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Your fertility journey: Understanding trigger shots

November 6, 2023

Trigger shots are one part of the infertility treatment process, which can help couples with hormone imbalances, irregular ovulation and unexplained infertility. Trigger shots can aid in in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, and timed sex with your partner. If your fertility specialist has incorporated trigger shots into your treatment plan, here’s what you need to know.

What are trigger shots?

If you’re new to trigger shots, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information you’ve received about infertility and the IVF cycle. But don’t worry, we’ve got all the essential information you need to know right here. 

Trigger shots are a type of injection that is specifically designed to help with the process of fertilizing an egg. Trigger shots are just one step in the process of in vitro fertilization. These injections contain one of two hormones used to stimulate the follicles in the ovary to speed up the egg maturation process. These hormones help eggs mature quickly and stimulate the ovulation cycle so that the eggs can be retrieved by an infertility specialist right before they would typically be released from the ovaries. The two hormones commonly used in trigger shots are human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and leuprolide acetate. Usually, one over the other is administered, depending on your doctor’s choice. However, some doctors use both hormones, called combination trigger shots.

When are they administered?

Trigger shots must be carefully administered to be the most effective at inducing ovulation and egg maturation. Here’s what you need to know about how trigger shots are usually administered:

  • Most people self-administer their shots — One of the first things to know about administering trigger shots is that most people administer them on their own. Your fertility specialist will prescribe you a shot to inject during a specified time. Some people prefer to have their partner administer their injections, while others prefer to do it themselves. Trigger shots should be administered either under the muscle or under the skin. Most women self-administer their shots through the stomach.
  • Typically within 36 hours before egg retrieval — Most fertility specialists will have their clients wait until 36 hours before their egg retrieval procedure to take their trigger shot. Timing is essential during the IVF process to ensure that the eggs are mature but haven’t gone through the fallopian tubes yet. If an egg retrieval procedure were performed before the 36 hour mark, the eggs may not have fully developed. Conversely, retrieving the eggs too late after the shot would likely be unsuccessful because the eggs would have probably already entered the fallopian tubes. Be sure to consult with your fertility specialist about how many hours before your procedure you should take your trigger shot.
  • Depends on the type of hormone in your trigger shot — The exact length of time that you should take your trigger shot before your egg retrieval will depend on the hormone you’re taking. Combination shots may require multiple injections at separate times.

About 36 hours after you administer your trigger shot, a clinician will perform an outpatient procedure called follicular aspiration. This procedure is performed to obtain the mature eggs from the ovaries. While you’re undergoing your procedure, your partner will provide a sample of sperm to fertilize the eggs in a lab.  

Fertility Cloud can provide you with trigger shots during your infertility treatment

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 to help you through your trigger shot treatment.

At Fertility Cloud, everything is done remotely, from communicating with your doctor to your fertility tests. Appointments are conducted virtually via live videoconferencing. All you require is a computer, smartphone or tablet to join the call. 

We understand that finding good quality medical care near you can be challenging. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists. Our team can provide you with convenient digital resources. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Are you looking for more information on trigger shots and infertility treatment? Maybe you want to know how trigger shots will help you conceive. We can answer any of your questions. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with treatment that helps them achieve conception. We’ll do our best to help you and your partner become pregnant and address the cause of your infertility. Let Fertility Cloud help.

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

What to expect: Trigger shot and IVF

November 4, 2023

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of infertility treatment. It has helped bring more than 1 million babies into the world since 1987. IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in an environment outside of the human body. During IVF cycles, a woman’s ovulation is stimulated with the help of trigger shots, a type of injection containing important hormones. Then, the eggs are retrieved in a clinic by an infertility specialist, where they are then fertilized by a clinician in a lab setting. 

It’s a complex process involving precise timing from the fertility specialist and the clients hoping to conceive. If you’ve just started a round of IVF and hope to learn more about trigger shots and how they work, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you need to know.

What conditions may benefit from trigger shots during IVF treatment?

Trigger shots can help a variety of conditions that may contribute to infertility. These most often include symptoms and conditions affecting hormones and ovulation. More specifically, trigger shots may help with conditions such as:

How do trigger shots during IVF treatment work?

