Fertility Treatments for Women with Diabetes: What Are the Options?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 5 people with the condition are undiagnosed. If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can cause various health problems, including infertility. There are multiple fertility treatment options for individuals with diabetes, including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Ovulation Induction for Diabetic Women
Women with diabetes have a higher risk of developing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal condition that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and absent ovulation. If you’re diagnosed with both PCOS and diabetes, your fertility specialist may recommend medications to assist with ovulation. Additionally, hormonal therapy may be prescribed to help regulate your menstrual cycle and induce ovulation, which can increase the chances of conception.
Intrauterine Insemination and Diabetes
IUI is the most common type of artificial insemination. It's a minimally invasive procedure and is typically the first treatment that fertility specialists recommend for diabetic patients facing infertility before moving on to IVF. IUI is often done in conjunction with ovulation induction
During IUI, fresh sperm is washed and sorted to eliminate any abnormal sperm. The healthiest, strongest sperm with the highest chances of successful implantation are then inserted directly into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter. This technique reduces the distance the sperm must travel to reach the egg. The procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than a routine Pap smear.
In Vitro Fertilization and Diabetes
If IUI is unsuccessful, IVF might be the next option. IVF is a complex, multi-step process that includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, and the transfer of resulting embryos into the uterus of the intended carrier.
Diabetes can impact both the quantity and quality of eggs. IVF enables doctors to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs, allowing for the extraction of more than what’s typically possible in a single cycle. As a result, IVF can help women with diabetes and other fertility-related conditions maximize their chances of pregnancy success.
Learn More About Fertility Treatments for Women with Diabetes
Diabetes can negatively impact fertility, making it challenging for families trying to conceive on their own. If you have diabetes and are concerned about fertility, it’s important to see a fertility specialist who can assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan, whether that be ovulation induction medications, IUI, or IVF. At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we have the expertise and fertility technology necessary to help women with diabetes successfully conceive. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment in Winter Park or Celebration.
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About the Blog
Welcome to the Center for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Center for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.