At-home fertility tests for women have become increasingly popular in recent years. With advancements in technology, women can now easily assess their fertility in the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will explore the benefits of home fertility tests, the different types available, and how they work.
Benefits of Home Fertility Tests
The biggest advantage of home fertility tests is that they allow women to assess their fertility status from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly useful for women who are experiencing difficulty conceiving. It provides a way for them to quickly and easily determine if there are any underlying fertility issues.
Additionally, home fertility tests are often more affordable than traditional fertility testing methods, which can be prohibitively expensive. This makes them accessible to a wider range of women who may not have the financial means to undergo more comprehensive fertility testing.
Types of Home Fertility Tests
There are several types of home fertility tests available on the market today. These include ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature thermometers, and fertility hormone tests.
Ovulation predictor kits work by detecting luteinizing hormone (LH) in a woman’s urine. LH surges just before ovulation, so a positive test result indicates that a woman is likely to ovulate in the next 24-48 hours. This is particularly useful for women who are trying to conceive, as it indicates the optimal time to have intercourse.
Basal body temperature thermometers work by measuring a woman’s basal body temperature, which is her body temperature at rest. This temperature increases slightly after ovulation, so tracking it over time can help a woman determine when she is most fertile.
Fertility hormone tests work by measuring the levels of various hormones in a woman’s urine or saliva. These tests can provide a more comprehensive picture of a woman’s fertility status, as they can detect issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF).
How Home Fertility Tests Work
Each type of home fertility test works slightly differently, but they all rely on detecting changes in a woman’s body that are indicative of fertility.
Ovulation predictor kits detect LH in a woman’s urine using a test strip or digital reader. Basal body temperature thermometers require a woman to take her temperature every morning before getting out of bed. The results are then recorded on a chart. Fertility hormone tests usually involve collecting a sample of urine or saliva and sending it to a lab for analysis.
Conclusion
Home fertility tests are a convenient and affordable way for women to assess their fertility status. There are several types available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding how these tests work, women can make informed decisions and take control of their fertility journey.
As a man, your fertility is closely linked to the quality and quantity of your semen. Low sperm count, medically known as oligospermia, can make it difficult for you to father a child. If you are struggling with this, you are not alone. In fact, it is a common issue affecting many men worldwide. In this article, we will be discussing the causes of low sperm count, how to test for it, and effective ways to improve sperm count naturally.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
Various factors can lead to low semen count, including:
Lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, recreational drugs, and obesity.
Medical conditions: infections, hormonal imbalances, and varicoceles.
Environmental factors: exposure to toxins such as lead, pesticides, and radiation.
Testing
If you have concerns about your semen count, you can see a doctor for a semen analysis test. This test will check your sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Improving Low Sperm Count Naturally
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use have a negative impact on semen. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can improve sperm count significantly.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only helps to reduce stress but also improves overall health, which can increase sperm count. However, avoid over-exercising as it can have the opposite effect.
Manage Stress
Stress can affect your body in many ways, including reducing sperm count. Find ways to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, or talking to a therapist.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced and nutritious diet can significantly improve your sperm count. Include foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Also, increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, to improve quality.
Take Supplements
Supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc can improve semen count and quality. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Conclusion
Low sperm count can be a distressing issue for men who want to start a family. Fortunately, there are natural ways to improve semen count, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, managing stress, eating a healthy diet, and taking supplements. By implementing these lifestyle changes, you can increase your chances of fathering a child naturally.
Wondering what a trigger shot is? Let’s dive in to understand better. A trigger shot, also known as a trigger injection, is a hormonal injection that medical experts use in fertility therapy. The shot is rich in a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) that triggers the ovaries to mature and release an ovum. Trigger shot is part of gonadotropin therapy, a fertility treatment many people have trusted for a long time.
Gonadotropin is useful for fertility under the following circumstances:
If you have a problem ovulating
If you have weak ovulations
If your doctor needs to control your ovulation due to other treatment procedures
After a careful examination of your fertility problem, your doctor can recommend either a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or Lupron medication trigger shots. Additionally, your condition can necessitate a combination of the two.
hCG trigger shots- Human chorionic gonadotropin is much similar to the luteinizing hormone that causes ovulation in women of reproductive age. Your doctor will recommend this treatment if your tests show a history of ovulation problems.
