Couples might experience difficulty in childbearing for many reasons. Proper assessment and investigation are needed to understand the underlying cause in order to identify the best treatment for each couple. It is not enough to “live and eat healthy”, neither is it enough to consume “fertility boosting food”. Sometimes you need to face the problem head on, and target it with the correct treatment.
There are plenty of fertility treatments available on the market today. Such treatments can be largely grouped into 3 main types: 1. Fertility Medication; 2. Surgery; 3. Assisted Conception (e.g. in vitro fertilization, commonly known as “IVF”, and intrauterine insemination, commonly known as “IUI” or artificial insemination).
The exact kind of treatment needed is determined on a case-by-case basis, and can only be determined by a medical professional who has carried out all the necessary tests to work out the underlying cause of infertility. Sometimes the cause lies in 1 partner but can also be issues in both partners. It is important to be as supportive as you can be with each other at this stage of your journey.
Below is a brief introduction of the 3 main types of treatments available for infertility. Always consult a doctor and talk to your partner before embarking on any treatment. Most importantly, always visit a qualified medical professional for medical procedures, including the consumption of medications.
Fertility Medication
Fertility medication is mainly given to women who suffer from irregular ovulation or ovulation disorders. Fertility medication works by inducing (or regulating) ovulation for fertilization to take place. Fertility medication have specific risks and benefits. Discuss with your doctor to find out if certain types of fertility medication is suitable for you.
Surgery
Surgical procedures might be necessary in some cases (e.g. anatomical repair of the fallopian tubes). In cases of uterine problems in women such as endometriosis and epididymal blockage in men will also require surgeries to rectify the underlying cause of infertility.
Assisted Conception
There are several kinds of assisted conception technology available. The 2 most common types are IVF and IUI.
IVF involves fertilization outside a woman’s body. Eggs are retrieved from a woman’s body after she has taken medications to induce the production of more than 1 egg. The fertilized egg is then placed back inside the woman’s body to develop into a foetus.
IUI involves fertilization inside a woman’s body, where sperms are extracted from a man and inserted into the woman’s womb using a very fine plastic tube which goes through the cervix. Only the strongest of sperms will make the cut and be selected to enter the woman’s womb. This is to increase the chance of a successful conception.
Where do I begin?
You may seek professional consult from government-funded hospitals as well as from private clinics. Either way, this will be a great starting point for you to obtain professional opinion and information on options of available treatments.