Infertility treatment

Today, 1 in 6 couples, on average, experience difficulties in achieving a pregnancy. Many couples who enter the treatment programme at The London Centre for NaProTechnology, as well as at other centres throughout the world, do so with a diagnosis of 'unexplained infertility', and some have already tried artificial technologies without success.

NaProTechnology allows a closer evaluation of fertility and frequently leads to the detection of abnormalities, e.g. subtle but significant hormonal deficiencies which may have previously been overlooked. It offers an approach to the investigation and management of infertility which has considerable success, twice that of IVF, and is relatively inexpensive, as well as being minimally invasive. Our success rate for patients who have failed to conceive with IVF and turned to NaPro Technology is substantial too.

NaProTechnology treatment is offered only if some abnormality is identified. The key to the considerable success of this method, universally, lies in its ability to establish a diagnosis through a detailed study of a woman's menstrual cycle, and then using this information to perform a targeted (i.e. carefully timed) evaluation of her cycle, through hormone tests, ultrasound scanning etc. It is unusual for this evaluation process to conclude with a diagnosis of "Unexplained Infertility".

Treatment to achieve a pregnancy is offered to married couples only, in order to safeguard the best interests of the child.

Management of infertility using NaProTechnology involves the following process.

1. Education

Using the CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare System, women are taught to observe certain biological signs to monitor their own gynaecological health, and to confidently identify times of fertility and infertility. These biological signs include cervical mucus and bleeding patterns, and can be observed and analysed in all types of menstrual cycles. These signs are charted daily to give a clear picture of the woman's individual cycle. Men are encouraged to actively participate with their wives in this educational process; most couples find this to be generally beneficial to their relationship, and in particular to the successful use of the system

2. Evaluation

A FertilityCare Medical Consultant can use the fertility charts which the couples are taught to keep, as the basis for further investigations if needed.

Blood tests for Oestrogen levels prior to ovulation and for both Progesterone and Oestrogen levels after ovulation, ultrasound follicular tracking, and other diagnostic procedures, can be accurately timed according to the woman's cycle, using the data recorded on the couples' fertility chart. This leads to a more precise and interpretable evaluation of abnormalities, e.g. subtle hormonal deficiencies, various ovulation defects etc, than is otherwise possible.

For a couple experiencing infertility, evaluation of the man's health and fertility is also an important part of the program.

3. Treatment

Aims:

NaProTechnology aims to restore fertility naturally, by identifying and then correcting the underlying causes of the couples' infertility, rather than bypassing them as in the case of artificial technologies e.g. IVF. During the attempt to restore full procreative health, the couple is encouraged to understand and participate in the process.

In addition to maximising the chances of conceiving naturally while on treatment, NaProTechnology aims to prevent miscarriage and to maintain pregnancy to full term; it also helps to care for the couples' fertility in the long term.

Using NaProTechnology, individualised treatment can be provided for the specific needs of the couple.

Treatment Plan:

Use of natural hormones and other medications to correct any hormonal disturbances or ovulation abnormality.

Use of medications if necessary to correct any other abnormalities e.g. cervical mucus deficiency, biochemical or haematological deficiencies, endocrine (glandular) deficiencies etc. to restore normal physiologic function, and thereby enhance fertility.

Medical treatment for male infertility.

Referral to a gynaecologist, if necessary, to surgically investigate for physical abnormalities (e.g. blocked Fallopian tubes, endometriosis, adhesions) and to have these conditions surgically treated, if found.

Other techniques using NaProTechnology.

Influences of lifestyle and other factors on the couples fertility are regularly monitored and appropriate advice given.

NaProTechnology treatment for infertility is offered:
- Only to married couples.
- Only if some abnormality is detected

NaProTechnology treatment for infertility is not possible when:
- The woman has become menopausal.
- The woman has blocked tubes on both sides.
- The man has total absence of sperm, or if his sperm count fails to improve with medical treatment.