Understanding the Different Types of Infertility Treatment

Quick Answer: Infertility treatment is a range of medical procedures that help individuals and couples conceive when natural pregnancy has not been possible. The five main options — ovulation induction, IUI, surgery, IVF, and ICSI are selected based on the underlying cause, age, and severity. In India, 85–90% of infertility cases can be successfully treated, with IVF success rates ranging from 35% to 70% per cycle.

Key Takeaways:

• Infertility affects 10–15% of couples in India and up to 30% in urban areas like Delhi.
• It is clinically defined as failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if the woman is 35+).
• The most common causes are PCOS, endometriosis, blocked tubes in women, and low sperm count or motility in men.
• Treatment ranges from simple ovulation medications to advanced procedures like IVF and ICSI — always chosen based on individual diagnosis.
• IUI costs ₹15,000–25,000 per cycle; IVF costs ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs per cycle in India.
• IVF success rates in India range from 35% to 70% depending on age and clinic protocols.
• Early diagnosis and timely specialist consultation significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Infertility occurs in 10-15% of the population throughout India, and 20-30% in modern urban areas, such as Delhi, because of late bearing of children, and in rural India, 8-12% is a result of infection and nutritional deficiency. (1)

Millions of couples all over the world are affected by infertility. The knowledge of the available treatments can give you hope and clarity in the process of pursuing parenthood. Through quality treatment and the most current health care, a large number of individuals realise their desires in having their own families.

You have a direction to follow, and we are here to show you that way.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse in women under 35, or after 6 months in women aged 35 and above.

Infertility is a condition in which the reproductive system causes women to be unable to conceive. Infertility can affect anyone and has a multiplicity of reasons.

The concept of infertility becomes a failure to conceive after a period of one year of unrestricted and unprotected sexual activity in women below the age of 35 and six months of the same aspect in women at the age of 35 and above.

It is found in an average of a fifth of females aged 15-49 and is also widespread in men. The commonest reasons include ovulation disorder, male infertility, and advancing age.

Signs & Common Causes of Infertility

The most common causes of infertility include ovulation disorders (such as PCOS), low sperm count or motility in men, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility.

You might notice subtle signs that will lead to a test of infertility, particularly in case you have been trying to conceive without success. These factors affect many couples, and addressing them early will give you access to solutions that suit your needs.

The causes of infertility may be ovulation issues, sperm quality issues, reproductive anatomy, or the cause of infertility remains unidentified.

Infertility Causes in Women

• Women are more likely to have common PCOS (1 in 80 anovulatory cases)
• Endometriosis
• Obstructions of the fallopian tubes
• Uterine or cervical issues, such as fibroids or abnormal mucus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Primary ovarian insufficiency or poor egg quality
• Genetic or chromosomal disorders
• Infrequent or absent menstrual period

Infertility Causes in Men

• Low sperm count or poor motility
• Enlarged veins (Varicocele) in the scrotum, the sac that holds your testicles
• Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis
• Low testosterone
• Misuse of anabolic steroids
• Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation
• Undescended testicles
• Lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, or age amplify risks

Five Key Types of Infertility Treatment

The five main types of infertility treatment, ranging from least to most invasive, are: ovulation induction medication, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), reproductive surgery, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

These five treatments are the least invasive to the most invasive.

• Medication (ovulation induction): Medication is the release of eggs caused by drugs like clomiphene or letrozole, which are the best for irregular ovulation or PCOS.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): The sperm is placed directly into the womb during ovulation, and its use is beneficial in mild male factor infertility or unidentified infertility.
• Surgery: Surgery, which corrects endometriosis or fibroids or clears blocked tubes, can lead to an increased likelihood of natural conception.
• In vitro fertilisation (IVF): Eggs are fertilized at a laboratory, and embryos are implanted in the womb, which matches the severe cases.
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): A single sperm is injected into an egg, especially in the treatment of male infertility, such as low motility.

Individual needs can be adjusted to these options with a higher level of success, where other advancements, such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), are utilised.

Fertility Treatment For Women

Fertility treatment for women is tailored to the specific cause — ovulation disorders are treated with medications like clomiphene or gonadotropins, structural issues with laparoscopic surgery, and advanced cases such as poor ovarian reserve with IVF.

Women are treated based on ovulation, tubes or uterine conditions. PCOS or irregular cycles. Ovulation induction with clomiphene or gonadotropins (hMG, FSH) is the first-line treatment, which frequently involves timed intercourse. In structural problems, laparoscopy can be used to remove adhesions; IVF can be used when the case is advanced, such as reduced ovarian reserve. The newer methods, such as PRP treatment, make ovaries fresher, promising in the quality of eggs.

PCOS-Specific Treatments

Lifestyle changes (weight loss) can be used as first-line (followed by clomiphene), then gonadotropins, ovarian drilling, and IVF can be applied as secondary measures as needed.

Fertility Treatment For Men

Male infertility treatment depends on the cause: hormone therapy for low testosterone, surgical repair for varicocele, IUI for mild sperm issues, and IVF/ICSI with sperm retrieval (TESA/PESA) for severe cases of low sperm count or motility.

Male problems are caused by sperm parameters which are not be corrected through quality improvement but by delivering aids. Low levels of testosterone are treated using hormone therapy; mild cases of varicocele are repaired using surgery; IUI causes the concentration of sperm. IVF/ICSI is superior in cases of low count/motility severe cases, where sperm are directly retrieved using TESA/PESA. The health of partners and early intervention is a key to success.