Lupron trigger shots– medical experts recommend this trigger shot medication to offset the surge of LH hormone. The LH hormone enables the eggs to mature during a long antagonist protocol. Most doctors choose this treatment because it reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
How Does a Trigger Shot Work?
The primary function of a trigger shot is to stimulate the release of mature eggs during ovulation. Furthermore, your fertility team monitors your ovulation in a way that they can outline the time in which your ovum will be released. Unlike the LH and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that work in the egg’s growth and maturity, the HCG trigger shot helps release the mature ovum.
How to Administer Trigger Shots
Some people prefer to have their trigger shots at the clinic, but you can administer them at home. You must be ready with all the requirements to have the shot on your own. Here is a guideline for injecting yourself with trigger shots at home:
Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel.
Get the pre-filled trigger shot syringe.
Remove the needle cap while facing the needle upward.
Tap the sides of the syringe to get rid of any air bubbles from the needle.
Push the syringe plunger until a small medication drop appears at the needle tip; this helps to remove all the trapped air.
Identify the injection spot on your lower abdomen near but at least an inch away from the belly button. Use an alcohol swab to disinfect the area. Let it dry, but avoid drying it faster by blowing, as this can introduce germs.
Hold the needle in one hand, your thump on the plunger and pinch the skin on the injection spot with the other hand. Ensure you grasp a significant amount of fatty tissue for the injection.
Inject the entire needle into the fatty tissue at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
Release the skin once the needle is in. Now slowly push the plunger until you dispense all the medication in the needle.
Gently, remove the needle from your belly. You might have slight bleeding but it shouldn’t last long. Use gauze to apply pressure to the injected spot.
A woman injects hormones into the stomach with a syringe with a thin ogre. Concept IVF (in vitro fertilization)
Does a Trigger Shot Help You Get Pregnant?
HCG trigger shot research shows that it can help you get pregnant and have a successful birth. Nonetheless, to maximize your pregnancy odds, you must use the trigger shot in a time when you’re having sexual intercourse. It helps in releasing a mature egg ready for fertilization. Moreover, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines on when to use the trigger shot to avoid cases of mistiming. These cases are common with individuals who use IVF trigger shots.
According to medical experts, Choriogonadotropin alfa injection, which is another name for a trigger shot, is an ideal treatment protocol for fertility. It is useful for cases such as ovulatory infertility or any unexplainable infertility. Nevertheless, most doctors will give you trigger shots alongside other fertility drugs to increase your chances of conceiving. The doctor will decide on a suitable accompanying treatment depending on the severeity of your condition.
When to Avoid Trigger Shots When Trying to Get Pregnant
Trigger shots are not advisable for use in people with primary ovarian insufficiency or women with poor ovarian reserves. The medication may not bear results in people with such conditions. Further, your doctor may advise against this medication if you have a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS).
The following cases indicate a high risk of OHSS:
If your past fertility treatment cycles had episodes of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
If your estrogen levels shoot too high before the trigger shot treatment
If your ovaries overreact to the fertility drugs you receive, they produce numerous follicles. Your doctor’s opinion and treatment protocol will determine how many are too many.
Sometimes, your doctor can alter your fertility treatment cycle halfway depending on the results from ultrasound monitoring of your ovaries. They may also make such a decision depending on hormonal blood work outcome. Therefore, if your doctor advises you to stop your ovidrel trigger shot treatment, it is essential to obey lest you risk severe health complications.
Can a Trigger Shot Increase Pregnancy Success Rate?
A trigger shot can increase your pregnancy success rates if you follow your doctor’s guidelines. You can use it with IVF or IUI, but it is also advisable to use it with timed intercourse. Suppose you need to use it with other procedures, such as timed intercourse; your doctor will advise you on when to use it and the time difference to observe.
In addition, your doctor will also tailor your trigger shot protocol according to what works best for you from past experiences. The procedure increases your pregnancy success rates by triggering the release of an egg if your body does not ovulate on its own. But, if you have had a trigger shot treatment in the past, your medical practitioner might tweak your dosage for effectiveness and optimal responsiveness. It also helps in counteracting any adverse side effects.
