Understanding Fertility

If you are having trouble falling pregnant, it is a good idea to do some basic research on infertility and the many fertility treatment options available to you. While gathering some general IVF information is a good idea, you may be relieved to learn that not everyone will need to embark on a fully stimulated IVF cycle.  Many patients commence with simple treatments such as timed intercourse, ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination.

Before you contemplate having any type of fertility treatment, it is important that you have a good understanding of the very basics: female reproduction, and male reproduction and how they both make up the fertilisation process. This is because conception and pregnancy depend on a number of female and male factors ranging from anatomy, hormone production and timing. A problem or disorder in any of these areas may result in infertility.

Once you feel you understand these normal reproductive functions, you might then start to investigate your treatment options. Here is a basic overview of the most common treatments available at Queensland Fertility Group, starting from the least invasive option, with a link to a more detailed explanation of each. See IVF Statistics for the success rate of each treatment option.

Ovulation Induction (OI): A minimally invasive and lower cost procedure, where ovulation is induced using fertility drugs such as Clomiphene tablets or FSH injections. During OI, couples can maximise their chance of conceiving naturally with timed intercourse or opt for intrauterine insemination (IUI). This is a common treatment for (but not limited to) women with irregular menstrual cycles.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This procedure involves your doctor placing prepared partner’s sperm (or donor sperm) into the female reproductive tract at the time of ovulation.  This simple procedure takes minutes, is similar to having a pap smear and can be used with or without the help of fertility drugs as in Ovulation Induction.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) : This is a more invasive and controlled procedure that involves the both sperm collection and egg collection. The male’s sperm and the woman’s egg are placed into a sterilised dish in our laboratories where they can fertilise outside the human body. The fertilised eggs (embryos) are then transferred back to the uterus. This procedure is typically used when the woman has blocked or damaged fallopian tubes but in reality is used to treat all forms of infertility.

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Like IVF, this procedure involves both sperm collection and egg collection however a single sperm is injected directly into the cytoplasm of each egg by the scientist in the laboratory. This is conducted at the fertilisation phase of a normal IVF cycle. This treatment is typically used when the male’s sperm number or motility is low.

Queensland Fertility Group also offers a number of other treatments and procedures such as Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT), frozen embryo transfers (FET), Pre implantation embryo genetic diagnosis (PGD), Endometriosis removal, Fibroid removal, and Hysteroscopy and Tubal surgery.

For a comprehensive overview of all treatment options, including a detailed explanation of the IVF process, we encourage you to register for one of our free fertility seminars conducted at regular times throughout Queensland by our Fertility Specialists.  Topics covered include the main causes of infertility in men and women, tips on how to get pregnant naturally, and a detailed explanation of all infertility treatments. Success rates and comparisons between treatments are also covered. These seminars are held in a private setting and you will have the opportunity to discuss your situation with our Specialists and ask for their expert advice.

Remember when you are trying to get pregnant it is important that you understand all of your fertility treatment options so you can make an informed decision and take a positive step towards getting pregnant. Call 1800 111 IVF (483) to make an appointment with a QFG Fertility Specialist or to register for an information session.