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Tests & Treatments

Why?

If you have been trying to conceive for at least a year and have made any necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle you can visit your doctor and find out what tests are available to you. If you are over 40 you might want to visit your doctor sooner. The information given below is just a guide so please consult your doctor or specialist for further information.

Conditions which may cause problems with conception and the relevant tests and treatments:

Female

Ovulation disorders

These can be caused by problems with the regulation of hormones or problems with the ovaries themselves. They include:

  • Premature menopause when periods stop before 40. They can start again although this is rare but often this is the first treatment tried. IVF/IVM with egg donation can be an option.

  • Abnormal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone) which are the two hormones responsible for stimulating ovulation. This can be caused by stress, weight issues, poor diet or, very occasionally, problems with the pituitary gland or other hormone deficiencies.

  • PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) - symptoms include ovarian cysts, disruption to ovulation and possibly excessive production of male hormones (androgens) causing excessive hair growth and weight gain. There are many natural remedies to try and correct this problem.

You should be able to organise hormone and ovulation tests with your doctor. You may be prescribed drugs to stimulate ovulation and the chances of conception are usually quite good.

Damage to fallopian tubes

This can be caused by infection (chlamydia or gonorrhoea), ectopic pregnancy or previous surgery which can inhibit the egg's movement depending on where the blockage is. Tests can be done to find out if there is a blockage.

Endometriosis

This occurs when the tissue which normally grows in the lining of the womb implants and grows in other places. This can interfere with conception and surgical removal can cause scarring. A laparoscopy can be done to check for endometriosis and scarring. There are a wide range of treatment options for endometriosis including:- homeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, diet and prescribed medication. Laser surgery can also be an option.

Fibroids

These are benign tumours which can grow in the womb from puberty. They can cause problems with infertility depending on their location and size. Many different treatments are available.

Assisted conception

IUI (Intrauterine insemination) - inserting sperm directly into the womb at ovulation to increase the number of sperm in the fallopian tubes.

IVF (In vitro fertilisation) - mature eggs are removed, fertilised and placed back in the uterus. Fertility drugs are given alongside this procedure. IVF is available without fertility drugs but the success rates are much lower.

IVM (In vitro maturation) - similar to IVF but no drugs are used and immature eggs are harvested outside of the body before being fertilised and implanted in the womb. It is a fairly new treatment and very useful for women who are sensitive to fertility drugs usually as a result of PCOS. It is also cheaper than IVF as the costs of drugs is much reduced.

Male

Male fertility issues account for roughly half of all infertility problems.

A semen analysis is the first step to identifying if there is a problem or not.. This will establish the quality, quantity and motility of the sperm. It is also possible for there to be blockages in the sperm-carrying tubes.

There are many causes of abnormal sperm including hormonal, genetic and physical. Treatment and outcome vary depending on what the problem is found to be.

Men with poor quality sperm can now be helped by ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, usually during IVF.

What you can both do

  • Make sure your body and mind are in optimum health.

  • Research - knowledge is power.

  • Build up a good relationship with your doctor

Research and Articles

  • Every sperm counts - The Times Body & Soul June 2007
  • Male infertility alert over hidden bacteria - The Times Online Oct 2007
  • A cheap painless alternative to IVF? - The Independent Oct 2007
  • Our £95 IVF twins - Mail Online Jan 2009

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