Sterility and how to cope

In some cases the cause of sterility is not known and this is called of unknown origin. If the pregnancy has never been achieved, it is called primary sterility, and if there has been at least one previous spontaneous pregnancy, it is called secondary.

What is a sterility study?

The sterility study should begin with a consultation with a specialist in assisted reproduction. First of all, a medical history and an examination will be made, with an ultrasound. A blood test will then be requested at the beginning of the cycle, including a hormonal study to study the ovarian reserve, therefore the ability of the ovaries to produce good quality eggs. In addition, a general study, thyroid and sometimes chromosomes will be requested to rule out alterations in them that prevent ovulation or that prevent the eggs from having an adequate genetic load.

One of the couple will also be requested, with a sperm count, and a study of their mobility. In addition, it may be possible that a study of the couple's blood is requested to study genetic and chromosomal alterations that produce alterations in the formation of sperm.

Finally, in some cases, a radiological test is indicated, hysterosalpingography, which consists of the introduction of radiological contrast into the uterus in order to see if this organ has a normal shape in addition to checking the passage of contrast through the tubes in the uterus. cases in which there is no obstruction thereof.

Sterility treatments

Depending on the results of the tests, the proposed treatment may be different:

• From the outset, the simplest treatment is ovulation induction, which consists of controlling ovulation with drugs to ensure sexual intercourse on fertile days.
• La is usually started with an ovulation induction and at the time of ovulation a semen sample (from the partner or a donor) is introduced into the womb so that the sperm can finish their journey to the egg.
• Finally, one can be performed, it begins with an ovulation induction with higher drug doses than in the previous treatments to achieve the maximum number of eggs possible. A little before ovulation, the ovaries are punctured in order to aspirate the eggs and fertilize them with sperm in the laboratory. Once these eggs are fertilized, one or more embryos can be placed in the womb to try to implant them and achieve a pregnancy.

How to deal with them

These treatments are psychologically harsh as they require multiple visits to the reproductive medicine center to achieve pregnancy rates of between 10 and 50% per cycle. The patients who come to these treatments already usually have a certain psychological wear and tear due to the time they have been wanting a pregnancy without getting it.

They are treatments that require a medication that in some cases can give side effects and that also have a high economic cost. All of this adds pressure to the desire for pregnancy. It is important to be optimistic in these treatments but if the hopes are not realistic the disappointments are also greater. Activities that the patient likes and compatible with the treatment should be sought to keep the mind entertained and reduce pressure. A psychological support is highly recommended in some cases.

These situations can lead to a relationship crisis, especially in cases where it affects the two members of the same psychologically differently. Information is very important to be able to make the right decisions and not have unrealistic expectations. Some studies have found lower pregnancy rates in the most distressed women.

When you need it

MAPFRE's Health Insurances have Family Planning, Assisted Reproduction and Childbirth Preparation programs that are free for their insured in the medical centers specialized in the MAPFRE Medical Guide. For more information about this Program and about MAPFRE health insurance.