect you may be suffering from or are currently coping with one of these diagnoses—or you and your partner are experiencing unexplained infertility—we can help you explore your options through reproductive medicine.
Assisted Reproductive Technology & Infertility Treatment Methods
When you want to start a family, health and developmental problems don't have to stand in your way. There are several different infertility treatment methods available. The right approach depends on the specific circumstances of the patient. Some of the most common infertility treatments include:
Medications
Fertility medications stimulate ovulation or regulate hormones to improve the chances of conception. These medications may be taken orally or injected. They may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
During an IUI procedure, sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation to increase the chances of conception.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm inside a laboratory and then implanting the embryo into the uterus. In vitro fertilization can be an effective treatment for couples who have been unable to conceive through other methods.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy involves using a surrogate mother to carry the embryo to term. This may be an option for couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves.
Egg or Sperm Donation
Donor eggs or donor sperm may be used in conjunction with other infertility treatments to improve the chances of conception.
What to Expect from Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility treatment will vary depending on the specific method being used. Generally, we'll begin by collecting medical and sexual history from both partners at the initial evaluation. We can also perform semen analysis, tubal evaluation, and ovarian reserve testing.
IUI and IVF procedures are typically performed in a doctor's office or fertility clinic. These procedures may require the use of fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, and may involve frequent monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds. Medications may be taken orally or injected at home or at the clinic.
Surrogacy, donor eggs, and sperm donation may involve additional legal and logistical considerations and should be discussed in detail with Dr. Gary B. Sullivan.
It's important to remember that infertility treatment can be a challenging and emotional process. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team at Statesboro Women's Health Specialists are committed to providing personalized care and support to patients throughout the infertility treatment process.
Who is a Good Candidate for Infertility Treatment?
Anyone who is struggling with infertility may be a good candidate for infertility treatment. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan can evaluate the patient's specific circumstances and recommend the best course of treatment based on their medical history, age, and other factors.
It's important to note that infertility treatments may not be successful for everyone, and there is no guarantee of success. However, many couples are eventually able to conceive with the help of infertility treatments.
Start Your Journey with Compassionate Care and Personalized Infertility Treatment Plans
Many couples struggle with infertility and seek help with starting their family.
If you are affected by infertility, you're not alone.
Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team at Statesboro Women's Health Specialists in Statesboro, GA are here to provide the support you need throughout this important time. We are committed to all aspects of women's reproductive health. Together we will discuss the risks, benefits, and success rates of each treatment option, addressing concerns and minimizing the emotional stress and frustration that infertility might bring. By working closely with Dr. Sullivan and his team, couples can find the right infertility treatment approach for their specific circumstances and increase their chances of successfully conceiving a child.
Partner with us on your fertility journey and learn more about fertility treatment options today.Contact us now to get started.