Everyone knows that being a parent is hard, but for some of us, becoming a parent is the hardest part. At MCRM Fertility, we are here to partner with you in your journey to parenthood. We believe that knowledge is power, so educating yourself about your options is a great first step. Learn about some treatments your fertility doctor may recommend for you.
1. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination, also known as IUI, is a procedure that involves using a catheter to inject sperm directly into the uterus. After the procedure, the sperm will hopefully fertilize an egg to result in pregnancy.
Who Can Benefit From IUI?
Like all medical procedures, IUI is not for everyone, but it can help a wide range of people. Here is a list of things that might make you a good candidate for this procedure:
- You have unexplained fertility issues.
- Your male partner has low sperm motility.
- Your male partner has low sperm count.
- You do not have a partner or you are part of a same-sex partnership.
- You, your partner, or both experience sexual dysfunction.
If you and your doctor decide that IUI is right for you, the doctor may prescribe medication. The medication helps with egg production and prepares the uterus to host the fertilized egg. If you already have a predictably regular cycle, the medicine may not be necessary.
Potential Drawbacks of IUI
Because IUI relies on the sperm meeting the egg inside the female body, it is by no means a foolproof treatment plan. Each round of IUI offers about the same chance of pregnancy as a couple with no fertility issues might have in any given month. But for those experiencing infertility related to the above problems, IUI is a safe, minimally invasive option.
IUI at MCRM Fertility
If you choose IUI at MCRM, the treatment may be completed at either of our offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma or St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you are using medication or not, we use ultrasound monitoring to confirm the most effective timing of the IUI procedure. On the day of the procedure, you’ll g to the clinic, and your male partner (if applicable) provides a sperm sample. After processing in the lab, the sperm is placed into your uterus using a catheter.
2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is another great option for people experiencing fertility issues. Unlike IUI, where the sperm must meet the egg inside body, IVF involves fertilizing the egg in a laboratory. This means that for each round of treatment, there is a higher chance of pregnancy using IVF than using IUI.
How Does IVF Work?
In short, IVF is performed by retrieving eggs from the female and fertilizing them with sperm, either from the male partner or from a donor. If you undergo IVF, you’ll take medication to boost egg production. When the time comes, your eggs will be retrieved directly from your ovaries with a minor procedure. They will then be joined with sperm to fertilize the eggs.
One of the major benefits to IVF is that embryos can be tested for genetic problems before they are placed in the uterus. After the testing is complete, an embryo will be implanted into your uterus. Any remaining embryos can be frozen for the future.
Who Can Benefit From IVF?
IVF is a great solution to a wide range of fertility problems. Here are some factors that might make you a good candidate:
- Your male partner has a low sperm count or low sperm quality.
- You have a low number of eggs.
- You have endometriosis.
- You have a history of recurring miscarriages.
- You have a structural problem with your fallopian tubes.
Potential Drawbacks of IVF
While a round of IVF has a much greater chance of resulting in pregnancy than a round of IUI, it is not perfect. It is possible for none of the fertilized embryos to be viable in a given round. It is also possible for the embryo to not successfully implant in the uterus.
Another potential drawback with IVF is the cost. While it is not inexpensive, IVF is the cutting edge in fertility treatment for a reason. It is the single fertility intervention that is most likely to result in a pregnancy.
IVF at MCRM Fertility
If IVF is right for you, the first step is a complete screening process that helps your fertility doctor to determine what is best for your unique situation. This screening includes a consultation, fertility testing for both partners (if applicable), and a review of the results. Your doctor will then work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that is both efficient and effective.
Contact a Fertility Doctor At MCRM Fertility, we know what a struggle infertility can be. It is a heavy problem to have, but we can help to lighten the load. Our expert doctors will work with you to find the best solution for your family. Contact us for a consultation, and take t
