Explaining the Benefits of Various Fertility Treatment Options
Many people begin fertility care unsure of where they should begin. Although there are a vast number of fertility treatment options available, they are not well suited for everyone. Knowing the benefits of various fertility treatments can help you start a dialogue with your fertility care team.
Timed Intercourse
Getting pregnant is really about timing. There is a limited window of 24 hours each month where a woman’s egg is available for fertilization. In order to properly identify that window, your cycle will be evaluated to determine your fertile window. This can be accomplished with blood work and ultrasound. Once your fertile window is determined, you should have intercourse during that time in order to have the best chance at becoming pregnant. This treatment is best suited for individuals where there is no known cause of fertility issues.
IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
Also referred to as artificial insemination, IUI, is a procedure where prepared sperm is delivered directly into the uterus. The process may be done with or without the use of fertility medication in order to regulate ovulation. Just before ovulation, sperm is prepared and delivered directly into the uterus. Preparing the sperm ensures that only healthy, motile sperm are delivered into the uterus.
This treatment method may be used with unidentified fertility issues or when donor sperm is being used.
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
IVF may be used to address a number of fertility concerns. During this process, a woman’s cycle is closely monitored. Once her eggs are mature, they are retrieved and fertilized. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into her uterus. There are three different IVF protocols available:
- Natural Cycle – Does not use fertility medication and focuses on the sole egg a woman naturally produces during the cycle.
- Minimal Stimulation – Uses small doses of medication to gently stimulate the body to produce a small number of eggs.
- Traditional – Uses high doses of medication to produce a large number of eggs.
Determining the best fertility treatment for your needs can be complicated. The first step in the process is to understand your specific medical issues. To get this process started or to speak with a fertility expert, contact New Hope Fertility Centers today. Please click the link below to enter your information and New Hope will contact you, or simply call 212-517-7676. Thank you.