How Long After a Trigger Do You Ovulate?
It takes about 36 to 40 hours for you to ovulate after administering a trigger shot. Since this treatment differs from other fertility procedures, it is advisable to time it correctly in relation to any other procedure you use. It is therefore recommended to schedule any other procedure from 36 hours after the trigger shot because this is the approximated ovulation duration. Even so, cooperate with your doctor for any other procedures, such as IVF or IUI treatment.
What is The Purpose of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Trigger Shot?
Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is crucial, especially for the early stages of pregnancy. An hCG trigger shot boosts progesterone, ensuring a successful pregnancy throughout the first trimester. The main purpose for the trigger shot is to prompt the ovulation cycle to attain the optimal period to get pregnant.
How to Prepare for an hCG Trigger Shot
Before undertaking the procedure, both anticipating parents will undergo medical tests to ensure that their bodies are ready for the treatment. Once the doctor ascertains that your body is fit for the procedure, you will take a hormonal blood test and transvaginal ultrasound. Your gynecologist then checks your ovarian follicles until they reach the desired size before giving you the first hCG trigger shot.
After a maximum of 42 hours, your egg should be ready for fertilization. After this, the mother-to-be undergoes the following tests:
Blood tests
Ultrasound to determine the ova supply
Ovarian function checkups
A thorough checkup on her reproductive organs’ health and condition
The father-in-waiting also undergoes some tests, it includes:
Sperm count
Sperm concentration
Sperm shape
Sperm movement
If you need continued trigger shot procedures, your doctor will direct you on how to go about the treatment.
Possible Side Effects of hCG Trigger Shots
Medical research indicates that an hCG trigger shot is safe and does not pose any risk to the mother or the unborn child. Also, you should not anticipate any future abnormal developments when you have the baby. However, there are some mild side effects that comes with it. Below are some side effects of hCG trigger shot:
You may have tenderness in your ovaries within the first week after the shot.
High chances of multiple births, such as triplets or twins
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The ovaries enlarge, interfering with the abdominal cavity as it accumulates the excess fluid from the ovaries.
Blood clots
While these side effects are rare, it is advisable to consult your doctor in case you have any health concerns after the shot.
How Long Does a Trigger Shot Last?
It takes approximately ten to fourteen days for the trigger shot to leave your system. What’s more, if you are on any other ART procedures, your gynecologist may recommend a beta or initial blood test to check for any traces of the shot. Besides, if you fear getting false results, it would help to wait for the blood draw to receive results you can trust.
How to Test Out the Trigger Shot in Your System
If you are unsure how long a trigger shot stays in your system, it would be wise to confirm. The best way to do this is by taking a pregnancy test daily and observing as the line becomes lighter. The hCG hormone contains pregnancy hormone, so the lighter the line gets, the lesser the trigger shot in your system.
As you continue with the test, the line starts to fade away. Yet, if it changes and gets darker, it shows that you might be pregnant. While you can consider a blood test from your doctor, this self-test is still effective. Still, it would be best to use similar test kits with all the tests, so the sensitivity remains the same for reliable results.
Again, the test time will also determine the reliability of the results. Experts recommend taking the tests around the same time every day, preferably in the morning when you wake up. Taking too much water could alter your urine concentration and consequently interfere with the results.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Trigger Shot Mistakes
Some mistakes can interfere with the effectiveness of the hCG trigger shots resulting to undesirable outcomes. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using hCG trigger shots:
Do Not Panic
If needles scare you, you might panic when self-administering trigger shots, leading to incorrect administration. Therefore, you must be as comfortable as possible; you can lean on your loved one or partner for assurance. If you cannot overcome your fears, it would help to have your shots with the help of your doctor.
Missing the Trigger Shot Timing
The success of hCG trigger shots depends on the correct timing. If you have your trigger shot medication protocol from your doctor, ensure you administer the shot at the right time, better still you can note it down for refrence. It also helps to set a timer to avoid forgetting if you want a positive outcome.
