About 1 in 6 couples have trouble getting pregnant. That can feel overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take. This page explains common tests, realistic treatment options, what affects success, and when to get specialist help — in plain language.
Start by checking basics that matter most: age, ovulation, sperm health, and whether fallopian tubes are open. These factors explain a lot and guide the next steps. You and your partner should both be tested — fertility is rarely only one person’s issue.
Don’t pay for expensive treatments before basic tests. For women, common tests include tracking ovulation, blood tests for hormones (like AMH, FSH, progesterone), and a pelvic ultrasound to check ovarian reserve and the uterus. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) tests whether tubes are blocked. For men, a semen analysis checks sperm count, movement, and shape. These tests usually give a clear starting point and shape the treatment plan.
Sometimes lifestyle checks are included: body weight, smoking, alcohol, and certain medications can reduce fertility. Fixing these first often improves results without heavy medical intervention.
Fertility care ranges from simple to advanced. Here’s a short breakdown:
Ovulation support: If ovulation is irregular, pills like letrozole or clomiphene can help trigger regular cycles. These are often the first step because they’re low-cost and easy to try.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Sperm is washed and placed directly into the uterus around ovulation. IUI is less invasive and cheaper than IVF, and it’s often used when sperm count is low or when donor sperm is needed.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and embryos are transferred to the uterus. IVF gives the highest per-cycle success rate, but it’s also more expensive and emotionally demanding. Options like egg donation or ICSI (injecting a single sperm into an egg) are available for specific problems.
Surgery: Laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may fix structural issues like blocked tubes, large fibroids, or severe endometriosis. Surgery makes sense when a clear correctable problem exists.
Be aware of risks: multiple pregnancies (with fertility drugs or IUI), ovarian hyperstimulation (rare with modern protocols), and emotional strain. Ask your clinic about success rates, side effects, and how many embryos they transfer.
Costs and insurance coverage vary widely. Look for clear pricing, refund options, and whether the clinic publishes its success statistics.
When to see a specialist? If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months, see a fertility clinic. If you’re 35 or older, talk to a specialist after 6 months. Also see a doctor sooner if you have known issues like irregular periods, previous pelvic infection, or low sperm count.
Small changes matter: quit smoking, achieve a healthy weight, manage stress, and time intercourse around ovulation. These steps improve the odds whether you try meds, IUI, or IVF.
If you feel stuck, ask your GP for a referral. A good clinic will explain tests, give realistic chances, and build a plan that fits your timeline and budget. Fertility treatment is often a series of steps — informed choices make each step count.
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