Is Medication The Solution For Infertility?
A diagnosis of infertility can be devastating for any couple trying to conceive. The inability to get pregnant naturally affects over 12% of couples, with men and women equally the cause. Thanks to advancements in medicine, infertility is treatable. The goal is to support or improve the reproductive health of the couple, which can be done with fertility medication. There are also additional treatments that can increase the chances of success. Collaborating with fertility specialists can help infertile couples find the best available solution.
Changing the game with fertility medication
Any individual struggling with getting or staying pregnant should seek medical guidance to locate the root cause of infertility, which can sometimes be unexplained. In most cases, doctors will recommend 1 or more prescription fertility drugs that work in different ways to address infertility. For instance, ovulatory stimulants may improve the chances of ovulation or trigger follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production. FSH is vital for producing healthy eggs in the ovaries. Gonadotropins are a form of injectable medication that promotes FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers the release of eggs. Some men can also benefit from similar fertility drugs. The success rates can vary based on factors such as age, health, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Fertility meds are just the start
In some cases, fertility drugs are all that is needed to become pregnant and eventually deliver a healthy baby. However, in most cases, fertility drugs are part of a complex treatment strategy. Doctors may recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is considered the gold standard of fertility treatments, with concurrent use of medication. With IVF, the mature eggs generated by fertility medication support are surgically removed and combined with sperm to form embryos. An embryo is then implanted in the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy. IVF can also include other strategies like genetic testing. Fertility treatment can be lengthy, complex, and costly. Studies show that IVF has a favorable success rate and is responsible for thousands of births yearly.
Building your fertility team
Treatments like IVF are only successful with strict medication adherence. To improve the chances of success, consider building a solid fertility team. Doctors, nurses, and fertility specialists can perform the techniques necessary at each stage. Pharmacists can dispense fertility medications and guide proper use. Adding a pharmacy hub can help navigate administrative obstacles like insurance and fertility benefits. A hub can also provide information and support to increase medication adherence and, ultimately, the procedure’s success. Add in family and support groups for emotional support, and the chances of success increase exponentially.
Are you a candidate for medication?
Fertility drugs, while effective, may not be for every individual. Factors like age and underlying reproductive challenges may render medicine ineffective. Some couples may have severe medical conditions that restrict fertility drug use. The cause of infertility, such as ovarian dysfunction or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can also impact the treatment used. Furthermore, people with multiple failed IVF cycles may need to consider other options, such as egg or sperm donation or surrogacy. Ultimately, the decision must be made with the support and expertise of a fertility specialist.
Making an informed decision
Infertility can throw a wrench in the plans of couples to start or grow a family. The condition can be emotionally stressful and place a strain on relationships. Fertility medications can help, especially when coupled with strategies like IVF. The goal is to determine if medication is the best action. For some people, these drugs can set the stage for improved fertility. On the other hand, fertility medication is only part of a long-term treatment strategy involving assisted reproductive technology. Get the right team together and explore all treatment options before deciding.
