Infertility Treatment Methods

Infertility, also known as sterility, refers to the inability of couples to achieve pregnancy despite having regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is a common health problem today that affects both women and men and may arise from various causes.

Infertility is evaluated in two main categories:

• Primary infertility: The inability to achieve any pregnancy despite at least one year of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Secondary infertility: The inability to conceive again after a previous pregnancy.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods for Female Infertility?

For women under the age of 35, it is recommended to wait one year for pregnancy, whereas for women aged 35 and over, this period is considered six months. If pregnancy is not achieved within these time frames, the diagnostic process for the couple is initiated.

The main diagnostic methods used in female infertility include:

• Ovulation tests: Hormonal tests that determine whether ovulation occurs and its timing.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A contrast-enhanced imaging test used to evaluate the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
• Ovarian reserve tests: Hormonal tests that provide information about the number and quality of eggs.
• Other hormone tests: Evaluation of pituitary, thyroid, and androgen hormones.
• Pelvic ultrasonography and saline infusion sonography (SIS): Imaging methods used to visualize the uterus and ovaries.
• Hysteroscopy: Examination of the uterine cavity using a camera.
• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical method used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods for Male Infertility?

The evaluation of male infertility is an essential part of the diagnostic process and can usually be completed in a shorter period of time.

• Semen analysis: A test performed after 3–4 days of sexual abstinence to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Hormone tests: Measurement of testosterone and other male hormone levels.
• Genetic tests: Investigation of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.
• Testicular biopsy: Performed to evaluate sperm production.
• Imaging methods: Scrotal or transrectal ultrasonography, vasography.
• Special tests: Assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Female Infertility?

The treatment approach for female infertility is determined based on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple treatments may be sufficient, while in others, advanced therapies may be required.

• Ovulation induction: Stimulation of the ovaries with medications to promote egg development.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Placement of prepared sperm directly into the uterus during the ovulation period.
• Fertility surgery: Surgical correction of conditions such as polyps, fibroids, intrauterine adhesions, and uterine septum.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Male Infertility?

Treatment for male infertility is planned individually, based on the patient’s general health status and the underlying cause of infertility.

• Lifestyle modifications: Quitting smoking and alcohol, reducing stress, and maintaining a regular sexual life.
• Medication therapy: Medical treatments aimed at improving sperm production and quality.
• Surgical treatments: Correction of varicocele or removal of blockages in the sperm ducts.
• Sperm retrieval: Surgical collection of sperm in cases of insufficient sperm presence.

Assisted Reproductive Techniques

One of the most commonly used methods in infertility treatment is in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is one of the assisted reproductive techniques with high success rates. In this method, mature egg cells obtained from the woman are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory environment, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.

Assisted reproductive techniques offer effective and promising solutions for couples who are unable to achieve pregnancy naturally.