Hormone therapies

Falling pregnant without IVF

Often, as a patient at the TFP fertility clinic you do not necessarily need to begin with IVF straight away. In many cases, the key to success in boosting your fertility is the optimization of the hormone system. With monitoring of the follicle maturation and the ovulation trigger, we can assist you in identifying the best time to try to fall pregnant. One precondition for hormone therapy to work and falling pregnant naturally is that the partner’s sperm needs to be of the highest quality.

Chances of success in hormone treatments for fertility

Depending on the age of the patient and the extent of the hormone imbalance, the chances of success can vary. On average, they are about 10 to 20% per treatment cycle. This is why hormone therapy over several cycles can be useful.

Hormonal disorders as a cause of infertility

Often it is due to a hormonal disorder that you do not become pregnant. In many cases, the cause is a disturbance in the balance between 'male' and 'female' hormones. In affected women, the follicles only mature to a small size (6-8mm) and ovulation does not occur. This also happens in PCO (polycystic ovary).

Another hormonal cause of a follicle maturation disorder is a reduced production of the hormones FSH and LH in the pituitary gland. These hormones are needed to stimulate the ovary to form an egg follicle. Too much prolactin also prevents a fertile cycle. The production of too much prolactin can be suppressed with medication.

The aim of hormone treatment is to promote egg maturation and trigger ovulation. Such treatment can increase the probability of successful fertilisation and is also carried out in our fertility clinics.

Hormones control the female cycle

The female cycle is not like clockwork and can vary from month to month. However, the natural release of hormones brings with it a certain regularity. The following hormones are significantly involved in the cycle:

• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) influence follicle maturation in the ovaries. They also control the production of progesterone and oestrogen, which have an influence on the course of the cycle.

• Prolactin affects the course of the female cycle. If the prolactin level is increased, for example by taking medication, this can lead to ovulation not occurring.

If the release of hormones is imbalanced for various reasons, this leads to an irregular cycle. By using hormones in the context of fertility treatment, the processes during the cycle can be controlled and the optimal time window for fertilisation can be better predicted.

Are there side effects or risks associated with hormone treatment?

An intervention in the hormone balance can be accompanied by side effects and risks, about which you will be informed individually before the treatment. In addition, the doctor will regularly check the maturation of the eggs and the hormone level during the treatment in order to avoid an overdose and to minimise the risks.

Our doctors in the fertility clinics will be happy to give you comprehensive advice on your personal options.

Contact your preferred clinic in Vienna, Wels or Klagenfurt now - we look forward to hearing from you!