Exploring Treatment Options at Your Vermont Fertility Clinic

Posted February 21, 2017 by NRM

If you are struggling to conceive on your own, several treatment options are available from your local Vermont Fertility Clinic. Below is some information about these options.

Fertility Medications

Fertility medications are often the first line of treatment used for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. The most common oral medications used for this purpose are letrozole and clomiphene, both of which encourage a healthy ovulation. In some cases, injectable medications may also be used to increase the chances of conception. Fertility medications are most appropriate for women with irregular menstrual cycles, couples with unexplained infertility or couples using intrauterine insemination.

Intrauterine Insemination   

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a procedure in which washed sperm is deposited directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI can be used in conjunction with a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, or it can be combined with fertility medications. IUI is most appropriate for women using donor sperm and couples with male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility.

Traditional IVF

In vitro fertilization is a more intensive fertility treatment that works by joining the egg and sperm outside the body, allowing it to mature for a few days and then returning it to the woman’s uterus for implantation. In a traditional IVF procedure, the fertility doctors use medication to stimulate ovulation. This procedure is best for women with a history of tubal disease or tubal ligation, males with a history of vasectomy, patients using donor eggs or patients using a gestational carrier.

Donor Egg IVF

Donor egg IVF may be an excellent option if you suffer from a decreased ovarian reserve (egg quantity or quality), or have undergone premature ovarian failure (menopause at an early age). Donor egg IVF is commonly used in women from in their late 30’s, 40’s, or early 50’s to help achieve pregnancy. As the recipient of a donor egg, you would have the egg fertilized with your partner’s sperm or a donor sperm, and transferred into your uterus. Pregnancy rates are quite high with cycles of donor egg IVF, and success does not depend on the recipient’s age.

Gestational Surrogacy

When a woman cannot carry her own child for medical reasons or by choice, gestational surrogacy may be the best option. This option is also a common choice among gay male couples.

Each of the treatment options above offers different advantages for patients seeking fertility treatment. To learn more, please contact Northeastern Reproductive Medicine in Vermont today.