Trigger shots are injections containing hormones. These hormones are designed to induce the release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation. One of two hormone options, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and leuprolide acetate, is typically self-administered. Both hormones are used to mature eggs and stimulate ovulation quickly. Trigger shots are administered before the egg retrieval process, usually around 36 hours in advance. Your fertility specialist must carefully time them to coincide with your ovulation schedule. Generally, trigger shots are used with other infertility medication during the IVF process.

Are there any side effects of trigger shots during IVF treatment?

You should know about some common side effects if you’re new to infertility treatments. Some of these include:

  • Bloating — One common side effect of trigger shots during in vitro fertilization is bloating. During the IVF cycle, the ovaries can become swollen, which causes the stomach to appear larger. Mild bloating is common and most often gets better with your next period or when you become pregnant. 
  • Sensitivity at the injection site — Another common side effect of trigger shots during IVF is sensitivity at the injection site. The skin and muscles around the injection may feel tight or sore to the touch. Some people experience bruising around their injection sites.
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain — Some people report pelvic and abdominal pain after several rounds of trigger shots during IVF. The cause of pelvic pain is usually cramping, but significant discomfort or pain could signal more serious complications like pelvic infection. If you experience significant discomfort or pain, don’t hesitate to contact your fertility specialist.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome — Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of trigger shots during IVF treatments that can become serious. It occurs when the ovaries swell during an adverse reaction to excess hormones. 

Interested in starting IVF treatment for your infertility? Fertility Cloud can provide you with IVF treatment and trigger shots

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. We’ve helped many clients through their IVF treatment before, which is why we’re confident we can help you too.

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 a reputable infertility clinic to start IVF treatment with can be challenging. That’s why we’ve selected some of the best reproductive endocrinology specialists to help you through the process. Our team can provide you with convenient and professional online medical services. Each one of our doctors is board-certified and state licensed.

Are you looking for more information on how trigger shots are part of the IVF process? We can answer any questions or concerns you may have about trigger shots. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with the treatment they need. We’ll do our best to help you become pregnant. Let Fertility Cloud be there for you.

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

When to schedule a male infertility test

October 24, 2023
infertility test male

Many people believe that the ability to have a baby always falls onto the female, but both males and females can experience infertility. In fact, male infertility is a contributing factor to around 30% of infertility cases, while being the sole cause of approximately one-fifth of the cases. 

Conception can take months for many couples, so it’s easy to brush off the possibility of infertility at the beginning of a couple’s pregnancy journey. But it’s important to be aware of possible male infertility so that you can be proactive about treatment options if needed. But when is the best time to schedule a male infertility test? That’s what we’re here to discuss.

We’ll talk about what male infertility means, when to schedule a male infertility test and the possible treatments that you can explore following positive test results.

The basics of male infertility

A person or individual can be diagnosed with infertility if they haven’t achieved conception after having intercourse for at least one year without birth control. For males specifically, infertility refers to the inability to impregnate a fertile female.

Male infertility is often chalked up to unexplained infertility, but it can also stem from issues with the quality or number of sperm as well as ejaculation.

Low sperm count, sperm abnormalities or ejaculation issues can come from many causes or risk factors, including:

  • Inflamed testicles.
  • Swollen scrotum veins.
  • Hormone disorders.
  • Genetic conditions.
  • Infections, such as STDs.
  • Exposure to chemicals or radiation.
  • Substance use.
  • Obesity.

For males, there are several symptoms of male infertility to be aware of, including:

  • Decreased amount of ejaculate.
  • Reduced sexual desire.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Recurrent respiratory infections.
  • Swelling or pain in or around the testicles.
  • Gynecomastia (breast growth).
  • Reduced facial or body hair.

When to schedule a male infertility test

When you’re trying to determine the cause of potential infertility, low sperm count is often one of the first conclusions that you may jump to. Low sperm count, meaning fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, is a common reason for male infertility. 

