Currently Viewing Posts in Educational

Does endometriosis cause infertility?

Can Endometriosis Cause Infertility? | Fertility Cloud

Introduction to endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder that involves the abnormal formation of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. This uterine lining is also referred to as endometrium. Endometrium can form in various places inside the body. When the lining that grows on the internal organ thickens and sheds, as it typically would inside the uterus during a menstrual period, it can cause a variety of symptoms. Endometriosis symptoms often include pain during periods, cramping, abdominal discomfort, pain during sex, excessive bleeding and even infertility. The endometrium is shed inside the body, but outside the uterus it has nowhere to escape, which usually causes these symptoms. Research suggests that about 11% of women in the U.S. between the ages of 11 and 44 years old have endometriosis. Another study suggests that the odds of developing this condition are 1 out of every 10 women in the U.S. and that those odds double when you have a family member with this condition. 

What are some of the most common causes of endometriosis?

If you’re wanting to pinpoint the exact cause of your endometriosis, please note that researchers don’t yet know exactly what causes someone to develop this condition. But they believe several factors can contribute to it. The most common factors that are correlated with endometriosis are:

  • Genetics.
  • Retrograde menstrual flow.
  • Unusual estrogen levels.
  • Surgery to the abdomen. 
  • Immune system disorders.

Can endometriosis cause infertility?

In short, yes, endometriosis can indeed cause infertility. However, endometriosis doesn’t cause infertility in all women. It can potentially cause infertility if the tissue lining develops on the reproductive organs in a manner that obstructs reproduction. Approximately 30% to 50% of women with this condition are estimated to have issues with infertility. 

Experts suggest that women with endometriosis can still try to get pregnant because not everyone with endometriosis will struggle with infertility. Not only that, but those who do struggle can receive treatment from specialists.

Why can endometriosis cause infertility?

The explanation behind why endometriosis can cause infertility varies. The exact cause of endometriosis-related infertility can depend on each person. Here are just a few of the most common reasons why this condition can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant:

  • The reproductive organs have excessive scar tissue growth — One way that endometriosis can cause infertility is if it causes scar tissue growth on certain organs. Some women may develop lesions and scar tissue that interferes with the fallopian tube’s ability to transport eggs to the uterus.
  • The reproductive organs have excessive inflammation — Inflammation can also cause infertility much in the same way that scar tissue does. If inflammation causes the fallopian tubes to become blocked, the result is that eggs cannot pass through and into the uterus.
  • The immune system targets the embryos — Another potential reason why endometriosis can result in infertility is that it can lead the body to target the embryos. Some cases of endometriosis have resulted in the immune system mistakenly attacking embryos.
  • The uterine lining doesn’t fully develop — Some researchers believe that endometriosis can cause the uterine lining to not fully form as it should, which can negatively impact uterine implantation.

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.

If you’re looking for more information on virtual infertility doctors and how they can help patients with endometriosis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our specialists are experienced in providing effective medical treatment to patients struggling with endometriosis. Our aim is to help you work toward conception. If endometriosis is the cause 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.

Does Olaplex cause infertility?

young-woman-hand-holding-pregnancy-test

If you’re into hair care, you’ve probably heard of Olaplex, the brand that markets formulas to repair damaged hair. The Olaplex product line has taken hair care lovers everywhere by storm but stirred up some controversy in 2022 regarding one of its ingredients. This ingredient, called lilial, was formally banned by the European Union (EU) for its risk of being a reproductive toxin. Olaplex was placed under public scrutiny for using lilial in one of its popular products, and many people were left wondering if their Olaplex products were causing them to become infertile. You can learn whether Olaplex may cause infertility by reading the information below.

What is lilial?

Lilial, also known as butylphenyl methylpropanal, is a chemical compound that is most commonly used in cosmetic and laundry products. It’s used in these types of products as a fragrance. 

A study conducted in 2019 found reproductive issues in animal test subjects that were exposed to lilial, which eventually led the European Union to make its decision to ban the ingredients from use. There haven’t been any studies yet conducted on the effects of lilial on humans, but the effects on the animal test subjects were strong enough indicators for the EU to make its decision. 

Can Olaplex cause infertility?

In short, the answer is no. Olaplex is not linked to any signs of infertility. The one ingredient in this hair product that may have been linked to reproductive problems is no longer in production.

