Choosing the right fertility treatment as a Mum: tips and considerations

It’s very common for a person or a couple to experience fertility conditions, requiring a little extra help from healthcare facilities or donors to have a baby. Nearly half of all adults need or want to use fertility treatments to increase their chances of conception. Same-sex couples often use fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilisation, surrogacy, or donor sperm to have kids. Fertility treatments range in type, and there is typically an option for all needs. It’s hard to know what to choose, as they all have varying pros and cons.

Fertility Medications

Regardless of the type or method of pregnancy or conception, fertility medications are a standard part of the process. Typically, fertility medications include injectable hormones to improve ovulation or egg production or clomiphene to block excess estrogen to enhance egg production. Clomiphene is an oral medication, while other hormone drugs, such as human menopausal gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone, are typically injections. While these medications generally improve the chance of conceiving, some present side effects like nausea, injection site tenderness, headache, and hot flashes. You may also experience a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is also commonly referred to as artificial insemination. This procedure involves prepared semen from a donor or partner directly inserted into the uterus to improve the chances of conception. Fertility medications are usually prescribed to increase the chances of success further. It’s more cost-effective and less invasive than in-vitro fertilization but has a lower success rate. Side effects can include infection, spotting, and multiple pregnancies, similar to other fertilization methods. It also may not address or help with all fertilization issues. 

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In vitro is Latin for ‘within the glass,’ implying the procedure occurs outside the body. The procedure involves the removal of an egg from the uterus to be fertilized in a lab through sperm. Once complete, the fertilised egg (embryo) is reinserted into the uterus for pregnancy. IVF has helped many parents struggling with fertility to conceive. Same-sex couples often use IVF to get pregnant themselves or through surrogacy. There is a very high success rate for pregnancy, even for women over 30, as the healthiest eggs are selected during the process. Donated sperm, eggs, or both are allowed, opening the option to many different people or needs. Testing is done to reduce the chance of miscarriage and improve the baby’s health. This procedure can be done at any time, even if you have frozen eggs or sperm previously. 

However, success isn’t guaranteed. The procedure can feel quite invasive for those who are uncomfortable with gynecological healthcare. The method can be expensive; if unsuccessful the first time, additional costs are added for more rounds. IVF can increase the likelihood of developing conditions like OHSS. Rarely fertilized embryos can become contaminated and result in loss of viable pregnancy. You may consider hiring an IVF malpractice attorney if this occurs due to malpractice.

Uterine Surgery

Some fertility issues are due to fibroids, polyps, cysts, or other conditions in the uterus. Most of these conditions can be improved or removed through surgical methods. There are several types of uterine surgeries, but they all work to improve or repair the uterus’s function by removing obstructions or damaged tissue. While these surgeries are minimally invasive, they are more invasive than non-surgical procedures. There is also a more extended recovery period for surgery. Additionally, surgical complications can rarely occur. 

Surrogacy

A surrogate pregnancy involves someone else carrying a pregnancy to term for a person or couple. Surrogates are mainly utilized by same-sex couples or those who cannot carry a pregnancy to term themselves. Involving a surrogate can lower the stress and physical demands of getting pregnant yourself. However, some people who value the idea and process of being pregnant and giving birth may find it emotionally challenging to allow someone else to experience it instead. Surrogacy also costs quite a bit of money. While you are placing faith and trust in the healthy practices and behavior of the surrogate, they are routinely tested and evaluated for health.

Embryo or Egg Donation

For those who do not have viable eggs, embryo or egg donors can provide healthy, viable eggs for you. These eggs are already fertilized or can be fertilized and inserted into the uterus for you to carry to term. For those who want the experience of being pregnant and giving birth, this is a great option. However, success in terms of live birth is not guaranteed, which can result in significant physical and emotional trauma. This option is also more cost-effective than in-vitro fertilization in most cases.

Sperm Donation

For people or couples who do not have viable sperm to use, sperm donation is another solid choice. Sperm is usually of high quality and increases the likelihood of conception. It allows patients more choice regarding the donor’s genetics and looks. However, if you use a non-licensed fertility clinic or a random donor, you may be susceptible to low-quality sperm or even sexually transmitted diseases. Going through a licensed fertility clinic increases safety and chances of success. These treatments are typically less expensive than surgery or IVF but still come with additional costs than simple medications. Like every other treatment, there is also not a 100% chance of success.

There are lots of fertility treatments out there for many different people, couples, and needs. For those who prefer less invasive procedures, intrauterine semination, fertility medication surrogacy, or donor sperm may be the best choice. For those who don’t mind costly or invasive procedures, in-vitro fertilization may increase your chances of success. There isn’t a wrong choice but be informed before making a decision.