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Options for Treating Infertility
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 Infertility affects one in every 7 couples and usually the problem has multiple causes. Treatments for infertility are often provided by physicians trained in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF). ART is expensive and concerns about short- and long-term outcomes for the children relate to the incidence of multiple pregnancies with ART treatment and the subsequent perinatal complications, including low birth weight and prematurity.
Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology, NPT) is a systematic medical approach for optimizing physiologic conditions for natural conception. When utilized by an OB/GYN or a trained general physician such as a family practitioner, NPT has produced live birth rates comparable those associated with more invasive treatments, including ART. Yet, NPT is less expensive than ART and has minimal risk of multiple births. The availability and use of NPT may improve access to care for couples dealing with infertility, with low risk to women and offspring.
NPT practitioners investigate the source of the problem, and treatment may include induction or stimulation of ovulation and medications to enhance cervical mucus production, including vitamin B6 and guaifenesin. Vitamin B6 also increases the utilization of estrogen at the level of the cervix and improves cervical fluid production. Guaifenesin is used to loosen the cervical fluid around the time of ovulation. Luteal phase support can be provided by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), compounded progesterone vaginal suppositories, or compounded progesterone in oil for intramuscular injection.
A study evaluated outcomes in couples receiving treatment for infertility from two NPT-trained family physicians. A total of 1,239 couples had an initial consult for NPT, of which 1072 had been trying for at least a year to conceive and initiated NPT. The average female age was 35.8 years, the average duration of attempting to conceive was 5.6 years, 24% had a prior birth, and 33% had previously attempted treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART). 364 couples ultimately conceived with NPT treatment for up to 24 months.
Ask our compounding pharmacist for more information about customized treatments for infertility and hormone-related problems.
References:
The Medical & Surgical Practice of NaProTechnology, by Thomas W. Hilgers, MD
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