About 1 in 6 couples will face trouble getting pregnant. That sounds scary, but the good news: many causes are treatable. This page lays out the main treatment options, simple steps you can start now, and when to see a fertility specialist.
Start with basic checks: ovulation tracking, semen analysis, and a fertility-friendly exam for both partners. If problems show up, treatments usually follow a stepwise plan.
Ovulation induction: If you don’t ovulate regularly, doctors often prescribe medicines to trigger ovulation. Letrozole (often used first) and clomiphene are common choices. They’re usually taken for a few cycles under monitoring. If pills don’t work, injectable hormones can help produce multiple eggs for timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
IUI (intrauterine insemination): Sperm is prepared and placed directly into the uterus around ovulation. IUI raises your odds when sperm quality is low or when timing is the issue. It’s less invasive and cheaper than IVF but works best with at least some healthy sperm and open fallopian tubes.
IVF (in vitro fertilization): This is the most effective option for many problems—blocked tubes, low sperm counts, or unexplained infertility. Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and embryos are transferred back to the uterus. IVF has higher success per cycle but costs more and requires more tests and meds.
Optimize lifestyle: stop smoking, limit alcohol, aim for a healthy weight, and cut ultra-processed foods. These changes help both partners and improve response to fertility treatments.
Check supplements: Folic acid is a must if you’re trying to conceive. Other supplements with some supporting evidence include vitamin D, CoQ10, myo-inositol (especially for PCOS), and omega-3s. Don’t start high-dose supplements without talking to your doctor—some can interfere with treatments.
Consider natural ovulation support if you prefer fewer drugs. Our guide on natural ways to increase ovulation without clomiphene lists diet changes, timing, and supplements that might help—useful if you want to try gentler approaches before medical intervention.
Know when to see a specialist: If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying, or over 35 after 6 months, book a fertility evaluation. Earlier if you have known issues like absent periods, severe endometriosis, or a history of cancer treatment.
Costs, timing, and emotional load matter. Ask clinics about success rates for your age and diagnosis, and check what’s covered by insurance. Join a support group or consider counseling—fertility treatment can be stressful and that stress affects outcomes.
Final practical tip: keep a simple record of cycles, tests, and results. That makes discussions with your provider faster and helps you spot patterns. If you want evidence-based articles, our site covers natural ovulation help, medication guides, and what to expect from IVF and IUI.
A significant study funded by NICHD compared the effectiveness of letrozole, clomiphene, and gonadotropins in treating unexplained infertility among 900 couples. The findings indicated that letrozole, often a breast cancer drug, outperformed clomiphene, especially for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conception rates with gonadotropins were higher but had greater risks, including multiple pregnancies.
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