Understanding the Latest Advances in Infertility Treatments

Infertility Treatment Options

Infertility can be a stressful, emotional experience—but the path to treatment doesn’t always start with a specialist. At Complete Healthcare, we believe in starting smart. Many effective, evidence-based options are available before you take the leap to a reproductive endocrinologist.

Let’s walk through the treatments and interventions that can help patients early in their fertility journey.

Understanding Infertility: When to Act and Receive Infertility Treatments

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive after:

• 12 months of regular, unprotected sex for women under 35

• 6 months for women over 35

But if you have irregular cycles, known reproductive conditions (like PCOS or endometriosis), or a history of miscarriage, it makes sense to act sooner.

First Step: A Thorough Fertility Evaluation

Before diving into treatment, a full workup should be done. This usually includes:

• Blood tests are used to check hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, prolactin, thyroid function).

• Ovulation tracking: To confirm if and when you're ovulating.

• Pelvic ultrasound: To evaluate the uterus and ovaries.

• Semen analysis: A basic but critical test for male fertility.

At Complete Healthcare, we use these insights to personalize the next steps without rushing to high-cost procedures.

1. Lifestyle Optimization

It might sound simple, but small changes can make a real difference:

• Weight management: Being over- or underweight can disrupt ovulation.

• Smoking and alcohol: Both lower fertility in men and women.

• Stress management: High stress levels can affect hormone regulation.

• Nutrition: A diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and healthy fats supports reproductive health.

These changes are not a “cure,” but they can improve the success rate of subsequent treatments.

2. Ovulation Induction

For women who aren't ovulating regularly, medication can help trigger it:

• Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): An oral medication taken for 5 days early in the cycle. It stimulates the ovaries to release an egg.

• Letrozole (Femara): Originally a breast cancer drug, it's now widely used for ovulation induction and may have fewer side effects than Clomid.

• Metformin: Sometimes used in women with PCOS to improve insulin resistance and restore regular ovulation.

These are often prescribed and monitored by your primary care provider or OB/GYN before needing specialist care.

3. Timed Intercourse and Cycle Monitoring

Once ovulation is regulated, timing intercourse is key:

• Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) help track your LH surge.

• Your provider may schedule ultrasounds or blood tests to confirm when ovulation occurs.

• Timed intercourse is then coordinated around your most fertile days.

This simple step increases the chance of conception when paired with ovulation induction.

4. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Some OB/GYNs offer IUI before referring to a specialist. IUI involves:

• Preparing and concentrating sperm in a lab.

• It is inserted directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.

It’s more targeted than timed intercourse and is often used for mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.

5. Addressing Underlying Conditions

Certain reproductive or hormonal conditions can interfere with fertility and may be managed without a reproductive endocrinologist:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Often treated with weight loss, metformin, or ovulation-inducing medications.

• Thyroid disorders: Can cause menstrual irregularity and ovulation issues.

• Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated prolactin levels can suppress ovulation and are typically treated with medication.

• Endometriosis: While often surgical, milder cases can sometimes be managed with pain relief and ovulation support.

When to See a Specialist

If you've tried ovulation induction, IUI, or lifestyle interventions for 3–6 cycles without success - or if you have more complex issues (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, or recurrent miscarriages) - it’s time to move forward.

Reproductive endocrinologists offer advanced testing and treatments like:

• IVF (in vitro fertilization)

• ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

• Genetic screening

• Egg or sperm donation

But many couples can conceive without ever needing to take that step.

Final Thoughts

At Complete Healthcare, we believe in starting where you are. We offer a full range of diagnostic and early-stage fertility treatments - many of which lead to successful pregnancies without the need for expensive or invasive interventions.

If you're ready to take the next step toward growing your family, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule your fertility consultation today. Let’s start the journey—together.