Collaborative post by another author. If you have been trying to conceive for two years or you have had numerous miscarriages, infertility treatment may be a solution that is available to you. There are a few different types of infertility treatment that are worth knowing about. This guide explains 5 of the main fertility treatment options. 

IVF

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is the most common form of infertility treatment. It involves fertilising an egg outside of the womb - with the sperm of a partner or a donor - and then placing the fertilised egg into the uterus. The success rate of IVF can vary depending on the age and health of the candidate. Multiple cycles of IVF are often needed - two out of three women fall pregnant after three rounds of IVF.

IUI

IUI (intrauterine insemination) involves placing sperm directly into the uterus. This could be a partner’s sperm (including frozen sperm) or donated sperm. Male couples can also consider IUI using a woman as a surrogate. IUI success rates can vary depending on a range of factors.

GIFT

GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) is similar to IVF, but instead of placing the fertilised egg directly in the uterus, the eggs are allowed to develop and fertilise in the fallopian tubes before implantation in the uterus. This procedure is recommended for couples with healthy sperm and fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes are damaged, IVF is likely to be the preferred option. ZIFT is a similar procedure to GIFT which may also be recommended and involves mixing the sperm and egg in a laboratory before placing the egg in the fallopian tubes. 

Egg donation

Some women are unable to fall pregnant using their own eggs. Egg donation involves having an egg donated by someone else. This is then typically fertilised and placed into the uterus via IVF. Falling pregnant with a donated egg means that the child will not share the same DNA as you, however you will still get the experience of falling pregnant and giving birth to your child. 

Sperm donation

Sperm donation is a good option for women who are single, women who may have female partners or women who may have a male partner who is infertile. It involves using the donated sperm of another man to conceive. This is usually placed into the womb via IUI treatment. 

Are there other options?

These medical procedures are not the only solutions for those struggling to conceive or carry a child full term. Fertility drugs can be prescribed to couples to help with conceiving and lifestyle changes such as being more active, quitting smoking, quitting drinking and eating fertility-boosting foods may all make a difference too.

There are also options such as surrogacy and adoption to consider. While this does mean that you miss out on the experience of pregnancy and giving birth, it could otherwise allow you to experience the entire journey of parenthood and raise a much loved child of your own. The success rates of fertility treatments is generally very small past the age of 42, however there is no upper age limit for adoption.