Your ovulation occurs approximately 36 hours after the first trigger shot, meaning; timing is key. It would be prudent to contact your physician for advice Incase you forget to administer the shot at the right time
Bending the Trigger Shot Needle
It is a common mistake among newbie trigger shot users. The needle administering these medications is thin and can bend while you put it in the medication vial. If you accidentally make this mistake, try getting the needle out or disconnecting it from the syringe. Thereafter, you can consider using a new needle.
Using a Needle with Air
Getting air into the needle prior to injecting the medication can interfere with the administration. If this happens, the most straightforward fix is ensuring that the needle goes so deep up to the vial that the tip is just above the liquid level. Suppose you keep it under the liquid level; ensure that you pull the liquid into the syringe.
Also, if you cannot correct the mistake, and the syringe is cracked. It would be best to remove the needle from the vial and try a new syringe and needle.
Lack of Preparation
Fertility medication, which includes trigger shots, can test your mental, physical, and emotional limits. It helps to prepare yourself well before the procedure. Having a candid discussion with your gynecologist about possible outcomes and your expectations is imperative. In addition, your doctor can help you with the preparation by giving the necessary guidelines, which includes dos and don’ts before the procedure. Proper preparation will help you avoid mistakes.
Does trigger Shots Guarantee You Ovulation?
Trigger shots do not guarantee ovulation, but they increases your chances. According to your timing, you can expect an ovulation about 35 to 40 hours after the first shot.
However, in some instances you may fail to ovulate within this duration due to mistakes made while administering the trigger shots. Suppose this happens, it would be prudent to consult your doctor for guidance. Sometimes your gynecologist can suggest a repeat of the trigger shot or prescribe accompanying fertility treatment methods for optimal results.
Trigger Shot Success Stories
Determining the success rate of trigger shots is sometimes challenging, as most medical experts prescribe them alongside other fertility treatment medications. But still, many women who use it as the only solution to fertility share interesting success stories to ascertain its legitimacy.
Most women battling infertility issues find trigger shots a viable solution. Here are some success stories relating to trigger shots:
In February 2022, a woman shared having taken fertility treatment medications without success until her doctor prescribed trigger shots. She credits trigger shots for her three children. She had her first child on her third cycle and the last one on her second cycle.
Another woman says she got pregnant after receiving trigger shots in her third round of Letrozole, fertility medication. She says the trigger shots lasted eight days in her system, as she tested out on day 10. Still, she discourages testing the trigger as the positive line may give you a pregnancy impression. It can be mentally devastating when the line starts fading out as the shot leaves your system.
Trigger Shots Side Effects
Trigger shots do not pose any notable side effects except the discomfort at the point of injection, which lasts not longer than a week. According to medical studies, one out of three women using ovidrel as fertility medication experience the side effect. For women using it as an ovulation trigger only, one out of four victims experienced adverse side effects.
The following are some side effects that you may experience:
Stomach upset
Abdominal pains
Nausea and vomiting
Bruising at the point of injection
Moderate to severe bloating
Severe pelvic pain
Decreased urine
Shortness of breathing
Swelling of lower body and legs
Rapid weight gain
Indigestion
Additionally, women who use trigger shots as a sole treatment for infertility have a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. These cases are lower in women who use other fertility medications. Still, the risks are higher in women who use trigger shots with gonadotropin hormones.
How Long Does the Trigger Shot Stay in Your System?
HCG trigger shots last up to ten days in your system, though some people record eight days. That means you can detect it in any urine or blood test. While some people may opt to test for the medication’s presence at home, some medical experts discourage that as the inaccurate results can be frustrating.
How Long After Trigger Shots Can You Test for Pregnancy?
Molecularly, trigger shots are much similar to the hormone responsible for pregnancy. Taking a pregnancy test a few days after the shot can give you false positive results as the medication is still in your system. Ideally, the best time to take a pregnancy test is fourteen days after the trigger shot and the accompanying procedures. Suppose you are nervous about taking the test for fear of disappointment. You may visit your gynecologist for the test.
Reasons Trigger Shots is the Ideal Solution to Ovulation Issues
Trigger shots can help with your ovulation and fertility issues. If you work hand in hand with your gynecologist, you can achieve your goals easily. Here are some reasons why ovulation trigger shots are the solution:
1. It Solves Anovulation-related Infertility
Anovulation means you infrequently ovulate, which makes it hard to get pregnant. Trigger shots work best for women under the following categories:
Infrequent ovulation
Not sure if or when they are ovulating
Those under other fertility treatment medications that require ovulation at a particular time
2. Ideal for Unexplained Infertility Issues
Sometimes you or your doctor may be unable to define the cause of your infertility. The trigger shots helps to make the ovum mature faster and facilitate ovulation. It gives you an ovulation window of about 36 hours.
