Infertility is a reality for many couples. However, proper medical treatment can help. The first thing a doctor does is find the reason for infertility. Indeed, a problem could be diagnosed in the man or woman. Frequently, women decide to wait to start a family. They do not realize the decision can be a problem. Women are born with a certain number of eggs; they cannot get more. Over time, the quality of the eggs deteriorate. Men have the same problem with age. For instance, a man who had a child at 20 may develop fertility problems by age 35. The problems are usually a result of illness or an injury.
Many infertile couples attempt In vitro fertilization or IVF in San Antonio TX. IVF begins with a complete examination of the patient. The fertility specialist has to control the woman’s menstrual cycle for IVF to work. To accomplish this, women are given birth control pills. Next, the patient receives several injections of lupron. This drug prevents the body from releasing eggs until the right time in the process. The next step is blood tests to check the estradiol level. Estradiol is an important reproductive hormone. Further, an ultrasound is performed to make sure the ovaries are functioning properly. If everything checks out, ovarian stimulation begins.
Injections of a gonadotropin are given to increase the number of follicles the ovaries make. Each follicle will, hopefully, produce an egg. Doctors always caution patients about eggs during IVF in San Antonio TX. They stress it is the quality of eggs produced rather than the quantity. During this time, an ultrasound is given to make sure follicles are growing. Finally, the patient is given human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) 36 hours before egg retrieval. HCG helps the eggs mature properly.
Doctors use transvaginal ultrasound and a long, thin needle to retrieve the eggs (now known as oocytes). Women are sedated during this procedure. Later, the embryologist injects sperm into each oocyte. Lastly, the embryo transfer occurs three to five days later. If all goes as planned, the patient will soon be pregnant. To learn more, Visit Fertility Institute of Texas.
