Exploring basic versus advanced fertility treatment
Just like no two fingerprints are identical, David T. Vandermolen MD, the medical director of our Northern Louisiana fertility center, believes no two situations are the same. He develops individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs. He develops individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs. As you get started with fertility treatments, we provide information on your treatment options. This includes discussing basic versus advanced fertility treatment.
Do you need fertility treatment?
With female fertility, time is often of the essence. Generally, experts recommend that you consult a fertility specialist after trying to conceive for 12 months without any success (or six months for women over age 35). With known fertility problems, such as irregular or absent periods or abnormal sperm counts, fertility evaluations should begin as soon as you want to try for a baby.
During your initial evaluation, Dr. Vandermolen will gather a complete health history, conduct a thorough physical exam, order bloodwork and perform an ultrasound. This evaluation will provide a starting point for treatment. It will also help our Northern Louisiana fertility center team decide on basic versus advanced fertility treatment.
Breaking down basic versus advanced fertility treatment
After making a diagnosis, Dr. Vandermolen can then identify the best course of action. We want our patients to understand basic versus advanced fertility treatment.
Basic infertility treatments include ovulation induction medicines like Clomid and Femara, timed intercourse and intrauterine insemination (with or without medication). Generally, we begin with basic treatment options to offer first-line, minimally invasive therapies to our patients to keep costs down. However, moving to advanced treatment options early is available for patients who desire a faster treatment course.
For some patients, basic fertility treatments won’t help, and Dr. Vandermolen will recommend more advanced infertility treatments. These treatments may include IVF, ICSI, donor eggs or donor sperm, or IVF with preimplantation genetic testing. Good candidates for these treatments include patients who have severe male infertility, advanced maternal age, low ovarian reserve, anatomical abnormalities (blocked female or male tubes) or inheritable genetic conditions. Some couples may choose to move straight to advanced treatment options more quickly so that we increase their likelihood of success.
We are here to support you and your partner as you are trying to conceive. At ArkLaTex Fertility, our Northern Louisiana fertility center expert crafts personalized fertility treatment plans that have helped create families for thousands of couples in East Texas, North Louisiana and South Arkansas. Call our office to schedule a consultation appointment.