Treatment

Infertility can be treated with medicine, surgery, artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technology. Many times these treatments are combined. About two-thirds of couples who are treated for infertility are able to have a baby. In most cases infertility is treated with drugs or surgery.

Doctors recommend specific treatments for infertility based on:

    * test results
    * how long the couple has been trying to get pregnant
    * the age of both the man and woman
    * the overall health of the partners
    * preference of the partners

For example, if the man is impotent or has problems with premature ejaculation, behavioral therapy and/or medicines may be used. If the man produces too few sperm, surgery may correct the problem. In other cases, doctors can surgically remove sperm from the male reproductive tract. Antibiotics can also be used to clear up infections that affect sperm count.

Various fertility medicines are often used to treat women with ovulation problems. It is important to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of these medicines. You should understand the risks, benefits, and side effects.