Infertility can be lonely and debilitating, especially if others around you are seemingly getting pregnant with ease. Credible research, however, shows that 1 in 8
(about 12%) of couples struggle getting or staying pregnant. You are not alone!
What is causing your infertility?
In order to cope with and overcome your infertility, it is important to first identify why it may be happening. Women face difficulties getting or staying pregnant for an array of reasons. The most common issue in women is an ovulation disorder, which is when your ovaries either release eggs infrequently or not at all. However, it is vital to examine all possibilities to later find the right treatment plan for you.
Your infertility may also be caused by:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): a hormonal disorder characterized by infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles, or an excess of male hormones (androgens).
- Endometriosis: endometrial cells implant themselves outside of the uterus causing scarring that blocks your fallopian tubes.
- Uterine Fibroids: noncancerous tumors in the uterus that may cause inflammation or scarring that disables a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Finding the right fertility treatment for you
If you are experiencing trouble getting pregnant, it is recommended that you seek fertility treatment supervised by a fertility specialist. Our doctors at Generation Next Fertility stress the importance of finding the right individualized protocol that works for you, and to not simply resort to a traditional IVF treatment that many clinics recommend to everyone. There are so many options out there and each woman’s fertility journey looks different; find what works for you!
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
This process involves increasing the proximity of the egg and the sperm. Sperm is inserted inside a woman’s uterus to initiate fertilization directly using a catheter. IUI allows your fertility doctor to choose the strongest swimmers to be injected into your uterus for the best chance of pregnancy.
Invitro Fertilization (IVF) – Natural and Mild IVF
Unlike the simpler process of artificial insemination — in which sperm is placed in the uterus and conception happens otherwise normally — IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos form, they are then placed in the uterus.
If traditional IVF treatments fail to work for you, natural or mild IVF may prove more successful. Natural IVF requires less medications and injections than traditional forms; It involves retrieving the healthiest, most mature eggs from the ovary, manually fertilizing the egg, and then placing it back inside the womb. This process works with a woman’s natural menstrual cycle to perfectly time extraction of eggs and ensure that they are viable for fertilization. Mild IVF is very similar but involves more mild stimulants and medications for those who may have adverse effects to injections.
These IVF treatments are most beneficial for woman who have a low ovarian reserve or would like to avoid taking drugs and injections as much as possible. Women are also looking at less side effects and reduced risks. Our doctors are experts in these treatments and have already helped many women get pregnant using natural or mild IVF.