Infertility Treatment Cost in India

Infertility treatment costs in India range from INR 15,000–25,000 for IUI per cycle, to INR 1.5–2.5 lakhs for a basic IVF cycle, and up to INR 2.5–3 lakhs for donor egg programs.

Below is an overview of approximate infertility treatment costs in India:

Treatment	Cost Range (INR)	Notes
IUI	15,000–25,000	Per cycle
IVF	1.5–2.5 lakhs	Basic cycle
ICSI IVF	1.75–2.5 lakhs	Male factor add-on
FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)	1–2 lakhs	Frozen transfer
Donor Egg	2.5–3 lakhs	Advanced cases

Disclaimer: The above estimates of IVF costs are based on publicly available sources and are provided for general informational purposes. Actual charges may vary depending on the clinic, the location, and personal medical requirements.

Diagnosing Female Infertility

Female infertility is diagnosed through a combination of hormonal blood tests (FSH, LH, AMH), transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tube patency, and in some cases, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to evaluate the uterus and pelvis directly.

Your doctor begins with a comprehensive history and physical examination and monitors ovulation through blood tests of hormones such as FSH and through ultrasound to assess the development of follicles. (0)

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray that captures an injectable dye to confirm fallopian tube patency, whereas laparoscopy is performed to see endometriosis or adhesions.

These measures are effective in identifying problems, which will boost your customised treatment plan.

Diagnostic Tests for Female Infertility

• Pelvic exam
• Blood test to check hormone levels
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Hysteroscopy
• Saline sonohysterogram (SIS)

Diagnosing Infertility in Men

Male infertility diagnosis begins with a semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology, followed by hormonal blood tests and physical examination. Advanced tests such as DNA fragmentation index or testicular biopsy may be used in complex cases.

Your starting point is a semen analysis, which is used to determine count, motility, and morphology. It is tested again to determine patterns. Hormone testing measures the testosterone and FSH parameters, and a physical inspection of varicoceles or obstruction. Such advanced features as genetic testing or DNA fragmentation index are provided in case of necessity to provide clear further steps without procrastinating.

Complications of Infertility Treatment

Infertility treatments like IVF carry manageable risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, and a small risk of ectopic implantation. These risks are minimised through careful monitoring and personalised treatment protocols.

Yes, treatment like IVF carries certain risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), multiple pregnancies, or even ectopic implantation; however, these risks can be significantly minimised with careful monitoring and individualised protocols.

While there may also be emotional stress and risk of minor infections during the procedures, the expertise of your chosen fertility clinic plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, smooth parenthood journey without any complications.

How Can You Prevent Common Infertility Causes?

You can reduce your risk of infertility by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, managing stress, getting timely STI checks, and limiting exposure to environmental toxins – all of which protect reproductive health in both men and women.

You can prevent the most common infertility causes by taking proactive lifestyle behaviours that can favour your reproductive health as well as that of your partner.

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods and healthy fats since obesity or underweight interferes with hormones and ovulation.
• Moderate exercise habits that promote circulation and stress reduction, such as walking or yoga 3-5 times a week, but not overtraining, which can harm cycles.
• Stop smoking and alcohol in large amounts, which impairs egg/sperm quality and increases the chances of miscarriage.
• Minimise stress levels to eliminate cortisol peaks in fertility.
• Monitor ovulation early to eliminate age-related procrastination.
• Reduce the amount of exposure to toxins like pesticides or plastics through organic foods and the use of glass jars, etc.

STIs check-ups, vaccination, and avoiding recreational drugs are also ways of preserving your fertility — a few such simple changes would largely increase your chances of making a natural conception.

Choosing the Best Infertility Treatment

The best infertility treatment depends on the individual’s age, diagnosis, and duration of infertility. Less invasive options like IUI are recommended first for mild cases, while IVF or IVF with ICSI and PGT are advised for complex cases or women over 35.

There is no best, it is individual by cause, age, length and likes. Begin with the least invasive: drug/IUI due to mild problems (10-20%/cycle); IVF due to complicated problems (40-50%). At under 35 years, first used Clomiphene and at an older age, IVF/PGT earlier. Seek advice regarding risks (multiple, OHSS), and success (higher in India, 35-70%). Emotional support groups facilitate the process.

For a personalised assessment, consult our IVF specialist in Delhi or visit our IVF clinic in Ghaziabad.

Can Infertility be Cured?

Yes — in 85–90% of infertility cases, successful pregnancy can be achieved through appropriate medical treatment. The outcome depends on the underlying cause, the patient’s age, and the treatment approach selected.

Yes, it has a good opportunity of treatment in terms of 85-90% of cases, and you can get pregnant through direct methods of infertility treatment, such as medications or IVF. Causes and age matter in the outcomes, but most of the families that have been built in a bid to have viable paths to go through are guided by the professional. (0)

Key Note

Being infertile can feel overwhelming, but it is also one of the most treatable conditions in modern medicine. Timely assessment, evidence-based practices, and the advice of experienced fertility specialists should ensure that more couples can proceed to certainty instead of uncertainty. The trick is to make the diagnosis early, to design a specific treatment program and emotional support for the process. In case you have been struggling with conceiving with no avail, consultancy services can help you to realise what you have to do and take the confident stride towards creating your own family.

FAQs About Infertility Treatment

Medical Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified fertility specialist for personalised guidance.