Alternative Treatments for Infertility

Infertility can be caused by many different things and, in some cases, the exact cause is unknown. There are many infertility treatment options available at infertility clinics, from surgery or hormones, to egg or sperm donation. Alternative therapies may also have a place in infertility treatment, since herbs and other natural products have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Some alternative therapies that may be utilized to treat infertility include:

• Flower Remedies - using essences of flowers, plants and trees to promote a positive mental state, after which the body often follows, promoting relaxation, reducing feelings of stress and enhancing feelings of well-being.
• Aromatherapy - thought to aid in regulating menstrual cycles
• Massage - promotes relaxation, detoxification of the body, can stimulate release of hormones, and reduce adhesions (scarring) which may aid in achieving pregnancy
• Herbal Remedies - herbal treatments are geared to address both the mind and the body, and appear to work best for women how have hormonal imbalances that cause irregular ovulation
• Acupuncture - an ancient Chinese medical practice that focuses on balance the energy pathways in the body, to promote mental and physical well-being

Though it is true that some fertility clinics may not provide information on the use of alternative treatments, most fertility clinics and infertility doctors will support you in your efforts to achieve a healthy pregnancy, and will provide you with information on different treatment options.

Ask your infertility doctor about alternative therapies to aid in treating your infertility, and work together to determine the best treatment plan to promote conception and a healthy baby.

In Vitro Fertilization Insurance

Many health insurance plans cover some fertility treatment, but may not cover IVF. That leaves personal loans. reduced cost plans and other financing options, which can be costly.

There is another option, however, to assist with paying the cost of IVF - Infertility Health Insurance or IVF Insurance. Some specialized insurance providers actually have plans specially designed for fertility treatment and for IVF. IVF Insurance is designed to take into account the specific risks associated with IVF procedures, from repeat cycles to achieve success, to multiple birth than can incur intensive care costs for premature infants.

Some insurance companies that provide fertility insurance coverage, and that may include IVF Insurance, include:

• Aetna
• Beechstreet
• Blue Cross
• Choice
• Cigna
• Coventry
• Evolutions
• First Health
• Guardian
• Georgia First
• Mail Handlers
• One Health
• Southcare
• Unicare

Finding a Fertility Counselor

If you are a woman under the age of 35 who has been trying to conceive a child for the last year, you may be a candidate for infertility treatment. If you are a woman over the age of 35 who has been trying to conceive a child for the last six (6) months, you are also a good candidate for infertility treatment. But how do you go about finding an Infertility Counselor?

Infertility Counselors are specialists who have received additional training and education in the treatment of infertility. The best sources for referrals to Fertility Counselors include:

• your Gynecologist
• family and friends who have undergone fertility treatment
• your State's Medical Association
• your State's Professional Licensing Board or Quality Assurance Board
• your local Better Business Bureau

Each of the entities can have specific information about Fertility Specialists in your area who are qualified to address your fertility concerns and provide appropriate treatment. Ask questions, do research and make up your own mind about a fertility clinic and specialist who will assess and treat you.

Choosing Tubal Ligation

Tubal Ligation is a procedure where the fallopian tubes are severed or clipped to prevent passage of eggs. This prevents pregnancy, and is considered a permanent type of birth control. It is important to remember that if you change your mind, tubal ligation reversal is a more complex procedure with more risks factors, and it not guaranteed to restore fertility.

There are different reasons why a woman may choose tubal ligation over other forms of birth control, which can include:

• to limit the number of pregnancies
• to prevent future childbirth
• to prevent pregnancy which could be injurious to health

Some women may have underlying health problems that could result in serious injury or even death, if they become pregnant. Women with severe or brittle diabetes or history of pre-eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) may be cautioned against pregnancy, in addition to those with kidney failure or serious heart disease.

Becoming a Sperm Donor

Without sperm donors, may infertile couples and single women could not achieve their dream of parenthood. As with egg donation, the donation of sperm provides a means for conception for couples who would otherwise be unable to have a child.

As with egg donors and surrogates, men wishing to become sperm donors must undergo medical testing to ensure that they are healthy and have an adequate and quality sperm supply. Additionally, the sperm is tested for transmissible diseases prior to being utilized.

For men who opt to donate sperm, there are general criteria that must be met:

• most sperm donors are between 18 and 35, when the sperm is most plentiful
• must pass a health screen and blood testing
• sperm must be in good health and supply, without physical defects or diseases
• the man must be able to commit to the donation, which involves several trips to the donation center for testing and collection
• ability to provide health history for both sides of the family

Contact your local Fertility Clinic or Sperm Donation Center for more information about sperm donation, risks and complications and legal ramifications.

Fertility Drugs and Egg Donation

Whether you are the donor or the recipient of donated eggs, fertility drugs are necessary. The fertility drugs used for egg donors include:

• clomiphene (pronounced "klo'-muh-feen") - used to stimulate hormones in your brain to prepare eggs for ovulation
• gonadotropins (pronounced "go-nad'-uh-trow-pins") - stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs, stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone, which prepares your uterus to receive a fertilized egg
• bromocriptine (pronounced "bro-mow-crypt-een") - used to reduce prolactin levels. High prolactin levels decrease estrogen production, which inhibits ovulation.

For egg donation recipients, the primary hormone used to prepare the uterus for reception of the fertilized egg is progesterone. Hormones will need to be taken approximately three months (12 weeks) following transfer of embryos, until the placenta begins producing appropriate levels of hormones.

As with any medications, fertility drugs can have side effects. The most common side effects associated with fertility hormones are those comparable to pre-menstrual snydrome, i.e. mood changes, irritability, achiness, fatigue, and emotional sensitivity.

Becoming an Egg Donor

Making the decision to become an egg donor is a big one, just as being a donor for other body organs or parts. If you do decide to become an egg donor, there is a process that you will go through. To become an egg donor, you will need to:

• be between 18 and 35 years old
• be able to provide medical history information about both sides of the family
• test negative for STDs and infectious diseases
• be free of chronic health problems
• approve psychological testing to assess your ability to manage the feelings associated with donation

You can donate your eggs anonymously, or have an open arrangement with the egg recipient.

Talk to a Fertility Specialist, Fertility Clinic or Gynecologist about egg donation, to see if being an egg donor is right for you.