3. It Increases the Chances of IVF Effectiveness
If your gynecologist recommends IVF for health reasons, it will require them to collect an egg from your ovaries for fertilization. Unfortunately, your ovaries may not be ready to ovulate at a particular time, which calls for a trigger shot. According to the tests, your doctor will determine when to administer the trigger shot for egg retrieval.
Bottom Line
Trigger shots are a reliable solution to many infertility concerns for women in their reproductive age. However, its effectiveness depends on your cooperation with your doctor. It would be best to consult your gynecologist to determine the cause of your infertility issues before deciding on any treatment. Suppose your gynecologist recommends trigger shots; you must time them properly and adhere to guidelines.
Self-medication is a growing problem in many countries, especially in the context of fertility and pregnancy. The temptation to self-medicate when trying to get pregnant can be strong, especially with the widespread availability of over-the-counter (OTC) and online medications, but it is extremely dangerous and can have serious consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Prescription medication when trying to get pregnant
What is self medication when trying to get pregnant
Self-medication is defined as the use of medications without medical supervision or the use of prescription drugs for reasons other than those for which they were prescribed. This practice is becoming increasingly common among women trying to conceive, particularly those who are experiencing infertility or other reproductive health problems. The internet is full of information and advice on how to use medications to boost fertility or regulate menstrual cycles, and many women turn to OTC or online medications in the hope of increasing their chances of getting pregnant.
However, self-medicating when trying to get pregnant can be extremely dangerous. Most OTC and online fertility medications are not regulated and may contain ingredients that are harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. For example, some OTC fertility medications contain Clomiphene, a drug that is commonly prescribed by doctors to stimulate ovulation. However, when taken without medical supervision, Clomiphene can cause serious side effects, including multiple pregnancies, ovary enlargement, and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Are herbal supplements safe to take when trying to conceive
Similarly, self-medicating with herbal supplements can also be harmful. Many herbal supplements are marketed as natural and safe alternatives to conventional fertility medications, but they can also contain harmful ingredients. For example, some herbs, such as Dong Quai, contain compounds that can cause birth defects or miscarriage. In addition, some herbal supplements can interact with other medications and cause harmful side effects.
Another problem with self-medicating is that it can delay or prevent proper diagnosis and treatment. When women self-medicate, they may be masking the underlying cause of their infertility or reproductive health problems. For example, a woman may self-medicate with OTC fertility drugs in the hope of boosting her chances of getting pregnant, but she may not realize that she has a more serious underlying health issue, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which requires medical attention.
In addition, self-medication can also negatively affect the chances of a successful pregnancy. Infertility and reproductive health problems are complex medical conditions that require the expertise of a medical professional. Without proper medical evaluation and treatment, women may not be able to conceive or may experience complications during pregnancy.
Is fetus safe when self medicating to conceive
Furthermore, self-medication can also have serious consequences for the developing fetus. For example, women who self-medicate with fertility drugs may be at increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Additionally, self-medicating with certain medications or herbal supplements during pregnancy can cause birth defects, premature birth, or other serious health problems for the developing fetus.
In conclusion, self-medicating when trying to get pregnant is extremely dangerous and can have serious consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus. Women who are trying to conceive should always seek medical advice before using any medications or supplements, even if they are marketed as safe or natural. Only a medical professional can properly evaluate the cause of infertility or reproductive health problems and provide safe and effective treatment. By avoiding self-medication, women can increase their chances of a successful pregnancy and ensure the health and wellbeing of both themselves and their developing fetus.
Schedule your 30 minutes consultation with Fertility Cloud medical fertility specialist to avoid putting yourself in danger with self-medication trying to get pregnant
While probability of childbirth is similar between groups, women with PCOS need longer time to get pregnant. Earlier diagnosis and intervention can shorten the time to get pregnant with PCOS and improve the chances for live birth. You need to educate yourself and seek care from fertility specialists. It is also important that you start as early as possible. Let’s take a deeper look at PCOS.
