Struggling with fertility can feel pretty confusing – you’re standing on a path that you thought was going to be straightforward, and now there’s a fork in the road, and you don’t necessarily have the knowledge to know which route you should choose. You’re not alone.
There are a multitude of fertility treatment options available, and that can almost make determining the most suitable one more challenging – but the diversity is beneficial. Modern medicine can meet you where you are on that path, and guide you through – from helping tackle low egg reserve, to boosting your sperm count; there are options available.
In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the fertility treatments available and offer guidance on what to consider when choosing, to best align with your needs and circumstances.
Understanding Your Options:
Before we jump too far into what you should consider when choosing, let’s first run through the sheer variety of options available.
The term “fertility treatment” can mean a whole range of things. In fact, it can include everything from the testing that first helps us to understand the cause and severity of your infertility, to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Some of the most common diagnostic and therapeutic treatments that we see are below.
Hysterosalpingogram
This is an x-ray procedure used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and capable of functioning properly; can also reveal the configuration of the uterus, irregularities, and the presence of fibroids.
Ovarian Rejuvenation
This is a medical procedure that aims to enhance ovarian function and promote follicle development. The procedure involves an injection into the ovaries, with the goal of stimulating increased blood supply to ovaries. improving the overall health and quality of the existing ones.
Ovulation Induction
This is when we use medication, such as Clomid, Letrizole, or injectable medications, to stimulate egg development and release.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
This is performed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the vaginal wall and injecting concentrated sperm directly into the uterus within a few hours of ovulation to give the concentrated sperm the best possible access to an egg.
In Vitro Fertilization IVF
This is an infertility treatment procedure in which one or more eggs, each removed from a ripe follicle, is fertilized by sperm outside the human body before being placed in a woman’s uterus to implant and result in pregnancy.
Each treatment option has its own set of protocols, success rates, costs, and potential risks.
What To Consider When Selecting Fertility Treatment
Deciding on the fertility treatment that you’d like to undergo will depend on several factors. This is not a decision that you will be making alone – working with a reputable fertility doctor can make this process easier. They’ll assess your condition and work with you to develop the plan that makes the most sense for you. Some of the factors they and you should consider when deciding on treatment include:
Underlying Causes
Understanding the root cause of your infertility is crucial. Some treatments have been shown to be more effective for specific causes – like IUI typically is not effective for tubal factor infertility. Your doctor can help you to determine the most appropriate path for your unique situation, keeping your fertility journey as short as possible and as cost-effective as possible.
Success Rates
Researching the success rates of different treatments can provide insight into their likelihood of achieving pregnancy. It’s important to consider age, and medical history when interpreting success rates.
Financial Considerations
Fertility treatments can be costly, and insurance coverage varies pretty widely. Consider your budget and explore financing options or grants that may help alleviate financial strain. Typically, there will be a financial coordinator at your fertility clinic that can help you answer some of these financial questions, and even help you seek out financing.
Emotional and Physical Impact
Fertility treatments can be emotionally and physically demanding. Assess your readiness for the potential challenges, including medication side effects, invasive procedures, and emotional highs and lows. At this point, it’s also worth considering how this may impact your relationship and current family dynamic – a strong support system is critical during this process.
Personal Preferences
Ultimately, this is your fertility journey – and it can be easy to get lost in the end goal. Your preferences as far as treatment protocols, the involvement of third-party donors or surrogates, and the number of embryos to transfer should also be considered.
Choosing Which Fertility Treatment Is Right For You:
Once you and your doctors have evaluated the relevant factors, it’s time to make an informed decision about which fertility treatment is best for you. Here are some steps to help guide your decision-making process:
Discuss With Your Doctor
Schedule consultations with your doctor to discuss your choice, medical history, any remaining diagnostic tests necessary, and the steps to begin the treatment. Your doctor can offer personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances, and help set expectations on the timeline that you’re looking at.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek emotional support from friends, family, or support groups composed of families experiencing similar challenges. Counseling or therapy can also be beneficial in coping with the emotional aspects of fertility treatment. This is a difficult thing to do, and there’s no shame in needing a hand to hold.
Educate Yourself
Take the time to research and educate yourself about the steps involved in your treatment plan. Understanding the process, potential risks, and outcomes can empower you to advocate for yourself, and ensure your comfort during this process.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts and intuition when pursuing your fertility treatment. As you discuss with your doctor, and move towards the most appropriate choice – keep your values, goals, and comfort level in mind.
Choosing the right fertility treatment is a deeply personal decision that requires careful consideration of everything from your personal feelings to the root cause of your infertility. This isn’t a decision that you should make alone – but by understanding your options, consulting with your chosen fertility specialists, and prioritizing your emotional and physical well-being, you can navigate the fertility treatment journey with confidence and optimism.
Remember that each individual’s path to parenthood is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fertility treatment. Stay resilient, stay informed, and stay hopeful as you embark on this journey toward building your family.
