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Managing and treating them
In recent years, awareness about fertility issues has grown significantly. But with it, so have concerns among anyone who is planning to conceive. The good news is that many women who address fertility challenges, whether through advanced gynecology, complementary medicine, or even home remedies, are able to conceive and give birth to healthy babies.
Fertility difficulties are common and can affect women of all ages. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women may experience difficulty conceiving - either temporary or long-term. In most cases, the issue can be diagnosed and treated. Sometimes, a small lifestyle change or a targeted treatment can make a meaningful difference.
Female fertility depends on the proper function of the reproductive system: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and hormones. When one or more components do not function properly, the chances of fertilization and successful embryo implantation decrease.
Typical causes of fertility problems include:
When ovulation doesn't occur or is irregular, often due to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances.
Often caused by pelvic infections, previous surgeries, or adhesions.
A condition where uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus, potentially damaging the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35.
Such as septa, polyps, or fibroids.
Overweight or underweight, stress, chronic illnesses, smoking, and exposure to environmental toxins can all impact fertility and the ability to conceive.
Fertility evaluation includes a medical interview, blood tests, ultrasound, and in some cases, imaging of the fallopian tubes. Based on the results, the physician will recommend the most suitable treatment.
This process is gradual and tailored to the woman's medical history and specific condition. It typically includes:
A thorough conversation about menstrual cycle patterns, ovulation, duration of trying to conceive, medical history, previous gynecological surgeries, medications, smoking, body weight, and more. Sometimes this step already points toward a clear direction for diagnosis.
Usually conducted at the beginning of the menstrual cycle to measure levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and TSH.
Leumit offers an AMH test as part of the initial assessment to evaluate ovarian reserve.
A simple, non-invasive transvaginal (or abdominal if needed) scan to assess the uterus, endometrial thickness, presence of fibroids or polyps, ovaries, and follicle count.
Using serial ultrasounds and hormone tests to confirm ovulation, follicle size, and endometrial thickness at the appropriate stage of the cycle.
An imaging test that injects contrast dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes to detect blockages or structural issues—important when a mechanical problem is suspected.
A minimally invasive procedure using a thin optical device inserted into the uterus to view the uterine cavity. This test helps detect polyps, adhesions, septa, or structural abnormalities.
These may include clotting tests, genetic testing, or assessments for endocrine disorders.
Male fertility testing is also essential. In about 40% of cases, the difficulty lies with the male partner or is shared. You can read more [here] about male fertility issues.
After a thorough medical evaluation, a fertility specialist will recommend a treatment tailored to the underlying cause. Sometimes, ovulation monitoring is sufficient, while in other cases, more advanced interventions such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be necessary.
It’s important to remember that fertility medicine has made great strides in recent years, offering a wide variety of solutions. Each case is assessed individually, with the aim of personalizing treatment and improving the chances of success—on the unique path of every woman and family.
This is the simplest form of treatment and is suitable when no significant medical issue is found, but there’s a need to better time ovulation. Through ultrasound scans and hormone tests, ovulation is monitored to identify the ideal time for intercourse, maximizing the chances of conception.
When there is a problem with the development or maturation of the egg (as in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome), ovulation-stimulating medications are prescribed. These are usually taken as oral tablets (such as Clomid or Letrozole), and in some cases as hormonal injections.
In this procedure, sperm from the partner or a donor is inserted directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Hormonal treatment is sometimes given beforehand to increase the chances of success. IUI is suitable in cases of borderline sperm quality or when the cause of infertility is unexplained.
This is a more advanced treatment, typically recommended when simpler approaches have failed, or in cases involving blocked fallopian tubes, advanced maternal age, reduced ovarian reserve, or other complex issues.
The process includes several stages: ovarian stimulation with hormonal injections, egg retrieval, fertilization with sperm in the lab, and growing the embryos for several days. One (or sometimes more) embryo is then transferred back into the uterus.
Women who are unable to produce healthy eggs due to age, medical conditions, or past treatments, may undergo treatment using donated eggs. This is a legal and regulated process in which the donor’s egg is fertilized and the resulting embryo is transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
When embryos have been preserved from previous treatment cycles, a new round of treatment can be done without the need for egg retrieval—only preparation of the uterus is required for the transfer. This is a shorter and simpler process compared to a full IVF cycle.
In certain cases, advanced laboratory techniques are used, such as:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key foundation for strengthening the body and preparing for pregnancy. A natural, balanced diet—based on unprocessed foods and low in sugar—can positively affect hormonal function and improve fertility.
Reducing stress through moderate physical activity, meditation, or mindful breathing in nature also supports emotional and physical balance. It is recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, as both can impair fertility in women and men.
Leumit’s nutrition team is here to guide you, offer support, and create a personalized nutrition plan.
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Complementary medicine can be integrated into fertility treatment to strengthen both body and mind throughout the journey. For example, acupuncture has been shown to increase the chances of success in fertility treatments.
Other therapies—such as reflexology, medical massage, naturopathy, and herbal medicine—can help balance the body’s systems. In some cases, it is also recommended to assess the structure of the pelvis and supporting muscles; if an imbalance is found, natural therapies may help improve the chances of conception.
These treatments are meant to support and complement medical evaluation and care—not replace it.
Alternative Medicine