What is PCOS?
PCOS, as the name implies, is a syndrome, a collection of symptoms. These symptoms vary between individuals. Your reproductive endocrinologist specialist (REI) will conduct a thorough health history review and order hormone analysis that can help with a diagnosis.
The three features of PCOS are:
High levels of “male” sex hormones, such as testosterone
A large number of immature ovarian follicles (fluid-filled sacs that develop and release eggs)
Irregular menstrual cycles (typically less than 10 per year)
If you have two out of three, yes you do have PCOS. Later we will explain how to find out.
1. Your cells are not responding normally to insulin which leads to its high levels of insulin. It’s called insulin resistance. Insulin controls how food is changed into energy. As a result of resistance, your insulin blood levels become higher.
2. Insulin resistance can also lead to high levels of androgens (male hormones) can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg during each menstrual cycle, also causing extra hair growth and acne.
Why is it harder to get pregnant with PCOS?
Because PCOS makes women ovulate irregularly or not at all. Ovulation is a key requirement for getting pregnant.
If an egg is not released, there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize and create an embryo.
If the ovulatory process is irregular, it is difficult to identify a fertile window.
How do I know I have PCOS?
Help us to help you:
Track your menstrual cycles. How frequently they occur and how long they last ( and how painful or heavy they are). Report if your cycles are greater than 45 days apart or less than 10 per year
Remember! PCOS is a spectrum and will have variable presentation and symptoms. The diagnosis is made when two of the three criteria are present.
Can I get pregnant with PCOS naturally?
Is it likely to pregnant with PCOS? Yes, but it takes 2.5 years longer to get pregnant with PCOS. Combined with effects of age on fertility, it can be a risky situation. You can work on eating healthier, losing weight, or quitting smoking. However, lifestyle interventions alone do not work for the majority of women, and they will need additional interventions to establish regular ovulation.
Is it possible to get pregnant with PCOS quickly?
Is it hard to conceive with PCOS? Yes. However, getting pregnant in general is not a quick process. While a completely healthy young couple has a 25% chance of getting pregnant during a single cycle, chances of “absolutely healthy” individuals reduce with aging. PCOS makes it even more complicated. A few of our patients have conceived on their first cycle using standard medicated treatment. Although this is a rare case, Charity W from Oklahoma decided to share her experience with you:
Can I get pregnant with PCOS and no periods?
Is it impossible to conceive with PCOS without having periods? No. As you’ve seen in the testimonial above, Charity didn’t have periods at all and she got pregnant during her first cycle of treatment. Although medical miracles are rare, women with PCOS have one of the best prognosis when undergoing fertility treatment and most of them will eventually become pregnant. Even if they didn’t have periods before the treatment.
How to get pregnant with PCOS?
The good news is that with treatment, most patients would get pregnant. If the initial lifestyle changes like losing weight are not successful in initiating regular menses or you are not able to delay treatment, we recommend you start acting immediately, especially if you are over 35 years old, as the chances of pregnancy begin to decline. Also, there are some medical disorders that can mimic PCOS, so we strongly recommend you visit a Reproductive Endocrinologist with experience in evaluating and managing women with PCOS. Please, do not wait and do not lose your precious time.
There are two types of medicines used in fertility treatments for patients with PCOS:
Clomiphene or Letrozole
are usually the first medication type recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Both medicines induce ovulation by encouraging recruitment, growth, and the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation).
Metformin
Makes the body more sensitive to ovulation inducing medications if Clomiphene or Letrozole are unsuccessful in encouraging ovulation.
We can also recommend as appropriate supplements from Theralogix™ that have been proven to help with fertility. They include CoQ10, Inositol, and prenatal vitamins. There are also supplements available for men to improve sperm quality.
Metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS. As well as stimulating ovulation, encouraging regular monthly periods, and lowering the risk of miscarriage, metformin can also have other long-term health benefits, such as making cholesterol levels lower.
Are there any real success stories of getting pregnant with PCOS?
