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When to schedule a blood test for infertility (female)

October 19, 2023
blood test for infertility female

There are all types of medical tests that can shed light on many aspects of your health, from high cholesterol to infections. The good thing about these tests is that they can either relieve your worry about potential problems or shed light on issues that require further attention and treatment.

When it comes to the process of conception, there are many tests that you may take, from ovulation tests to pregnancy tests. But what about if you’ve been struggling to conceive? Females who have been trying to get pregnant can take blood tests that check for potential infertility causes. We’re here to help you determine the right time for females to book a blood test for infertility.

Read on to learn about blood tests for infertility, when females should schedule one and the steps to follow afterward.

What you need to know about blood tests for infertility

Let’s start with the basics. An individual or couple may be diagnosed with infertility if they’ve been unable to conceive after having intercourse for at least one year without a form of birth control. The time frame of an infertility diagnosis is usually shortened to six months without conception for females who are 35 or older.

There are a few potential ways that a health care provider may test for potential infertility in a female, such as a pap smear to look at the cells in the cervix. They may also recommend an ultrasound to take a look at your uterus and ovaries. The goal is to determine a possible cause behind the lack of conception.

A common way to check for infertility in females is through blood tests. By testing your blood, your health care provider can check for a variety of factors that contribute to fertility.

Blood tests for infertility can include checking the levels of your:

  • Estradiol — A type of estrogen made in the ovaries.
  • Anti-müllerian hormone — Helps regulate growing follicles and their selection for ovulation; corresponds to ovarian reserve or egg count.

When a female should schedule a blood test for infertility

It’s normal to not conceive quickly after you start trying. That’s why health care professionals recommend waiting at least one year before testing for infertility, or six months for females over the age of 35. But it’s possible to ask for a blood test before those timelines if you have certain medical conditions or issues that may contribute to potential infertility.

If a female has any of these conditions, they shouldn’t wait one year to schedule a blood test for infertility:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease.
  • Thyroid problems.
  • Cystic fibrosis.
  • A past ectopic pregnancy.
  • Irregular periods.
  • Repeated miscarriages.

What to do following a blood test for infertility for females

If a female’s blood tests show signs of infertility, it can be difficult to emotionally and mentally process. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for having a baby. At Fertility Cloud, we’re here to help you progress on your journey to conception through treatment options that can increase the chance of pregnancy.

Here are treatment options that you can explore following a blood test showing causes of infertility:

  • Ovarian stimulation (OS) — Your fertility specialist will likely try to help stimulate your ovulation as one of the first courses of action. They will usually start with a prescription of clomiphene citrate or letrozole oral tablets. These medications work to increase the number of ovulated eggs that are released into the fallopian tubes during ovulation. Pregnancy from the OS is likely to occur in the first three months..
  • Trigger shot — OS treatment is often coupled with an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG. It’s a hormone that can help to release multiple mature eggs from the ovaries. Trigger shots can be self-administered either into the muscle or under the skin in the abdomen.
  • In vitro fertilization — If other treatments haven’t resulted in a pregnancy, your specialist may recommend in vitro fertilization, commonly referred to as IVF. This process involves taking eggs from the ovaries to a lab where they are fertilized by sperm. IVF involves multiple procedures and, unfortunately, doesn’t work for everyone, which is why it’s usually only recommended when other options haven’t worked.

Fertility Cloud can give blood tests for female infertility 

While it can be nerve-wracking and distressing to think that you might be infertile, it’s important to get confirmation from a health care professional. That’s why we encourage females to schedule a blood test for infertility if they’ve been struggling to conceive for one year, or they have medical conditions that can interfere with their fertility. 

Fertility Cloud can provide you with blood tests as well as walk you through the proper steps after getting the results.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

4 male infertility supplements that may increase your fertility

October 17, 2023
male infertility supplements

Introduction to infertility supplements

Are you one of the 9% of men in the world who experience infertility? Chances are you’re interested in ways that you can increase your fertility so that you and your partner have the best chances of getting pregnant. You might be looking into supplements, hoping these can provide some sort of aid to your fertility. If this is the case, here’s what you need to know about male infertility supplements and what can increase your fertility.

