Infertility Causes and Treatment Options
Infertility is on the rise, affecting over 7.3 million Americans. Secondary infertility (i.e. when families with one child have trouble conceiving a second), is also on the rise, contributing to a large percentage of these statistics.
As an international infertility consultant who helps intended parents obtain their dream of having a biological child, I want to bring this issue to the forefront. It is important that we as a society help educate men and women about the causes of infertility, when to seek help and the various options that are available if you are having trouble conceiving.
Causes of Infertility
Delayed childbearing seems to be the biggest culprit of infertility as more and more women focus on their careers, or just wait until “the perfect one” comes along. In fact, by the time a woman reaches the age of 30, over 90 percent of her eggs have been depleted from her body. Other factors causing infertility include damage to the fallopian tubes, or tubal blockage, as a result of prior infection, endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause an infection in your reproductive organs, known as pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and make conception and pregnancy very difficult. Other issues include male sperm factors or immune disorders.
If you and your spouse have been trying to conceive for over six months, and are over the age of 33, it is important that you see a reproductive specialist to determine the cause of the problem. If you are under the age of 33, you should see a doctor after one year of unsuccessful efforts.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with infertility, take a deep breath. In today’s day and age, there is hope! With new technological advances being introduced every day, the opportunities are close to endless. Below are some of the most common and successful options.
In-Vitro Fertilization
IVF is a process where the woman undergoes hormone therapy to increase egg production. At a specific point in her cycle, the woman or egg donor then undergoes a minor surgical procedure to remove eggs from the ovaries. These eggs are then fertilized by intended father or donor sperm. An embryo is created. The embryo is carefully monitored in the laboratory to watch for appropriate cell division and growth. Three to five days later, an embryo is transferred into the intended mother or surrogate’s uterus in hopes that implantation will take place and a pregnancy will continue to flourish.
Egg Donors
Think about using an egg donor, a woman between the ages of 21 and 32 years of age. Using egg donors can increase success rates for pregnancy up to about 65 percent.
Surrogacy
This is a wonderful and viable option for those with uterine complications who may not be able to achieve pregnancy or carry a pregnancy to term.
Egg Banking
Provides women up to the age of 38 a chance to stop their biological clock and effectively plan and preserve their fertility for the future. Also, for those undergoing cancer treatment, this is a way to freeze viable eggs before treatment begins instilling hope for a family in the future.