The good news is that you don’t need to wait until you’re struggling to conceive before getting a sperm analysis to learn your sperm count. Getting a sperm analysis as soon as possible can shed a light on potential male infertility before even trying to conceive with a partner.

Besides a sperm analysis, there are other tests for male infertility that can be run after at least one year of intercourse without conception. The goal is to determine a possible cause behind the lack of pregnancy. 

It’s suggested that you talk to a health care provider earlier than one year if you have any of the risk factors that were listed earlier, such as substance use or medical conditions.

The male infertility tests that your health care provider may run include:

  • Testicular biopsy — Removing a small piece of tissue from the testicles to be examined under a microscope.
  • Hormone testing — Checks for hormone imbalances that could impact sperm production.
  • Imaging testing — Looks for reproductive system abnormalities.
  • Genetic testing — Checks for any genetic abnormalities that could impact fertility.

Potential treatment options following male infertility test

While it may be nerve-wracking to take a male infertility test, there can be relief in having answers. Once you learn those answers, it’s time to explore your fertility options. For male infertility, your fertility specialist will discuss the potential courses of action that can boost your chances of conceiving with your partner. 

If your tests and sperm analysis have shown a low sperm count or hormone imbalances, there are treatments that may help to boost that number and/or balance your hormones.

Your fertility specialist may also recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In vitro fertilization involves removing the eggs from the female’s ovaries so that they can be taken to a lab to be fertilized by a sperm. ICSI is the process that’s used during IVF to inject a live sperm directly into the egg.

You can schedule a male infertility test with Fertility Cloud

Whether you want to check your sperm count or you want to see the potential causes behind your conception issues, Fertility Cloud can help when you’re ready to schedule a male infertility test. The best part is that you can do many of the tests from the comfort of your own home.

We’ll be with you every step of the way so that you and your partner have the support you need following the results as you continue on your fertility journey.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

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.

Infertility medication: What are your options?

October 2, 2023

Infertility is a condition that affects people of all ages, genders, races and socioeconomic statuses. It affects women and men almost equally, about 11% of women and 9% of men.

If you and your partner need medication for infertility, you can learn about your options here. We’ll go over some of the most common causes of infertility and what types of infertility treatments might work best for you, like trigger shots.

What are some of the top causes of infertility in women and men?

Several causes of infertility can benefit from professional treatment and medication. Many people attribute infertility to women, but many cases can be attributed to the man or both partners. Here are a few of the most common causes in men and women:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — PCOS is a condition that involves abnormal male hormone production. People with PCOS develop small cysts on their ovaries. Not everyone with PCOS develops cysts on their ovaries, but many do. Although the cause of PCOS isn’t well known, many experts believe it has to do with insulin resistance, family history and environmental factors. It can lead to abnormal period cycles, excess hair growth, acne and other symptoms. 
  • Unexplained infertility — Not every case of infertility has a clear cause. Sometimes, couples deal with unexplained infertility. This infertility may be more challenging to treat because the root is unknown. However, many couples still benefit from infertility treatment.
  • Low sperm count and low sperm motility — This refers to having too little sperm or sperm that isn’t strong enough to move toward the fallopian tubes. Most fertile men have high sperm counts and motile sperm, which increase the chances of one ultimately fertilizing the partner’s egg.
  • Hormone imbalances — Hormone imbalances can affect both male and female fertility. Low testosterone and androgen levels can affect sperm quality in men. Too much testosterone can lead to conditions like PCOS in women.

What options do you have for infertility medication?

Infertility medication can improve a couple’s chances of conceiving. In-person infertility treatments may prove helpful for some but aren’t always realistic for everyone. Barriers to access like transportation, geographical location and cost can make in-person appointments with an infertility specialist less than ideal. That’s where virtual infertility treatment comes in. Virtual treatment can be a great alternative to in-person sessions for couples who need infertility medication. 

