Still, witnessing only failures even after trying to conceive several times? If yes, fertility treatments can be the best choice to overcome your problem.
For sure, some will panic, while others hesitate, and some couples avoid consulting the doctors. But is it the correct way to deal with infertility? No. As couples, you need to understand what fertility treatment is and how to prepare your body according to the procedure.
Well, this blog comes to an aid; just keep exploring to know what you can expect while starting a fertility treatment.
Initial consultation
The initial consultation is the very first thing that anyone can expect in every treatment. It goes the same for fertility treatments, too.
In this stage, doctors are most likely to explain the list of treatments they offer and start asking about your previous pregnancies. Couples or patients can expect questions relevant to their sexual relationships and activities.
This helps doctors to identify how long you’re trying for pregnancy and miscarriage history. So that they proceed with the next steps in the fertility treatments.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Fertility doctors will ask about any previous medical issues you have experienced and examine your body thoroughly. It determines the current reproductive health and predicts how your body reacts to fertility medications.
Thus, fertility specialists can understand your body completely and make well-informed decisions on the medication dosages, protocols, and which is the right fertility treatment for you and your partner.
Fertility testing
If your fertility expert suggests undergoing any of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies ARTs, fertility testing is mandatory. These tests will evaluate both male’s and female’s reproductive health and check whether they can succeed in the treatment they choose.
Here is the list of common tests before undergoing any fertility treatments.
Semen analysis
The sperm analysis test checks the male fertility factor, which helps to determine sperm production and quality. It evaluates sperm morphology (shape), motility (moving speed), and count (how much is produced).
Semen analysis identifies any reproductive issues in males and helps to decide if male partners are the reason for infertility.
Ovarian Reserve Testing
Sometimes, decreased ovarian reserve can also be a potential reason for infertility. Many women are aware that they are born with a fixed number of eggs by birth.
A woman’s body starts releasing eggs after puberty, so there will be a gradual decrease in the reserve. Ovarian reserve testing tells how many eggs are left in your ovaries. When it is too low, you may need to rely on donor eggs for IVF.
Blood Tests and Ultrasound Scans
Blood tests and ultrasound scans can effectively find the hormonal imbalances and abnormalities of the pelvic region. Ultrasound scans are also available for male partners testing their testicles.
Through ultrasound scans, doctors can check the detailed pictures of the scrotum and testicles in males and the overall reproductive system in females.
Finding the right treatment
Once the fertility testing phase is over, doctors will analyse the report, choose the right treatment, and begin the procedure.
Typically, three important types of artificial insemination are available: IVF, IUI, and IVF with ICSI.
In vitro fertilization
IVF treatment means retrieving eggs from females and placing the fertilized egg (embryo) again into the uterus. People who are ideal for in vitro fertilization are:
- Couples suffering from unexplained infertility for more than six months or a year.
- Women who faced severe failures due to IUI or fertility medications.
- People suffer because of tubal factor infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, unhealthy eggs or sperm, and low sperm count.
Intrauterine insemination
IUI is a simple procedure and is quite similar to the natural pregnancy process. Doctors use a thin tube and insert it into the uterus to inject a single washed healthy sperm straight into the egg.
Patients who are ideal for this treatment have,
- Problems with ovulation.
- Failed treatments only because of fertility drugs.
- Unexplained infertility.
- Mild infertility factor in males.
- Women with fallopian tube issues.
Physical and Mental Changes
If you’re undergoing IVF treatments, then patients can expect physical and mental changes.
- Many women can witness changes in their body weight due to hormonal injections.
- Breast tenderness and bloating are also some common symptoms during IVF.
- As in vitro fertilization is an emotionally challenging journey, women can expect mood swings and increased or decreased appetite.
- Constipation and fatigue also take place due to hormonal shifts during the in vitro fertilization treatment.
Along with these changes, women undergoing IVF can also expect some risks in rare cases. They may face birth defects, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple births, and ectopic pregnancy.
Questions to ask your Fertility Expert
The last important part gives you a detailed idea of things you need to discuss with your fertility doctor. Be always prepared and ask these questions before beginning your consultation. We have simplified them into simple points; here they are:
- Is my age a barrier to fertility treatments?
- How do I need to prepare for fertility treatment?
- Will I have any long-term side effects after IVF or IUI?
- How much does the treatment cost exactly?
- What will be the fertility treatment I need to undergo?
- Can you share the complete steps of the treatment?
- What is the success rate of the treatment which I am undergoing?
- What are the changes I can expect in my body during the fertility procedure?
- Is there any specific diet plan required to improve successful results?
- Which is better, frozen egg transfer or fresh eggs for IVF?
- How often do we need to visit the hospital? Will the check-ups be too frequent?
- What can I do if my fertility treatment is a continuous failure?
Last Few Words
So, how are you feeling now about starting a fertility treatment? Hope you feel better and get clarity on your points.
To get the right treatment, make sure to choose the best fertility centre after knowing the doctor’s expertise, the clinic’s reputation, and other potential factors.
Prepare a checklist and ask your questions to your doctor for a better understanding of the treatment you undergo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing yourself for fertility treatment is highly recommended as it can improve the chances of successful pregnancy outcomes. So, follow these tips and prepare your body for fertility treatments.
- Eat for health and include fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Take your prenatal vitamins.
- Maintain a healthy body weight and be in between the range of 19 to 25 BMI.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and recreational drugs.
- Limit or eliminate the caffeine intake.
- Avoid travelling to countries that reduce the risk of exposure to infections like Zika, flu, and more.
A recent data suggests that there is a possibility of IVF success for the first time from 30% to 40%.
Following proper protocols such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practising stress-reducing techniques, and consuming the prescribed medicines as per doctor’s instructions increase the chances of a successful pregnancy the first time.
To be frank, there is no ideal time to start in vitro fertilization. Fertility experts begin the treatment cycle from day one of your period.
Every individual’s body reacts differently to fertility medications, and the success rate also depends on their reproductive and overall health.
