Reproductive ability declines with age, with a significant decline around the age of 40. Some blood tests or ultrasounds can tell us whether you are a candidate for infertility treatment and what your different options may be.

Treatments

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF refers to the creation of embryos in a laboratory setting by placing sperm and eggs in a culture dish, and then transferring them to the uterus.

Low-Dose Stimulation IVF (Natural IVF)
In some cases, you may be a candidate to undergo non-stimulated or low-dose stimulation IVF, which is an alternative to traditional IVF cycles that require a larger dose of medication.

Assisted Hatching*
Assisted hatching is a procedure performed in certain cases on embryos before implantation to enhance the potential of the embryo to establish pregnancy. It is a laboratory procedure that involves the creation of an artificial opening in the zona pellucida (the glycoprotein coating or “shell” surrounding the embryo), allowing it to “hatch” or break out from the zona pellucida so it can successfully attach itself to the uterine lining. Assisted hatching is only used in specific instances including a thick zona pellucida or prior multiple IVF failures. In these cases, assisted hatching can improve the rate of embryo implantation and successful pregnancy.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI, also known as artificial insemination – is a simple, lower cost fertility treatment that can be highly effective, especially when combined with fertility drugs, such as Clomid or injectable FSH medication. This procedure works by identifying the most motile (quality) sperm from a semen sample. Prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus through a thin catheter (tube), bypassing the cervix. 

IUI is used when a semen analysis shows the male partner is sub-fertile, if they have ejaculatory problems, or when the woman has decreased or absent cervical mucus. This procedure can be performed with donor sperm in the absence of a partner or if the man is infertile. IUI is an in-office procedure.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used to help patients with fertility disorders such as elevated follicle stimulating hormone, repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, spasmed tubes, luteal phase defect, and PCOS. Acupuncture can be a wonderful treatment used alongside the amazing technology available in reproductive medicine today, increasing pregnancy success rates by an astonishing measure. In addition, acupuncture can benefit patients with endometriosis , pelvic pain, and overactive bladder.

Tests

Physical Examination
A complete physical examination (including a Pap smear and testing for infection) will be necessary.

Medical and Sexual History
Your doctor evaluates all possible physical causes of infertility and if sexual intercourse has been appropriately timed.

Hormone Testing
Hormone testing may be recommended, as certain hormones increase and decrease in production at various times.

Ovulation Evaluation
If your doctor suspects you are not ovulating regularly, you may need to undergo a specialized evaluation that checks your body temperature and ovulation – known as the basal body temperature chart. Another method of predicting and analyzing ovulation is with urine samples.

*This procedure is considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.