Which supplements may help with male infertility?

There is some evidence that supports the idea that certain types of supplements may be able to help with infertility. However, most research suggests that supplements don’t have any significant effect on male infertility. The efficacy of supplements for fertility may still be up for debate, but if you’re interested in trying fertility supplements, these are some of the most common types for men:

  • Zinc.
  • Selenium. 
  • Arginine. 
  • Coenzyme Q. 
  • Folic acid.

What diet can best supplement male fertility?

While supplements may not be the most effective way to boost your fertility, there is research that a nutritious diet can help. The nutrients found in many types of foods can improve your sperm count and motility as well as improve the quality of your semen. Some of these foods and nutrients include:

  • Certain types of nuts — You should be sure to integrate certain types of nuts into your diet that are rich in selenium and antioxidants. The best kinds of nuts for you to be taking to improve your fertility are Brazil nuts and walnuts. These foods can boost the functionality of your sperm and increase your overall fertility if taken regularly.
  • Foods high in zinc — Having too low of zinc levels in your diet can negatively affect your fertility. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re eating enough zinc each day, whether it be through chicken, turkey or fish. You can also increase your consumption of eggs and pumpkin seeds, which are high in zinc.
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids — It’s a good idea to start incorporating plenty of foods with omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, too. Research shows that omega-3s can improve the health of your sperm. Some of the types of food that best provide this acid include salmon, anchovies, sardines, trout and even mackerel.
  • Foods with antioxidants — There are plenty of vegetables that contain antioxidants such as lycopene that are believed to help men become more fertile. The foods that contain the best types of antioxidants to supplement male fertility include tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers and red cabbage. 

What else can men do to address their infertility?

Taking supplements or foods that can help supplement nutritional intake may be a good way to improve your fertility. However, there are a few other ways you can make sure you’re as fertile as you can be. Here’s how:

  • Consult with a fertility specialist — One way you can work to address your infertility is by consulting with a fertility specialist. A specialist is a licensed, board-certified doctor who can confer with you to figure out your symptoms and what can be done to treat you and your partner for the best chances of conception.
  • Undergo male infertility testing — If you’re not sure what the source of your infertility is, you can undergo testing to help find the cause. Fertility specialists can check your sperm count, sperm quality and testicular health to address the most likely cause of your problem.
  • Improve your physical health — One of the key ways you can improve your fertility is by making sure that you’re working to improve your physical health. If you live more of a sedentary lifestyle, trying to integrate physical activity into your daily routine can help. Making sure to eat a more balanced diet is also a great way to improve your physical health.

Fertility Cloud’s virtual infertility treatment can help with male infertility issues

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state-licensed.

Do you want more information on virtual infertility doctors? We can answer any questions you may have about infertility treatment and how it’s carried out virtually. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re experienced in providing high-quality care to our patients and we want to help you and your partner conceive. Let us be the ones to help you on your conception journey.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Infertility and acupuncture: Does it really work?

October 12, 2023
infertility acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that first originated from traditional Chinese practitioners nearly 3,000 years ago. It’s known to provide a number of positive health benefits for a range of different health conditions. But how effective can it be for something like infertility? Is acupuncture capable of boosting a person’s fertility? Are you hoping to become a new parent? You may want to learn more about acupuncture and fertility. We’ll go over what it can do for the body and how it relates to fertility.

What can acupuncture do for the body?

Acupuncture is a practice that is useful for a variety of physical conditions. The benefits are wide ranging. It’s a versatile treatment for a number of problems. Some of the ways that acupuncture can improve someone’s physical condition include:

  • Decreasing nausea — Acupuncture can be helpful for people who have nausea from anesthesia, cancer treatments and other conditions that might cause this side effect. 
  • Reducing pain — Acupuncture can be useful for people with pain from surgical procedures, injuries, headaches and migraines, inflammatory conditions, nerve pain, and muscle pain.
  • Stimulating the circulatory system — Acupuncture promotes blood flow in targeted areas and releases chemicals, like endorphins, that can improve pain and tension in the body.
  • Reducing inflammation — The improved blood flow that results from acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation. It’s helpful for people with conditions like osteoarthritis, tennis elbow and fibromyalgia because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Alleviating muscle tension — Acupuncture can be immensely helpful for people with muscle tension. It provides a large degree of alleviation to people with myofascial pain and muscle strain.