Consultations can be performed remotely. Many of the most common infertility treatments and medications can also be administered from home. Here are your options for remote infertility treatment and medication:

  • Ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation — Ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation are a type of infertility medication that is administered via oral medication or injection. These treatments may benefit women experiencing delayed ovulation and egg release.
  • Trigger shots — Trigger shots are a type of infertility medication that can supplement ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation. They contain a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) that may help release eggs during ovulation. These trigger shot injections can be performed at home or in a nearby medical office.
  • Male infertility treatment — Male infertility can also be treated with medication. Infertility medication can improve sperm counts and improve any imbalances in hormones that may contribute to issues with conceiving.
  • Thyroid treatment and management — Thyroid-related infertility can also be managed remotely with medication. An infertility specialist can monitor your thyroid levels. They’ll treat hormone imbalances to stimulate healthy ovulation.
  • In vitro fertilization — In cases of unexplained infertility, in vitro fertilization may be beneficial. IVF injections can be performed from the comfort of your home, and initial consultations can be done via videoconferencing.

Fertility Cloud can provide you with the infertility medication you need

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 professional care. Through every step of the way, we’ll do our very best to ensure your comfort and provide the medication you need.

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 getting the infertility treatment you need can be challenging. 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.

Are you seeking more information on what types of infertility medications may work best for you? Maybe you want to know how they can help patients who need infertility treatment. We can provide the treatment you need. Our team of infertility specialists is well equipped to provide our patients with treatment that helps them reach their fertility goals. We’ll do our best to help you and your partner become pregnant and address the root 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.

Is there a test for male infertility?

September 28, 2023
Male Infertility Test

Have you and your partner struggled to get pregnant for an extensive period of time? About 8% to 12% of couples in the world have trouble getting pregnant. Problems with fertility affect both men and women almost equally. Approximately 9% of men in the U.S. are the infertile partner, and 11% of women are the source of infertility. Both partners can contribute to many cases of infertility. If you think you may be struggling with infertility, there are ways to test for it. You can learn more about the types of male infertility testing available in the sections below.

Male Infertility Test

What are the top causes?

There are a wide variety of factors that can cause infertility in males. Here are some of the most common causes of male infertility: 

  • Testicular issues — The most common cause of male infertility can be attributed to testicular disorders. Some include varicocele disorder or cryptorchidism. Testicular disorders can negatively affect sperm production, which can make it difficult to achieve pregnancy with a partner.
  • Hormonal imbalances — The hormones involved in the reproductive process, including testosterone, can impair one’s fertility if there is an imbalance. If there are any issues with the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands, hormone imbalances may be prevalent.
  • Blockages in the male reproductive organs — If a surgery, infection, or other disorder has caused a blockage in one or more of the tubes in the reproductive organs, this can be the source of infertility for some men.

If you identify with one or more of these common causes, it’s a good idea to consult an infertility specialist.

Are there tests for male infertility?

Since there are many potential sources of male infertility, it’s important to be tested in order to determine the most likely root cause and best treatment. Types of testing available for men experiencing infertility include:

  • Semen analysis — Semen analysis involves a medical professional collecting a sample of semen and analyzing it for any irregularities. A doctor will analyze the number of sperm present in the semen, their shape, and which direction they move. They’ll also check to determine if there is any infection present.
  • Hormone testing — In cases where hormone imbalances are affecting sperm production or sexual development, this type of test is likely to identify that. This usually involves having blood drawn, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
  • Post-ejaculation urinalysis — Post-ejaculation urinalysis can be performed to determine if a male’s semen is traveling into the bladder. Semen should typically move out through the penis during ejaculation, but during retrograde ejaculation, the semen moves into the bladder. A urine test can determine the presence of any semen in the bladder.
  • Genetic testing — In cases where infertility results from a genetic disorder, a blood test can determine the presence of a genetic disorder or syndrome.

Fertility Cloud can test and treat male infertility

At Fertility Cloud, we value shared experiences. We want to help you navigate your struggles and celebrate your victories. Our dedicated team of experienced medical providers offers you 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.

Fertility Cloud handles everything remotely, from your direct communication with your doctor to conducting fertility tests. We conduct appointments virtually through live videoconferencing. All you need is 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. Every one of our doctors holds board certification and a state license.

If you think you may be dealing with male infertility, we can perform multiple kinds of testing to determine whether this is the case. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions regarding male infertility testing.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Male Infertility Test