When fertility problems are experienced, a number of treatment plans are available depending on the underlying cause or causes of the diminished ability to conceive, length of infertility and the age of the person trying to conceive. To identify those causes, a patient should visit a reputable fertility treatment center for a thorough evaluation.

Infertility is usually defined as the inability to conceive after two or more years of trying. Factors inhibiting conception can be caused by the male or female, a combination of factors from both male and female, or of unknown causes. Fertility treatment centers specialize in finding the cause of fertility problems and developing a plan of treatment to help achieve conception.

Male Fertility Issues
Fertility problems most frequently experienced in men may include general sexual problems or problems with the production of sperm or its ability to reach the egg. A thorough examination by a physician specializing in reproductive health can help identify and treat these problems.

Treatment for male fertility treatments, may include:

• Medication
• Behavioral changes
• Diet and exercise modifications
• Surgical intervention
• Hormones
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Treatment for women experiencing fertility problems may include:

Fertility Drug Interventions

• Clomid- Clomiphene citrate is the most widely used fertility drug and usually the first level of intervention.
• Femara and Arimidex – most commonly used to induce ovulation in women with ovulation disorders.
• Gonadotropins- hormonal medications

Surgical Interventions
Many conditions can play a role in the ability to conceive such as cervical narrowing, scar tissue, blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, endometriosis or abnormal shape of the uterus. Fertility treatment centers offer surgical interventions that can be used to correct cervical, pelvic, tubal or uterine problems.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Commonly known as artificial insemination (AI) is a process where sperm is “washed” and injected directly into the uterus. This intervention is sometimes used in cases involving male infertility, when conditions of the woman’s cervical mucus necessitates, or in unidentified fertility problems. Though more affordable than IVF, success rates with this treatment vary at each fertility treatment center and are generally not as high as with IVF.  More info about IUI treatment.