Can acupuncture be used to improve fertility?

You’ve just read through all the benefits that acupuncture can do for the body. But what does all of that have to do with infertility? Acupuncture has the potential to improve a variety of health conditions, including infertility. Infertility can be linked to a number of different causes. Because of this, the effectiveness of acupuncture can depend on the exact cause of your infertility. There is some research to support the idea that acupuncture can improve fertility. But there needs to be more research conducted to make a more certain determination. However, there is a large degree of research that has been done on the efficacy of acupuncture for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, which are conditions that are known to negatively impact fertility.

There have been studies performed on the effects of acupuncture before embryo transfers. One such study found that women who underwent sessions of acupuncture before their embryo transfer were two times more likely to successfully conceive than those who did not undergo acupuncture sessions. 

What else can be helpful for treating infertility, aside from acupuncture?

If you’re still looking for ways to improve your infertility, there are more ways to do so aside from undergoing acupuncture sessions. Other types of infertility treatments include trigger shots, ovulation induction, ovarian stimulation, home insemination kits, thyroid treatment programs and in vitro fertilization. If you don’t have adequate access to a fertility doctor near you, many of these treatments can still be performed via virtual fertility treatment. 

Fertility Cloud’s virtual treatment solutions can improve your chances of conceiving

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the fertility process.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely. The treatment process, from your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests, is performed via live videoconferencing. All that’s required of you is either a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Do you want more information on how we can treat your infertility? Don’t hesitate to consult with our virtual infertility doctors for more information. We’re a team of specialists who can provide effective treatment to patients struggling with infertility. Our goal is to help you get closer to conceiving the family of your dreams. If you need help with the source of your infertility, let us be the ones to help you.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

4 signs of male infertility you shouldn’t ignore

October 10, 2023
signs of male infertility

Infertility is an issue that affects nearly 8% to 12% of all couples in the world. It’s a universal problem, affecting people of all socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds. Historically, infertility has been attributed to women more often than men. However, research suggests that the rates of infertility are nearly equal between men and women. Are you familiar with the signs of male infertility? You can familiarize yourself with some of the most common indicators listed below.

What are some of the top signs of male infertility?

There are a lot of signs that should indicate to a couple that the male may be the infertile partner. These signs of male infertility include:

  • Trouble achieving conception with a partner — One of the top signs of male infertility is having difficulty conceiving with your partner. If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a fertility specialist. Most couples who don’t experience infertility problems have the ability to achieve conception within a year of frequent, unprotected sex.
  • Issues with sexual function or performance — A man who experiences difficulty with arousal, ejaculation and other sexual performance aspects may be dealing with issues that are causing him to be infertile.
  • Unusual sensations in the testes — It’s a sign of male infertility if a man experiences uncomfortable or painful sensations or swelling in his testicles. Lumps, swelling, and discomfort are all signs of abnormal testicles that may contribute to infertility.
  • Unusually low amounts of facial or body hair — Abnormal hair growth can indicate a hormonal imbalance, which can negatively impact male fertility.

What are some of the top causes of male infertility?

There are a few different causes of male infertility that are important to know about. Take a moment to read through each of these common causes of male infertility that often require professional treatment. These are some of the most common, but not the only reasons for male infertility:

  • Too little sperm — One of the top causes of infertility in men is having too little sperm in the semen. Sperm production is influenced by the testicles and hormone production. Having healthy and well-developed testicles can improve your chances of sperm production. When these factors are negatively impacted, a man might produce too little sperm. Low sperm counts can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize a partner’s egg and achieve conception.
  • Poor quality sperm — Sperm that isn’t mobile enough to move from the semen to a partner’s egg can drastically reduce a couple’s chances of getting pregnant.
  • Sperm blockage — In some instances, a person with an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance or vein obstruction might experience a blockage in their testicles that prevents enough sperm from exiting during ejaculation. This blockage may reduce the chances of healthy sperm reaching their partner’s egg and becoming fertilized.

