How Do I Choose the Best Fertility Treatment?

There are many different types of fertility treatments designed to help a woman conceive. Choosing the best fertility treatment depends on individual medical needs as well as a variety of personal factors. In order to choose the best fertility treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough medical examination, discuss the risks and benefits of available treatments, weigh the possible treatments against individual circumstances, and compare the costs of different procedures.

The first step to finding the best fertility treatment is to undergo a complete medical analysis. Couples that are trying to conceive will both need to be examined for possible causes of infertility, such as functional disorders, low sperm count, or lack of normal ovulation. Infertility can be caused by many different conditions, and can often have no medical causes. Undergoing medical examinations can be somewhat nerve-wracking or even embarrassing, but it is a critical step in determining the right type of fertility treatment.

Much of the decision depends on the diagnosed causes of infertility. In a couple with no diagnosable conditions, doctors may encourage ovulation monitoring, the use of certain sex positions, and following other instructions that may raise the chance of natural conception. If the man or woman is having ovulation or sperm problems, the best solution may be a regimen of hormone-boosting medications. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often recommended when there is evidence that the sperm is having difficulty fertilizing the egg, or the fertilized egg is not implanting correctly. Choosing the treatment based on medical evidence is often the best way to ensure success.

Though many fertility treatments have good success rates, there are pros and cons to every type. Medications to improve sperm count or boost ovulation, for example, carry significant risks of miscarriage, as well as a greatly increased chance of multiple births. In vitro fertilization, in which the egg and sperm are united outside the body and implanted once fertilization has occurred, carries a high cost, and can take many rounds of treatment to reach success. Surgical options for functional disorders or internal scarring can carry a slight mortality risk, as well as the chance of post-operative infections and complications. Carefully comparing and contrasting the risks of each treatment type can help a woman or couple determine the best, safest option for conception.

The cost of fertility treatments can also be a factor in choosing the right method. When sifting through options, it may help to discuss the cost with a doctor, as well as the average length of the treatment. Some insurance plans may help cover some forms of fertility treatment, but this may vary extensively between companies and coverage levels. Surgical and assisted conception methods such as IVF can be very expensive, but may promise a higher chance of success. Assessing the costs before choosing a regimen can help women and couples set a manageable budget for medical treatments.