Reproductive endocrinology is a medical field that deals with conditions caused by reproductive hormone issues like infertility and menopause. It mainly focuses on hormonal problems affecting fertility. The specialists in this field can also work with obstetricians and gynecologists to offer pregnancy care and attend to other reproductive system issues. Reproductive endocrinology Bedford attends to both genders. The doctors in this specialty can use assisted reproductive technology to help couples with infertility problems conceive. They can help individuals with sperm-related issues, women with damaged fallopian tubes, or couples with unexplained fertility. Below are procedures reproductive endocrinology uses to treat infertility.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
In-vitro fertilization is the commonly used form of assisted reproductive technology. It involves your specialist taking an egg and sperm and fertilizing them in the lab. The doctor then transfers the resulting embryo into the uterus. Your provider chooses the most viable and healthy embryos. Studies show that most cases of IVF lead to successful fertilization and pregnancies. IVF may involve various risks, including multiple pregnancies, side effects from fertility drugs, or ectopic pregnancy.
Intrafallopian transfer
Intrafallopian transfer uses laparoscopic surgery to deliver the gametes directly into the fallopian tube. Some individuals choose this technique due to religious reasons. There are various types of intrafallopian transfer, including:
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
Gamete intrafallopian transfer involves your doctor collecting eggs and sperm in a tube and placing them directly into the fallopian tubes through laparoscopic surgery. You do not choose which embryo to transfer.
Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
Zygote intrafallopian transfer combines IVF and ZIFT procedures. It involves your specialist stimulating and collecting the eggs using the IVF method and mixing them with sperm in the lab. The specialist then returns the fertilized eggs or zygotes to the fallopian tube. You can benefit from ZIFT if you have damaged fallopian tubes or severe infertility problems.
Pronuclear stage tubal transfer (PROST)
Pronuclear stage tubal transfer is similar to ZIFT. But it involves your specialist transferring a fertilized egg to the fallopian tube before cell division occurs.
Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
Frozen embryo transfer involves your doctor transferring previously frozen embryos into the uterus. This technique has gained popularity in the United States in recent years. Studies show that about fifty-two percent of all people who undergo frozen embryo transfer have successful pregnancies. FET may include risks like frozen embryos not surviving thawing or an increased chance of preterm birth.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Your doctor can perform ICSI alongside IVF to help fertilize an egg. ICSI involves your healthcare provider using a tiny needle to inject a single sperm directly into the center of an egg. This technique can be beneficial if you have sperm-related infertility. Research shows that ICSI fertilizes approximately fifty to eight percent of eggs. Risks of ICSI include damaging some or all of the eggs or eggs not growing into an embryo after being injected with sperm.
Schedule an appointment at Effortless IVF for reproductive endocrinology services to treat your infertility.