Tiffany came to Fertility Cloud after three cycles of Clomid and two cycles of Letrozole ovulation induction. She was a 28-year old woman who had not been pregnant previously, diagnosed with PCOS at age twenty-one and has been on birth control until she started trying to get pregnant.
Testing confirmed the diagnosis of PCOS. Unfortunately, she did not ovulate on clomiphene and her initial trial of letrozole. Our approach was to make her ovaries more sensitive to ovulation induction. We started her on metformin and a small dose of dexamethasone. Then we increased her dose of letrozole. She ovulated in the first month and became pregnant after three cycles.
So, what does it mean for me?
Although while it is hard to get pregnant with PCOS, the good news is that women with PCOS typically have some of the best forecast when undergoing fertility treatment. Most of them will eventually become pregnant. Treatment has improved significantly and has become more effective as well. The general rule in fertility treatments is the sooner you begin, the more likely you are to succeed. And it’s smart to choose an experienced doctor with an understanding of PCOS. Don’t delay! A consultation with a qualified REI can clear up any confusion or concerns you may have about getting pregnant with PCOS.
Is it possible to get pregnant after 30, 35 or even later?
According to research over the last 40 years, a healthy 30 year old woman has about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month. A healthy, ovulatory 40-year-old woman’s chance per month is 5% (1,6). The decline is slow and steady up until the age of about 35. After that the decline becomes steeper. These ranges and time frames have been established through multiple studies and have been consistent for the last 30+ years. The decline in fertility is attributed to depletion of ovarian oocyte (eggs) reserve and is determined by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.(2).
How likely is to get pregnant at certain age
What makes it hard to get pregnant after 35 or 40?
Although your changes of getting pregnant after 35 or 40 are decreasing, there are good news. Age at conception does have bearing on time to pregnancy in a healthy, ovulatory woman. In general, fecundity (a woman’s physiological ability to have a child) is reported as age ranges because it is difficult to correlate a specific age to a specific chance of success. There are also factors that can affect reproductive aging. These include other medical conditions that can have an effect such as endometriosis, fibroids, genetic conditions (errors in number of chromosomes), environmental influences, obesity, smoking, thyroid gland dysfunction, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and ovulatory dysfunction, to name a few (2,3).
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it is the most common form of ovulatory ovarian dysfunction. The pathology of PCOS makes ovulation irregular and unpredictable, making the timing of intercourse for conception difficult.
There could also be issues with male fertility such as erectile dysfunction and sperm quality issues. Male evaluation initially consists of a semen analysis and potentially other endocrine blood testing to evaluate any severe sperm abnormality.
How can fertility specialist can help to conceive after 35 or 40?
Most of the factors other than extreme reproductive age are usually treatable. When you get started, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation of both you and your partner (if applicable). We test your ovarian reserve to gauge likelihood of adequate number of eggs produced per cycle, prolactin levels since the elevated levels can affect regularity of ovulation, and PCOS testing. If there are any positive findings, we can offer prescription medications or supplements beneficial for conception (5).
There are supplements that both partners can take that have been shown to be beneficial for conception. Lifestyle modification and diet changes (such as following the Mediterranean diet) can also positively impact your chances. Controlling your stress and regular moderate exercise also confer benefits (3,4).
Please click the link below for a consultation with an experienced Reproductive Endocrinologist. You can also follow us on Facebook or return to our website for updated information about your fertility journey.
1. Menken J, Trussell J, Larsen U. Age and infertility. Science. 1986;233:1389-1394.
2. Utting, D., & Bewley, S. (2011). Family planning and age-related reproductive risk. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 13(1), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.1576/TOAG.13.1.35.27639
3. Collins GG, Rossi BV. The impact of lifestyle modifications, diet, and vitamin supplementation on natural fertility. Fertil Res Pract. 2015 Jul 25;1:11. doi: 10.1186/s40738-015-0003-4. PMID: 28620516; PMCID: PMC5424364.
4. Dimitrios Karayiannis, Meropi D Kontogianni, Christina Mendorou, Minas Mastrominas, Nikos Yiannakouris. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Human Reproduction, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey003
5. Unfer, V., Nestler, J. E., Kamenov, Z. A., Prapas, N., & Facchinetti, F. (2016). Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. International journal of endocrinology, 2016, 1849162. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/1849162
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