Couples who are struggling with fertility issues may find it challenging to determine the most appropriate treatment options. While several treatments and therapies are available to help couples conceive, it is essential to carefully consider all options before deciding. A fertility specialist is a reproductive medicine expert who can provide guidance and advice on which treatment options may be suitable based on individual circumstances such as age, underlying medical conditions, response to treatment, and budget.
Fertility doctors have the expertise to diagnose various conditions related to infertility and other reproductive problems. They may consult for both male and female infertility, making an essential assessment for individuals or couples. Fertility doctors typically use three main methods of treatment for fertility issues: medication, surgical procedures, and assisted conception. This article will explore cost-effective IVF alternative options, their success rates, and the cost of treatment.
Natural family planning methods:
They provide a safer and more cost-effective option for couples hoping to conceive without fertility treatments. These methods involve tracking ovulation and making lifestyle changes to optimize the chances of conception. Couples can better plan when to have intercourse by monitoring signs such as body temperature and cervical mucus to maximize their chances of conception. Many tools are available online or in pharmacies to keep track of these signs, such as ovulation predictor kits or fertility monitors. Furthermore, these techniques offer many health benefits beyond improving fertility, making them even more appealing for those seeking a natural solution.
Fertility medications:
Fertility medications are more commonly prescribed to women to help with ovulation issues. In some instances of male infertility or associated problems, medication may be prescribed. Fertility drugs may also be utilized during an IUI cycle and are commonly used during IVF treatment, even if ovulation is not the underlying cause of infertility for the couple. Fertility drugs can stimulate ovulation in 80% of cases. Common fertility drugs include Clomid and gonadotropins.
Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a fertility drug used to treat both male and female infertility. The efficacy of fertility drugs may exhibit significant variation based on individual circumstances such as age, underlying medical conditions, and treatment response. According to the available statistics, Clomid demonstrates an average success rate of 10 to 20% per cycle, while the administration of gonadotropins increases this figure to approximately 60%.
Regarding fertility cycles, the timing and quality of eggs released can impact the success rate. The cost of fertility drugs may vary depending on the type and dosage. It is crucial to keep in mind that different drugs have different prices. Generally, medications such as Clomid or letrozole are priced at around INR 600 to INR 1000 per cycle. Other powerful fertility drugs, such as gonadotrophins or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), can range from INR 2500 to INR 10,000.
Intrauterine insemination:
(IUI), once known as artificial insemination, it is a procedure that involves placing specially washed sperm directly into the uterus. This treatment may be used in some cases of male factor infertility, if there is a problem with the woman’s cervical mucus, or in cases of unexplained infertility. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. This method can also be used in cases of donor sperm. This process typically takes about 10 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The success rate of IUIs depends on factors such as the female’s age, fertility issues, and sperm quality. The success rate typically ranges from 10-20% per cycle, but this can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. The cost of a single IUI cycle can range from around INR 25000 to INR 40,000. The cost of treatment may increase depending on the type of medication and additional tests or procedures needed. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is advantageous because it is much cheaper than IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Couples can opt for artificial fertilization in a laboratory setting by using donated sperm or eggs, expecting a pregnancy as a result. Since young couples are given preference when it comes to adoption, considering sperm or egg donation may be a more viable option for the latter.
Surgery:
In 35% of female infertility cases, problems are found with the fallopian tubes or problems with the lining of the pelvis and abdomen. Usually, this problem is diagnosed through a test called a hysterosalpingogram. If the hysterosalpingogram shows possible blockages of the tubes, doctors may perform laparoscopic surgery to evaluate the situation and possibly repair the problem. If an infection is present, the recommended treatment may include surgery and antibiotics. In some cases, blockages or scarring may not be reparable, and in such situations, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be advised. Surgical hysteroscopy is another possible treatment option, which is a more invasive and expensive procedure than laparoscopic surgery and may require general anesthesia.
Doner eggs or embryos:
Using donated sperm or eggs, couples can opt for artificial fertilization through laboratory produce and expect a pregnancy as a result.
Invitro Fertilization (IVF):
Among the various options, IVF is becoming a popular choice among couples who are struggling to have a child. In IVF, the eggs are removed from the mother, fertilized externally by the father’s or donor’s sperm, and then placed back into the womb of the mother. The mother may need to take fertility drugs before this procedure, and a 9M Fertility Specialist carefully monitors her health. The fertilized egg or embryo is then transferred into the uterine cavity through the cervix with the help of a small tube. Once the IVF process is over, complete bed rest is advised for 24 hours. The success of IVF depends on the clinic’s quality of service, the woman’s age, and other health-related factors. The average cost of an IVF cycle can be anywhere between Rs. 2.5 lacs to Rs. 4 lacs. There may be additional medicines and tests required or procedures like frozen embryo transfer that can further escalate the cost.
In summary, couples struggling with fertility issues should carefully consider all options before deciding on the best treatment option. Consulting with our 9M fertility specialist can provide valuable guidance on which treatment options may be most suitable based on individual circumstances. Natural fertility methods, fertility drugs, IUI, and surgical procedures are some of the cost-effective options available for couples seeking fertility treatments in Pune.
