When the pregnancy test comes back negative for the seventh time, it can leave a feeling of loss and devastation. Infertility, in some cases, has no specific cause.
But, sometimes it does.
In some infertility cases, the man doesn’t have a high enough sperm count. In others, the woman may not have the right womb environment to develop an infant. Infertility can be caused by many things, but there are various ways to treat infertility.
Infertility treatment depends on the cause, length of time an individual has been infertile, the patient’s age, her partner’s age and personal preferences. In some cases, infertility cannot be corrected.
“Treating infertility can sometimes be as simple as adjusting your technique or when intercourse is taking place,” JRMC Gynecologist, Dr. Gregg McAdoo shared. “Women should know their ovulation cycle and be mindful of this when attempting to conceive.”
Infertility occurs in about 6 percent of married women aged 15 to 44 years in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of trying.
Infertility treatment options for women:
- Medications. A woman who is infertile because of an ovulation disorder could use medication to help regulate or induce ovulation.
- Intrauterine insemination. Otherwise known as IUI, intrauterine insemination is the process where healthy sperm is placed directly within the uterus near ovulation.
- In vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is one of the most well-known techniques of assisted reproductive technology. It involves the stimulation and retrieval of multiple eggs, fertilization with sperm in a lab, and the implantation of embryos into the uterus up to five days after fertilization. This option is not available at JRMC, but a referral could be made.
- Gestational carrier. If a woman doesn’t have a uterus that can carry an infant or if serious health issues pose a risk, the couple may choose in vitro fertilization and a gestational carrier. The carrier would have the couple’s embryo placed within her uterus and would carry out the pregnancy.
- Preconception visit. These visits are scheduled to discuss ovulation and techniques that can be done at home to help conceive. Some people do not know when they ovulate and could be having intercourse at the wrong time of the month.
If you or a loved one is struggling with fertility, count on the JRMC gynecology team and schedule direct: (701) 952-4878.
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