Infertility affects men and women at equal rates. There are many causes of infertility, and 25 percent of infertile couples have multiple contributing factors .
Before you are treated for infertility, you and your partner must be evaluated by a doctor. Several testing procedures may be performed to identify the cause or causes of infertility.
Possible procedures include:
Blood tests
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
Ultrasound scans
Medical history
Physical examination
Semen analysis
Diagnostic laparoscopy
Treatment options include:
Ovulation induction: medications are given to cause ovulation to occur and/or stimulate the number of eggs released .
Surgery: to open fallopian tubes or repair reproductive organs
Assisted reproductive technologies include:
Artificial insemination: placing sperm in the cervix or uterus without intercourse .
donor eggs are fertilized in vitro (in a dish) with a woman's partner's sperm .
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): placing one sperm directly into an egg to fertilize it .
In vitro fertilization (IVF): fertilizing eggs and sperm in a laboratory and placing the fertilized egg(embryo) into the uterus .
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT): placing eggs and sperm in the fallopian tube during laparoscopy .
Surrogacy: the use of another woman's to carry the pregnancy .