The first step in your fertility journey should be a full evaluation by a qualified specialist. A Reproductive Medicine specialist is a specially trained gynecologist who has spent extra time learning how to evaluate and deal with infertile couples.
The initial evaluation usually consists of blood tests and vaginal ultrasound for women. Sometimes an X-ray test called a hysterosalpingography (HSG) will be done to check the fallopian tubes.
For men, blood tests are usually done in addition to performing a semen analysis. Once you have a thorough evaluation, your specialist can help you determine the right course of treatment.
In many cases, it is possible to start with ovulation-enhancing drugs. Often drugs are combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI) involving the injection of sperm into the uterus during ovulation. Some patients may benefit from surgery to restore the surgical anatomy.
For some patients with more serious conditions, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be necessary to take advantage of low sperm or egg counts. While IVF is a more complex process, it is also extremely successful.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing before implantation allows doctors to test an embryo for chromosomal abnormalities (too many or too few chromosomes) before deciding whether to transfer it. Since fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of miscarriage and can also lead to an infected baby after birth, pre-implantation genetic testing is a reliable and vital tool that allows doctors to select the best embryo for transfer and dramatically increases the chances of pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby for patients.
Pregnant with IVF
While it is clear that IVF is the best choice for expectant parents struggling to achieve a pregnancy, it is also important to note that not all IVF treatments are the same. After 20 years of improving science, the founder of the Center for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine "Alexandros Traianos" has established a standard of care that has led to higher and higher rates of IVF success, while ensuring the health of mothers and babies.
How to improve your fertility
In addition to medical issues, factors such as lifestyle, diet and environment affect fertility in both women and men. If you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant, here are some lifestyle choices you would like to consider.
- Smoking not only damages the function of the ovaries during in vitro fertilization, but also threatens the health of a mother, the fetus and the people around them. Smoking also affects sperm health. Anything both partners can do to stop or reduce smoking will help with fertility.
- Alcohol and drug use should be completely eliminated when trying to conceive, as they adversely affect reproductive and sexual function and can cause health problems in a newborn.
- Being overweight increases him ΔΜΣ which can contribute to infertility. Changes in your diet can help significantly in preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. Exercise also plays a vital role.
- Environmental toxins, also known as endocrine disruptors, have contributed to global fertility decline. They are hidden in the food, water and products we use daily in our body, in our homes as well as in the indoor and outdoor air we breathe. It is important to pay attention to labels, eat organic food whenever possible and use green products as much as possible.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can adversely affect fertility, so always use condoms during sex until you are in a committed relationship and try both.
- Some prescription drugs can reduce fertility or delay conception, so talk to your doctor about reducing these drugs or finding safer alternatives if possible.
* The content on this blog is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health care providers with questions you may have about medical conditions.
