Two common fertility treatment options explained by a fertility physician

When it takes longer for a couple to conceive than they were expecting, the first step is to recognize that it might be time to see a fertility specialist. The second step is to understand the various fertility treatment options. Isaac E. Sasson, M.D., Ph.D., from our Chesterbrook, PA office, briefly explains in simple terms two common treatment options that make parenthood possible.

Common fertility treatment options

At Shady Grove Fertility there are a number of different treatment options to help almost everyone conceive. Depending on your diagnosis—which is determined after a simple medical evaluation also known as fertility testing—we believe in a stepped approach to fertility treatment. As much as possible, we start our patients with the simplest, most affordable treatment option first. In fact, 50 percent of the treatment cycles performed at Shady Grove Fertility involve superovulation or ovulation induction (OI) and/or intrauterine insemination (IUI). What makes these treatment options low-tech? OI and IUI cycles require less medication, fewer monitoring appointments, and a lower cost. These more basic options aim to mature more than one egg, with fertilization occurring in the woman’s body instead of in an embryology lab.

Nearly 40 percent of all treatments at Shady Grove Fertility use a more advanced treatment option called in vitro fertilization (IVF). This option is frequently used for women who have completely blocked Fallopian tubes, an increased level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), endometriosis, age factor infertility, and anovulation. IVF can also be successful for couples with severe male factor infertility and for patients who have been unsuccessful with more conservative treatments such as IUI.

How do I make a decision about fertility treatment?

There are now treatments available to help nearly every couple conceive. While patients have to weigh the costs and time commitments of their options against the potential for success, we are here to help make the decision less overwhelming. Our physicians at Shady Grove Fertility will help you understand your treatment options, while our financial counselors will work one-on-one with you to explain the intricacies of insurance coverage and the financial programs we make available.

Should I see a fertility specialist?

Not sure if you are infertile? If you’re under 35 with regular menstrual cycles and no pregnancy after 1 year of unprotected intercourse; 35 to 39 with regular cycles and no pregnancy after 6 months; or 40+ with regular cycles and no pregnancy, now is the time to see a fertility specialist. Or, if you have irregular periods, ovulatory disorders, or a history of early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency, we recommend you see a fertility specialist sooner.

The first step is simple—schedule an appointment to meet with a fertility specialist to determine your cause of infertility and then discuss your fertility treatment options.