Who is more at risk of showing signs of male infertility?

There are several factors that can make men more at risk of being the infertile partner. The most common factors include but are not limited to: 

  • Someone with undeveloped testicles — A man with testicles that are underdeveloped or undescended is more likely to experience trouble with infertility. 
  • Someone with a history of genital infections — A man who has experienced an infection in his genitals in the past or developed inflammation around his genitals or prostate may be more likely to be infertile.
  • Someone who has sustained an injury to the testicles — Injuries sustained to the testes can increase the likelihood of infertility in men. If you’ve injured or twisted your testicles, this could put your fertility at risk.
  • Someone who takes certain types of medications — Certain types of medications, like high blood pressure medication, depression medication and ulcer medication, can increase the chances of infertility in men.

Fertility Cloud offers virtual treatment for couples struggling with male infertility

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced fertility doctors is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort. We’re confident that we can help guide you toward improved fertility.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely. We can do everything virtually, from communication with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted via live videoconferencing. All you need to meet with us is a computer, tablet or cellphone.

We understand that finding convenient, high-quality medical care can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you need more help or have any questions concerning virtual infertility doctors, you can reach out to us for more information. Our medical specialists are experienced in providing treatment to patients with a variety of medical conditions that affect fertility. We’ll do our best to help you achieve conception. Let our team of licensed infertility specialists be the ones to help you and your partner.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Signs you can’t get pregnant and when to seek help

October 9, 2023

According to research, nearly 20% of women in the U.S. show signs of difficulty getting pregnant after one year of unprotected sex because of infertility. Infertility doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t ever conceive, however. If you learn to recognize the signs of infertility, you can work with a specialist for treatment to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Here are some top signs to be on the lookout for and when you should seek treatment.

What are some of the top signs of infertility in women?

There are many signs that could signal difficulty getting pregnant. It’s important to recognize these indicators so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible to get closer to becoming pregnant. These are some of the top signs:

  • Trying to get pregnant for one year and being under 35 years old — One of the top signs of infertility is being unsuccessful at becoming pregnant after one year if you’re under 35. Most couples who are under 35 years of age will become pregnant in the first year of unprotected sex.
  • Trying to get pregnant for six months and 35 or older — Another sign of infertility is trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for at least six months if you’re 35 or older.
  • Irregular period symptoms or cycles — Having irregular period cycles or abnormal period symptoms are signs of future difficulty getting pregnant. Regular period cycles last around 24 to 38 days consistently. Period cycles spanning less than 24 days or over 38 days are considered irregular. Unpredictable, changing cycles and having no period are also considered irregular period symptoms. Abnormal period symptoms include significant pain or cramping, nausea, excessive bleeding, bleeding lasting longer than seven days, and large blood clots. If one or more of these symptoms is consistent with your period cycle, it may be a sign that getting pregnant may be challenging for you.
  • Symptoms of hormonal changes — If you’ve noticed any significant changes in body or facial hair, acne, energy levels, mood, and weight, these are all indications of hormonal changes. Fluctuations in the hormones like testosterone and estrogen can affect your body’s fertility. Changes in hormones are another sign of potential troubles with getting pregnant.

When should you seek treatment for your infertility?

If you have recently experienced difficulty getting pregnant, it could be a sign that you should seek treatment from an infertility specialist. Irregular periods, hormones, changes in sex drive, and pelvic pain can all be indications of poor fertility. When you first notice these symptoms, you should seek help from a specialist. Additionally, a specialist can help you after six months to a year of trying to get pregnant without any luck.

Endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders may also be cause for treatment from an infertility specialist. A board-certified specialist can help you and your partner determine the root cause of your troubles getting pregnant and begin a course of action designed to increase your chances of conceiving.

Fertility Cloud’s virtual treatment solutions may help you achieve pregnancy

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We aim to help each client work through their struggles and celebrate their victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional care to each person who comes our way. Through every step of the fertility process, our team will do our best to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from communicating with your doctor to your fertility tests. Every time you meet with your doctor, you’ll do so virtually via live videoconferencing. All that you need is a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding the level of care that you’re hoping for can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists to service you. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you’re seeking more information about the top signs of difficulty getting pregnant, you can find it here. We can help you. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with the knowledge and treatment they need to become pregnant. We’ll do our best to help you and your partner work through the source of your infertility. Let us be the ones to help you.

Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

What to do when there isn’t an infertility doctor near you

October 5, 2023
infertility doctor near me

It can feel frustrating when you’re in need of infertility treatment but lack adequate access to medical care near you. What should you do when you can’t find an infertility doctor close to where you are located?

Fortunately, there are alternatives to in-person infertility treatment. Are you in need of some ideas? You can find out more about your options for infertility treatment below.

What are some of the most likely causes of infertility?

Are you familiar with the causes of infertility? Do you have one or more of the following conditions listed below? 

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — Polycystic ovary syndrome is also known as PCOS for short. It is a medical disorder that involves the growth of cysts on the edges of the ovaries and causes a number of symptoms. These symptoms include hormonal imbalances, excessive hair growth, irregular periods and acne. It can also lead to issues with fertility including irregular ovulation, irregular menstrual cycles and trouble getting pregnant.
  • Thyroid disorder — Thyroid disorders, like hypothyroidism, can also lead to problems getting pregnant. Thyroid disorders can negatively impact hormone levels and interrupt ovulatory phases. 
  • Endometriosis — Endometriosis is a medical condition involving abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus. The most common symptoms include pain during menstrual periods, pain using the bathroom and pain during sex. It can impact a person’s ability to get pregnant in some cases, but not all cases of endometriosis cause infertility.
  • Male infertility — Male infertility is a cause that can be just as likely to occur as a woman’s infertility. Male infertility can be related to low sperm count, decreased sexual function, genetic disorders, medical conditions, and injury to the testes.
  • Unexplained infertility — Oftentimes there isn’t a clear cause of infertility for many couples, and this is called unexplained infertility. Fortunately, unexplained infertility can be treated with the help of a licensed and experienced infertility doctor.

What should you do next when there isn’t an infertility doctor near you?

If you are struggling to find a reliable or high-quality infertility doctor near you, you should know about your other options. Here’s what you should consider trying next if you can’t find a high-quality infertility doctor near you:

  • Consider virtual infertility consultations — One of the first things you can do next when you find out that there isn’t an infertility doctor near you is consider trying virtual infertility treatment. You can have an online consultation to determine if you’d be a good candidate for a virtual treatment plan.
  • Undergo virtual infertility testing — If you’re in need of infertility testing but can’t find a good doctor near you, you can undergo virtual infertility testing. Many of the tests that an in-person clinic would require can be done at home. 
  • Take advantage of virtual infertility treatment options — Just because you can’t find an infertility doctor near you doesn’t mean that you can’t still experience high-quality treatment. A virtual infertility doctor can provide you with a number of treatment options from the convenience of your own home.

Fertility Cloud’s virtual treatment solutions may be the answer you need for your infertility

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our team of experienced medical providers is dedicated to providing you with compassionate and professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and guide you through the process of treating infertility.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely. From your communication with your doctor to your fertility tests, you can do it all on a tablet or computer. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. 

We know that getting accessible, high-quality infertility treatment can sometimes be harder than it seems. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with easily accessible digital services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

If you’re in need of more information, you can consult our virtual infertility specialists. We’ll go over with you how we treat patients with a variety of medical conditions and even unexplained infertility. Our goal is to help you conceive. Let our team of experts be the ones to help you and your partner.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.