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Female Infertility


Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of infertility will depend on the cause. Without treatment, 15% to 20% of affected couples will eventually become pregnant. Treatment for female factors may include:

  • eating a healthy diet
  • exercising in moderation
  • having surgery to treat certain problems, such as endometriosis
  • learning about the best time to conceive
  • limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
  • making lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation
  • taking antibiotics for sexually transmitted diseases
  • taking medications to cause ovulation, such as clomiphene and menotropins
  • If these treatments don't work, other means of fertilization may be considered, such as:

  • artificial insemination. This involves placing sperm directly in the cervix or uterus.
  • intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This involves placing individual sperm cells directly inside the woman's eggs.
  • in vitro fertilization. This involves fertilizing the egg outside the womb and then returning it to the uterus.
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Following are some of the side effects of medications used to cause ovulation:

  • abdominal pressure or fullness
  • cysts on the ovaries
  • headaches
  • hot flashes
  • mood changes
  • multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets
  • ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which causes fluid shifts in the body
  • Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, and rash. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Within a year after infertility is diagnosed, 80% to 85% of couples who have treatment get pregnant. It may take several attempts before a couple gets pregnant. Partners must decide how many and what kind of procedures they are willing to undertake.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Should a pregnancy occur after treatment, early pregnancy testing can be done. The woman will have regular prenatal visits to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the health care provider.


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