Welsh Health Specialized Services Committee (WHSSC) is proposing changes to fertility treatment policies in Wales that will ration access to NHS fertility treatment for heterosexual couples, making it more difficult for same-sex couples to access to NHS treatment, excluding single women and men from accessing NHS help and excluding women and men self-financed for fertility preservation from future NHS fertility treatment.
The proposed policies are still under consultation, so please have your voice heard and let the WHSCC know what you think of these suggested drastic cuts to NHS fertility treatment in Wales.
Biofeedback
“Maintaining a positive attitude is incredibly important. There is a huge mind-body connection. Try not to listen to negative stories and try to be patient,” advises Bitidis. Preparing for pregnancy a year in advance can be a good idea if you plan to start a family in the near future, that way you can focus on style changes of life. If you’re trying now, remember that it can take some time — experts say up to a year — to conceive. If you’re concerned it’s taken too long, talk to your doctor about your options for counseling and fertility treatment
Learn more about Getting Pregnant
Fertility Drugs
In some cases, many causes of infertility can be treated with surgery or a combination of drugs and hormones Depending on the diagnosed cause of infertility, a woman may be prescribed drugs to stimulate ovulation or to stimulate the development of mature eggs. side effects that these drugs can cause, it has been found that many of the fertility drugs prescribed today increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant with twins : twins, triplets and even quadruplets. Multiples can cause problems during pregnancy, and a woman pregnant with multiples runs the risk of having premature labor. Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of developmental delays and health problems as they get older.
Men may also be given medications to treat hormonal imbalances, erection and ejaculation problems, and even antibiotics if an infection of some sort is thought to be preventing a couple from becoming pregnant.
Causes of secondary infertility in men
Male infertility is mainly caused by problems with sperm, hormonal imbalances or problems related to their reproductive anatomy.
- Low sperm count: Low testosterone levels, a blocked duct, and even some medications can cause a low sperm count.
- Sperm abnormalities: Sperm may have an abnormal shape or may not be able to swim to the egg well enough to allow fertilisation.
- Azoospermia: Azoospermia is when a man lacks viable sperm. This means that his body produces abnormal sperm.
- Varicocele: Think of a varicocele as a varicose vein in the scrotum. This can raise the temperature in the testicles to higher than normal levels which can impair sperm production.
- Anti-sperm antibodies: Some men and women have anti-sperm antibodies which make it difficult for them to get pregnant.