Fertility options for those who cannot conceive naturally

If you are unable to conceive naturally and are looking for treatment, there are likely to be a number of different options available to you depending on what’s causing the issue.

There are three main types of fertility treatment, which include medicines, surgery and assisted conception, which includes IVF.

Medicines

The majority of fertility medicines are prescribed to women to help with ovulation problems, but there are also some that can be prescribed to men. There are a wide range of medicines available, all of which target different infertility issues:

Clomiphene- this medicine encourages eggs to be released monthly in women who don’t regularly, or never, ovulate

Tamoxifen- similar to Clomiphene, Tamoxifen is used as an alternative medicine for women who experience ovulation issues

Metformin- women who suffer with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may find Metformin is hugely beneficial in their fertility journey

Gonadotrophins- ovulation can be stimulated with the help of Gonadotrophins, and they also have the ability of improving fertility in men

If you’re interested in trying medicines to help with your infertility, it’s important to understand that they may cause side effects, including sickness, headaches and hot flushes. If your infertility is unexplained, medication is not recommended.

Surgery

There are a number of surgical procedures available to men and women of which can help to investigate fertility issues or help with the issue itself.

Fallopian Tube Surgery- some women experience blocked or scarred fallopian tubes, which hinder their chances of pregnancy. Surgery may be needed in order to repair the tubes and allow eggs to pass along them. The success of this surgery depends on how damaged the fallopian tubes were to begin with.

Surgery for women with Endometriosis, fibroids or PCOS- Laparoscopic surgery removes or destroys cysts and submucosal fibroids (a type of tumour that develops in the inner layer of the uterus or in the submucosal layer) within the ovaries in women who have endometriosis. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling uses heat to destroy part of the ovary and can be used in women with PCOS if a prior ovulation medication hasn’t worked for them.

Correcting epididymal blockages and retrieving sperm- Located in the testicles is the epididymis, which helps to store and transport sperm. This can sometimes become blocked, and sperm is unable to be ejaculated. For men who are experiencing infertility because of this issue, surgery can be done to unlock the epididymal. Some men may decide on sperm extraction if they have had a vasectomy, are born without the tube that drains sperm from the testicle or have a blockage in the epididymal.

At Nurture Fertility, we can help you on your fertility journey. Our team of professionals will work to identify any issues that are preventing your ability to get pregnant and advise you of the most suitable treatment to enable you to start a family.

For more information, you can contact a member of our team by visiting our contact page, or by giving us a call on 0115 828 0246.