Understanding the Basics of Infertility Treatment for Effective Family Planning

Infertility treatment offers a variety of approaches, with treatment tailored to each individual’s specific needs, whether female or male. This article outlines the basic steps and options available in infertility treatment.

What Is Infertility?

According to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, infertility is defined as a condition where healthy couples who desire pregnancy and engage in unprotected intercourse over a specified period are unable to conceive. Generally, this period is one year. If conception does not occur after this time, the couple may be diagnosed with infertility.

Infertility treatment helps couples in this situation achieve pregnancy through medical intervention. Causes can lie with either partner, but in some cases, a specific cause of infertility may not be identified.

Types of Infertility Treatment

Infertility treatments fall into two categories: General Infertility Treatment and Advanced Reproductive Technology (ART).

General Infertility Treatment: Enhances the chances of natural conception through methods such as timed intercourse, hormone therapy, and artificial insemination.

Advanced Reproductive Technology (ART): Includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where conception is achieved through advanced technological procedures outside the body.

Treatment typically begins with basic methods, progressing to more advanced options if necessary.

Overview of Main Infertility Treatments

Infertility treatments often start with timed intercourse therapy and may progress to hormone therapy, artificial insemination, IVF, or ICSI, depending on the doctor’s recommendations.

• Timed Intercourse

Timed intercourse is a method where ovulation is predicted, and intercourse is encouraged during this period. Using ultrasound, hormone tests, and cervical mucus analysis, ovulation is estimated, and intercourse is planned within two days of ovulation to increase the chances of conception. This method requires the woman to ovulate and have open fallopian tubes and normal sperm in the man.

• Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy involves using ovulation-inducing drugs to promote egg development and ovulation. It’s often used for women with irregular ovulation, anovulation, or polycystic ovary syndrome. This therapy is widely used to increase the chances of conception, even in those who ovulate naturally.

• Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is a technique where sperm is placed directly in the uterus to increase the likelihood of fertilization. High-quality sperm is selected from a sample and injected into the uterus. This method can be effective for those with low sperm quality, insufficient cervical mucus, or erectile or ejaculation difficulties.

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a treatment where eggs and sperm are collected outside the body, and fertilization occurs in a culture medium. The fertilized embryo is then transferred back into the uterus. This approach has higher pregnancy rates than artificial insemination, as sperm is more likely to reach the egg and allows for embryo selection.

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI involves inserting a single sperm into an egg using a microscopic needle. By selecting high-quality sperm and injecting it directly, ICSI has an even higher chance of success than traditional IVF. This method is often recommended when IVF has been unsuccessful or for those with severe sperm abnormalities. However, it carries some risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and potential chromosomal abnormalities.

How to Start Infertility Treatment

To begin infertility treatment, consult a hospital or clinic specializing in fertility. Various tests may be needed to identify the cause, and results can take several months. Early consultation is recommended for those concerned about infertility.

It’s essential to involve both partners in the treatment process. Since male testing is also involved, it’s advisable for couples to visit the clinic together.