Drugs for the restoration of childbearing function.
Medicines are mainly used to aid in ovulation, which should occur about once a month in women before menopause. Ovulation is partially controlled by hormones called gonadotropins. They are produced in the pituitary gland (the gland directly under the brain). Gonadotropin is a hormone that stimulates the activity of the sexual glands (ovaries in women and testicles in men).
Clomiphene
Produced in the form of tablets, Clomifene uses a blocking mechanism - a "feedback" to the pituitary gland. As a result, the pituitary gland releases additional hormones in higher doses than usual. Additional gonadotropin is released into the bloodstream and stimulates the ovaries, which, as it is hoped, will lead to ovulation.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
If clomiphene does not work, then the patient may be prescribed medications containing gonadotropin hormones or gonadotropin-releasing hormones. They cause ovulation before the onset of insemination and IVF. This drug can also improve fertility (fertility) in men.
Metformin
This drug is often used to treat diabetes. But sometimes metformin is offered to women with polycystic ovaries, if they are not helped clomiphene. Some studies say that metformin can promote an increase in fertility in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome, usually in addition to taking clomiphene.
Surgical methods of treatment.
Surgical methods of treatment are used when the cause of infertility is found and the operation can help. These causes of infertility are outlined here:
Problems in the fallopian tube.
Surgery may help some women with infertility caused by fallopian tube problems. For example, when they are blocked or there are scars from a previous illness, infection or other problems. Some women who have had a "pipe necktie" sterilization may be able to restore their genital function surgically.
Endometriosis.
Surgery can promote the onset of pregnancy in women with endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Special operations on the ovaries may be suitable for some women with polycystic ovaries. The procedure is sometimes called diathermy or "drilling" of the ovaries. This, in fact, an operation to destroy some of the follicles (tiny cysts) that develop in the ovaries. This is usually done when other methods of treatment do not work.
Fibromioma.
If there is no other explanation for your infertility, sometimes an operation to remove the fibroid is indicated. But whether the myoma is the actual cause of infertility and, therefore, whether it should be eliminated - is still uncertain.
Intrauterine insemination with sperm of a husband or donor.
Insemination is a simple process in which sperm cells are placed in a woman's uterus, and fertilization takes place there. It can be timed to ovulation in women. It is necessary to have healthy fallopian tubes for insemination. Medicines can also be taken in advance to increase your chances. Spermatozoa can be taken from either the husband or the donor.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
In vitro fertilization is a means of fertilization outside the body. The extracorporeal literally means "in glass" (in a laboratory or in a test tube). IVF is used mainly for women whose infertility is caused by blockage of the fallopian tubes, or the cause of infertility is inexplicable. IVF involves taking medications to stimulate the "fertility" of the ovaries. When the ovules are formed, with a small operation it is necessary to obtain them. Each egg is then mixed with sperm and placed for several days in the laboratory. Embryos formed as a result, then placed in the womb of the woman. Several embryos can even be frozen for further IVF attempts at a later date (if the first attempt was unsuccessful).
Chances of success with IVF.
Your chances of success with IVF may be higher if you are under 39, you were pregnant earlier, and you have a body mass index between 19 and 30 (ie, there is no excess weight). Other things that can reduce the chance of IVF success include alcohol, a lot of caffeine, smoking (for both partners).
Intracellular sperm injection.
Through this technique, individual spermatozoa are injected directly into the egg. It bypasses any natural barriers that can prevent fertilization. Intracellular injection can also be used when your partner has a low amount of sperm in the sperm.
Donation of eggs.
It presupposes the stimulation of the donor's ovaries with the help of medicines, as well as the collection of eggs. Next, the eggs are mixed and fertilized with sperm, as in IVF. After 2-3 days embryos are placed in the uterus.
Egg donation is an option for women who:
- Do not have ovaries or can not produce eggs
- Suffer from diseases in which the ovaries do not work (for example, Turner's syndrome)
- Have a high risk of transmitting genetic diseases to the child. It is also used in some cases of non-presentation of IVF.
The question of how to treat female infertility, worries people around the world for a long time. But although there are several methods, medicines have been created to help women, but the main thing in this case is not to lose hope. And fight for your happiness. And it will not keep you waiting.