Treatments for Infertility

Treatments that are commonly available for infertility are briefly described below. Dr. Balthazar will review treatment options in detail with each patient.

Ovulation Induction: Ovulation induction medications, often referred to as fertility drugs, are used to stimulate the follicles in your ovaries. These medications also control the time that you release the eggs, or ovulate, so sexual intercourse, intrauterine inseminations, and in vitro fertilization procedures can be scheduled at the most likely time to achieve pregnancy.

Superovulation: During superovulation therapy, the woman is treated with medications that increase the number of eggs she ovulates each month. At the appropriate time, intrauterine insemination is often recommended. Causes of infertility that can be treated with this therapy include ovarian dysfunction, infertility associated with endometriosis, and unexplained infertility. Superovulation therapy is also an effective addition in treating couples with male infertility.

Gonadotropins: Gonadotropins are injectable medications that can help you conceive if you tried taking clomiphene (another fertility drug) but your body didn't respond to it. Your doctor might also prescribe it if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome, luteal phase defects, or an unexplained fertility problem. Because these medications contain powerful hormones, their effects are monitored closely by blood tests and ultrasound.

Intrauterine Inseminations (IUI): IUI is a minor procedure performed in our office that places sperm directly into a women's uterus with a small catheter while she is ovulating. This procedure places a large concentration of sperm directly into the upper uterus so they are closer to the fallopian tubes and have a shorter distance to travel to fertilize an egg. Insemination uses a thin flexible catheter which passes through the cervix into the uterus. Most patients experience little or no discomfort. An IUI can be performed with the sperm from the male partner or a donor.

In vitro fertilization (IVF): is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the body: in vitro. IVF is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a fluid medium. The fertilized egg (zygote) is then transferred to the patient's uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy.

Schedule an Appointment to Review Your Fertility Treatment Options

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Balthazar and review the treatment options that are best for you, contact Anchorage Women’s Clinic at (907) 561-7111 or complete our contact form.