Treatments that are available.

Your treatment will be tailored specifically for your case. In most cases, we are able to identify the condition that is preventing pregnancy, but if not, chances are still good that we will be able to help. The majority of our patients who follow the complete course of treatment will conceive a child, including couples with unexplained fertility problems. We typically start with the simplest, least expensive options with the lowest risk of multiple births, and move on to more involved procedures if necessary.

A simple way to solve some problems is to take the man's sperm, process it to get rid of proteins and other elements, and then inject the concentrated sperm into the woman's uterus, bypassing the vagina (artificial insemination). If other treatments fail, in-vitro fertilization may be the answer. This involves removing an egg (or eggs) from the woman and fertilizing it in the laboratory using the man's sperm. The fertilized egg, or embryo, is then transferred to the woman's uterus so that she can carry and deliver the baby just like any other mother. This method is highly effective for couples who would otherwise not be able to conceive. However, many of our patients are able to conceive using other methods.

Treatment for ovulation or female anatomy problems

				If a woman is not ovulating or if her estrogen level is low, she may be prescribed ovulation medications (pills or injections). These are highly effective and safe for most patients. The doctor will discuss any possible effects of the medication when prescribing it. If the woman is ovulating, the post-coital test may show that the sperm is having trouble getting to the uterus to fertilize the egg. Insemination will solve this problem. In some women, the anatomy of the reproductive system may be preventing fertilization.

If no egg can be obtained, an egg from a donor can be used if both partners agree. If the donor is anonymous, we can not reveal her identity but can provide certain information about her. Sometimes, a friend or relative of the couple is willing to provide an egg for fertilization. Whatever the circumstances, the decision to use an egg from a donor should be considered carefully beforehand, by both partners as well as the donor.

Treatment for low sperm count or blockage

Whatever the reason for a low sperm count, artificial insemination with concentrated sperm may bring results. If not, in-vitro fertilization may be the next step.

Sometimes, a man is found to be making sperm but a blockage is preventing its release. This may be remedied by retrieving the sperm directly from the testicle or epididymis, a tube-like structure connected to the testes. Fertilization can then occur by in-vitro fertilization.

A low sperm count may be due to swelling of blood vessels around the testes, a condition called varicocele. This condition can usually be corrected by surgery.

If a man is producing low numbers of sperm and the condition cannot be corrected, there is a chance that a few sperm may still be found in the testicles. Even if only a very small number of sperm can be found and retrieved, in-vitro fertilization may be effective, because sperm can be injected directly into the egg.

Rarely, the man's sperm count is so low that no sperm can be obtained. In that case, sperm from a donor may be used if both partners agree. This decision should be considered carefully. The identity of an anonymous donor can not be revealed, but some information about the donor can be provided.

Doctors     Hospital Information      High-Risk Obstetrics       Fertility Services       Birthing Classes
Clinics       Maps      Related Links      UAMS Medical Center     UAMS Dept. of OB/Gyn      Home