A passion for putting patients first
INFERTILITY
Too often the topic of infertility is still a taboo and can become a real challenge for any relationship. However, with expert guidance, the cause can often be identified readily and individual treatment can be initiated.
CAUSES
The causes of infertility are miscellaneous and may be the result of an issue with the woman, the man or both partners. In women, most often infertility results from:
Hormonal disorders (e.g. anovulation)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO)
Endometriosis
Myomas
Adhesions (e.g. due to past genital infections (e.g. Chlamydia))
Genital malformations (e.g. fallopian tubes, uterus)
Chronic diseases
or
Male reasons (e.g. reduced number of sperm)
The fertility assessment should therefore be carried out in a structured manner and always involve both partners.
CONSULTATION
The infertility examination requires a step-by-step approach and begins with a detailed medical history, a thorough gynaecological examination and a blood test (hormone status). In addition, a spermiogram (examination of the partner’s sperm quality) is carried out. Depending on the findings, further examinations such as an assessment of the fallopian tube patency or an assessment of the uterine cavity (i.e. hysteroscopy) or abdominal cavity (i.e. laparoscopy) may also be necessary.
Often the cause can be determined readily and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
THERAPY / WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Depending on the individual findings numerous conservative treatment options available:
Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, etc.)
Treatment of hormonal disorders
Cycle monitoring (follicle growth, ovulation, endometrium (lining of the uterus))
Hormonal stimulation of follicles
Ovulation induction
Psychological support
If the cause of infertility is suspected in the area of the uterus or the ovaries, surgery may be necessary to clarify and treat the problem, thereby significantly improving the chances of pregnancy. In order to minimise the surgical-related risk and to achieve optimal results, minimally invasive surgical procedures (hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, etc.) are implemented. Appropriately indicated surgical interventions often lead to a significant improvement of fertility (pregnancy rate). In some cases, however, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) may be necessary, which will be performed in one of our cooperating fertility centers.