TREATING FEMALE FACTOR INFERTILITY

Anovulation, irregular ovulation, and weak ovulation: All are treated with clomiphene citrate, menotropins (Pergonal, Humegon), and urofollitropins (Metrodin, Fertinex) to enhance follicle production. Some women also treat this problem with accupuncture or herbs. Check http://www.healthy.net/clinic/therapy/chinmed/specifics/fertility.htm for more information.

Endometriosis: Some can be removed with laser during laparoscopy. Also treated with Danazol, Lupron or birth control pills.

Polycystic ovaries (PCO): Can be treated by using superovulation drugs, steroids, and ovarian surgeries mentioned below. Current studies are looking into the use of GnRH.

Immune problems: Some autoimmune problems are treated with low-dose aspirin and Heparin. Alloimmune problems are treated with paternal white blood cell immunization and IVIg. See http://www.inciid.org for more information.

Adhesions and scarring: Treated with laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for laser removal of scar tissue.

Infectious: STDs and PID are treated with antibiotics when possible. May also require surgery for adhesions and scarring.

Recurrent miscarriage/pregnancy loss: If a cause can be found, it usually lies within one of the above-mentioned fertility problems, such as an immune problem or infectious disease. See http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/miscarriage/rpl.html for testing information.