Facing infertility and the struggle to conceive can be emotional and daunting. Every couple envisages the joyful and exciting time in their lives as they embark upon the process of becoming parents. Very few expect that they are going to meet infertility along the way to creating a family together. Whilst the initial shock can leave you feeling at sea and unaware and unsure, once you have accepted your struggle, there are options available to you that can assist you in becoming parents. Let’s take a look at the three best fertility options that are available to help you from the best fertility clinic, in the UK and many others around the world.
IVF
IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a very successful method of treatment for couples who are struggling to conceive. IVF is commonly used when a woman is experiencing infertility linked to endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or diseases that block the fallopian tubes. IVF can be a long process, and it requires patience, but it is a method to which many couples have turned in their quest to become parents. The process behind the treatment is really quite simple. Following the use of drugs to suppress the menstrual cycle, followed by medicine to stimulate egg production, eggs and sperm are collected and mixed together. Following the fertilisation of the eggs, the resulting embryos are then transferred into the womb in order to allow them the chance to develop.
ICSI
ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection has a lot in common with IVF, and is used where male infertility is the cause of the struggle to conceive. In a similar way to IVF, the fertilisation takes place outside of the body. However, rather than the mixing of the sperm and egg taking place, the sperm is injected directly into the egg. This removes the need for sperm to travel and to compete in order to enter the egg. Seeing as male infertility is often a result of low volume of sperm in the ejaculate, weak sperm or misshapen sperm, the action of injecting the sperm into the egg removes the need for the sperm to work in the way it is unable to. Like with IVF, the embryo is put into the womb and given the chance to grow into a successful pregnancy.
IUI
The final option that is open to those who are struggling to conceive is in uterine insemination. This differs from both ICSI and IVF in that it takes place inside the body. This method is mostly used where penetrative sex is not possible for physical or psychological reasons. After sperm has been collected from the male, a fine surgical needle is used to insert it into the female, therefore eliminating the need for penetrative sex to take place.
Finding the treatment that is right for you and for your circumstances is a process that you should take your time to decide upon because each one requires a high level of emotional investment. Furthermore, you need to consider the costs of IUI when determining if this is the right choice for you. Seeking support and advice is paramount, as is keeping open and honest lines of communication established as you move forward with the process that you select. Don’t be disheartened if the treatment you decide upon doesn’t work on the first attempt, and also keep in mind that there are others that you can try as you strive to overcome your struggles and become parents.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
