Infertility

These days most people consider infertility treatment as IVF. There are however, many options that can to be considered before resorting to it. With simple investigations and treatment readily available, most will not require IVF. Basic investigations that should be performed in the initial assessment for infertility include:

• Sperm testing
• Ovulation testing
• Checking for tubal patency
• Excluding hormonal problems like polycytic ovaries
• Checking for ovarian reserve

Tubal patency is best checked by laparoscopy. This allows:

• • exclusion of endometriosis. If present it can be treated at the time.
  • confirmation of tubal patency by passage of dye in the tubes
  • if the tubes are blocked then the site and cause of this can be determined
  • attempt to unblock the tubes can be undertaken if appropriate
  • flushing of the tubes can increase the chance of pregnancy

A hysteroscopy is performed simoultaneously to exclude abnormalities in the cavity of the womb

Treatment will depend on the cause. They include:

• Ovulation induction with medications like clomiphene
• Treatment of endometriosis
• Tubal surgery
• Correction of hormonal abnormalities
• Artificial insemination
• IVF

If you are having concerns about fertility, please ask for an assessment. There are many options available.