Female Infertility
It is a common misperception that infertility issues are stem from females, but the fact is that 50% of the infertility issues are related to male reproductive problems. Most of the male infertility issues come from hormonal imbalance and endocrine disorders, primary testicular defects of sperm production, or sperm transport disorders.
The evaluation of male infertility problems initially includes signs and symptoms of deficiency in sex hormone levels, general physical and mental health condition of the male, previous injury or trauma to the testes or penis, childhood diseases such as mumps, followed by physical examination of the reproductive parts to look for hydrocele, varicocele, hernia or infection. We may ask you to submit a semen sample to evaluate the sperm count, quality, and motility of the sperm. We may even go for a biopsy or genetic testing to find the underlying cause in some cases.
Diagnosis and Evaluation for Female Infertility
Before starting the female infertility treatment, it is vital to diagnose the cause. Only highly qualified and experienced doctors can diagnose the exact cause through your symptoms and by conducting various medical tests. Dr. Mazen has a team of professionally trained experts who work together to diagnose the cause of infertility and suggest the best treatment. Once the fertility treatment for women is decided, the preparations start under close observation and the patient is given quality care.
The female infertility treatment consists of correcting the identified problem, which may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medical therapy in case of hormonal imbalances or erectile dysfunction, surgical correction or repair of male anatomy in hernia, varicocele, or injury cases. In case of an unidentified problem, we follow a systematic, evidence-based approach with assisted reproductive technologies such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination, also known as artificial insemination), ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection), and IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization).
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a series of procedures that can help with fertility and preventing genetic defects in susceptible parents.
Ovulation induction is a process whereby ovaries are stimulated to produce and mature multiple eggs through fertility drugs rather than one egg produced each month.
Intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination, is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) where sperms are washed and processed, and introduced into the female uterus.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a series of procedures that can help with female fertility and preventing genetic defects in susceptible parents. They are designed to retrieve eggs from the female partner and sperm from the male partner (either through natural ejaculation or surgical extraction) and fertilize the egg in the lab. Once an embryo is formed, it is transferred back into the female uterus. IVF is a highly successful procedure in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). However, it carries a risk of multiple pregnancies if multiple embryos are implanted. You may need certain medication before egg retrieval and hormones to help sustain the pregnancy. One cycle of IVF can take upto two or three weeks to complete, and most of the time more than one cycle is needed to achieve successful results.
We have a team of specialists with extensive experience and high success rate. These specialists provide the best care and professionally done IVF treatment to our patients who fail to get pregnant naturally or opt for IVF due to any other reason.
Ovulation Induction
The process of an egg being released from the ovary is known as ovulation. Ovulation induction is a process whereby ovaries are stimulated to produce and mature multiple eggs through fertility drugs rather than one egg produced each month. The need for multiple eggs is because not all eggs may fertilize or implant. Many different fertility drugs are used.
Medication for ovarian stimulation
To stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs, hormone injections such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) or Luteinizing Hormone (LH) or a combination of both are given. The most common and cost-effective medication we use is CLOMID (clomiphene citrate). It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that helps release FSH and LH from the pituitary. It is used as monotherapy in patients with PCOS and in females that ovulate normally yet present with unexplained fertility to assist reproduction.
Medications for oocyte maturation
Generally, between 8 to 14 days of the procedure, the eggs are ready to be retrieved. At that point, we give you Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) injections to help the eggs mature.
Medications to prevent premature ovulation
The ovaries release the eggs when they are matured. These medications prevent ovaries from releasing eggs before they are matured.
Medications to prepare the lining of the uterus
Once the eggs are retrieved, we give you medications that prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation.
Side effects and complications of ovulation induction:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This is graded into mild, moderate, or severe according to the symptoms. Most cases are mild, with symptoms consisting of bloating and abdominal pain. Rarely, the condition can be severe, leading to multi-organ damage.
- Multiple pregnancies: Sometimes, ovulation can lead to twin and triplets pregnancy, leading to higher chances of intrauterine growth retardation and death, and maternal complications. If two or more follicles are detected during the ultrasound scan, abstinence is often advised.
- Higher chances of ovarian cancer: Likely to be with very long treatment with fertility drugs or hormonal supplements.
The best way to avoid such complications is to consult a doctor who is trustworthy enough to guide you about the best treatment according to your condition. Dr. Muhammad Mazen Daye is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist. He has been guiding and treating people about their condition and the most suitable female fertility treatments for them.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination, is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) where sperms are washed and processed, and introduced into the female uterus, which puts them closer to the egg. This can increase the chances of fertilization. IUI is an extremely helpful technology in the following cases:
- unexplained infertility
- mild endometriosis
- where the female has issues with the cervix or cervical mucus
- where the male patient has a low sperm count or decreased sperm motility
- where there are issues with ejaculation or erection
- where a couple wants to avoid passing on a genetic defect from the male partner to the child
IUI is a relatively safe and painless procedure. It can be done by natural method or with ovulation induction. Your doctor decides which medications are suitable for you.
Risks involved in IUI:
- Infection is a rarity since we use properly sterilized instruments for the procedure in our center.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) of varying degrees is a recognized complication if you are given ovulation induction medicines. Most cases are mild, with symptoms consisting of bloating and abdominal pain. Rarely, the condition can be severe, leading to multi-organ damage.
- Multiple pregnancies: This is a complication of ovulation induction treatment. If more than one follicle is seen in the ovary, abstinence is advised. A twin or a triplet pregnancy carries a higher degree of risks for both babies and mothers.