5 Options for Women Experiencing Fertility Issues

It’s more common than you might think to experience issues conceiving. With modern technology, there are more ways to cope with and treat these issues than ever before. Here are five options for women experiencing fertility issues.

1. Assisted Reproductive Technology

There are several assistive reproductive technology options available. The most well-known of these is IVF, or in vitro fertilization. IVF is a process where the egg is fertilized in a lab and then implanted into the womb. Another option is IUI, or intrauterine insemination, where sperm is inserted into the uterus during ovulation. The last two options, zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), are broadly similar. In ZIFT, the egg is fertilized in a lab and then implanted in the fallopian tube. In GIFT, the egg and sperm are implanted in the fallopian tube together.

2. Adoption

Adoption is one of the most traditional and non-invasive options for people experiencing fertility issues. If you don’t want to opt for any medical treatments or if those treatments don’t work, you may want to look into adoption to see if it’s right for you. Keep in mind that while most of the other available options are standardized across the United States, adoption regulations may vary by state or region. For example, adoption in Iowa may differ from adoption in Louisiana or New Hampshire. If you decide to adopt, make sure you do your research.

3. Surgical Procedures

There are surgical procedures that can treat certain causes of infertility in both male and female reproductive organs. For female reproductive organs, there are two types of surgery: tubal surgeries and hysteroscopic or laparoscopic surgeries. In some cases, there are blockages in the fallopian tubes, si tubal surgeries will be employed to remove those blockages. In other cases, there may be issues with the anatomy of the uterus, such as deformities of the uterine cavity, fibroids, adhesions or polyps. If these issues occur, your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopic or laparoscopic procedure to correct them.

4. Medication and Hormone Treatment

You may also have the option to undergo hormone therapy or take medications to treat your infertility. Medication will typically be prescribed if you’re diagnosed with a hormone imbalance or certain autoimmune conditions. For example, Metformin is usually prescribed when infertility is caused by insulin resistance, while Clomiphene citrate is typically prescribed to stimulate ovulation.

5. Counseling

No matter which option you choose, it’s a good idea to pair it with counseling. Infertility can be difficult to come to terms with because it’s something that tends to be out of your control. Counseling can help you deal with your diagnosis, make informed decisions and find relevant resources. You can also find support and advocacy groups.

If you’re experiencing fertility issues, you should talk to your doctor about your options. You may already have an idea of what you want to do or you may not know what to do. Either way, your doctor can help you make decisions and find resources to help you.