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Treatment Options
Infertility
How is it treated?
Since infertility has multiple causes, treatment options for it are also varied and many are directed at underlying causes. Timing sexual intercourse for probable dates of ovulation is a common first step. Some study evidence suggests that male hormone levels are higher in the morning and that sperm counts are higher in colder weather than in hot weather. Lifestyle changes (for instance, giving up cigarettes, losing or gaining weight, moderating extremely vigorous exercise programs, and reducing or eliminating the intake of alcohol and caffeine) are recommended for both partners. Counseling and/or medications may relieve anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors contributing to infertility. If the cause is a reproductive-tract infection, antibiotics or antiviral drugs may be enough to restore fertility. Treating health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, or changing the prescription drugs used to treat them may also reduce infertility for some individuals. Occasionally, blocked reproductive structures may be re-opened by surgery.
If male infertility results from a low sperm count, therapy with male hormones may help. When female infertility is caused by decreased ovulation, certain medications and female hormones can be used to induce ovulation (help stimulate the woman?s body to produce mature eggs).
Infertility treatment options include:
Drug classes used to treat Infertility Biguanides Dopamine Agonists Estrogen Agonist-Antagonists Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs (GnRHa) Gonadotropins Thiazolidinediones
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Last Updated: August 2007
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.
Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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How is it treated?