The ingredient was found in Olapex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector, but once lilial was banned by the EU, Olaplex stopped producing products with it in them. The hair company released a statement maintaining that the amount of lilial that it did use in its products was too small to cause reproductive harm and wasn’t a main fragrance ingredient. Since then, Olaplex has stopped using lilial altogether, despite the ingredient’s use being permitted in the U.S. 

If you’re worried about infertility as a result of using Olaplex, you needn’t be. Olaplex no longer uses the ingredient linked to reproductive toxins, and the amount it did use in the past wasn’t enough to cause harm. So, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or plan on becoming pregnant and you love your Olaplex products, feel free to keep using them as much as you please.

What beauty products can actually impact my fertility?

While Olaplex is one product that isn’t likely to impact your fertility, there are a handful of other products that you should be sure to avoid. These include certain acne products, hair straightening products, and anti-dandruff products that contain strong chemicals or formaldehyde, for example: 

  • Prescription retinoids.
  • Products with benzoyl peroxide.
  • Products with salicylic acid.
  • Keratin products.
  • Prescription-strength anti-dandruff shampoos.

If you’re nervous about your exposure to chemicals that may cause infertility, your best bet is to do your research. Many cosmetic and household products in the U.S. don’t advertise that they’re using potentially harmful products, so you need to research independently and use reputable sources. Many products don’t contain high levels of toxic ingredients but rather small amounts that add up with frequent exposure. You can protect yourself by swapping out harmful products for healthier alternatives and gradually reducing the number of harmful products you keep at home.

Why should you choose Fertility Cloud to treat 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 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.

While Olaplex isn’t likely to be a product that is causing your infertility, there may be other products that are. If you’re searching for more information about products that can cause infertility, health disorders that can cause infertility, and the top treatment for infertility, you should be sure to contact us. We’re ready to answer any questions you may have.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

Why does endometriosis cause infertility?

Endometriosis & Infertility | Fertility Cloud

Painful periods are not normal. Periods usually bring on cramps and a range of other hormonal changes. But significant pain is not one of the symptoms of menstrual cramps that should be normalized. It could be an indicator of conditions that have the potential to cause infertility in women, like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Endometriosis is a condition that involves abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus. It can also cause significant pain and even infertility in the people it affects. Tissue that’s like the tissue that lines the uterus and sheds each month during the menstrual cycle begins to grow outside of the uterus. Research estimates that about 11% of women in the United States will likely experience endometriosis. But what is it about endometriosis that makes women experience infertility? You can learn more about the symptoms of endometriosis and why endometriosis can cause infertility here.

What are some of the symptoms of endometriosis?

Several telltale symptoms indicate you may be dealing with a disorder like endometriosis. Have you been diagnosed with this disorder? If not, you may want to consider bringing up each of the symptoms that you experience to a medical professional or infertility specialist. They’ll be able to determine if your symptoms are in fact related to endometriosis and if you may be dealing with infertility as a result:

  • Pain before and during periods — One of the top symptoms of endometriosis is pain during menstrual periods. The tissue that forms outside of the uterus will shed, causing internal bleeding. The blood will then come into contact with the other organs instead of being expelled like it should. This contact will cause inflammation. Inflammation is usually what causes pain for those with endometriosis.
  • Excessive bleeding during your periods — Another symptom of endometriosis is excessive bleeding. If you notice that your bleeding is substantial during your periods, it may be due to this specific disorder.
  • Trouble with getting pregnant — Endometriosis is known to cause problems with getting pregnant for some women. It can cause inflammation, pain and heavy bleeding but may not always present noticeable symptoms. Suppose you are having trouble getting pregnant but don’t experience any of the symptoms listed above. In that case, it’s still a good idea for you and your medical specialist to discuss the possibility of endometriosis.

Why can endometriosis cause infertility?

It’s first important to emphasize that endometriosis doesn’t cause infertility in everyone. It may lead to infertility in some women and not affect others. This disorder involves the abnormal growth of tissue that is eventually shed during the menstrual cycle, just like the tissue that lines the uterus. The abnormal tissue can form in various places around the body and shed during periods, but it has nowhere to exit the body. When the shedding tissue comes into contact with the other organs, it causes the organs to become inflamed. This inflammation, especially when it occurs in the reproductive organs, can interfere with a person’s ability to get pregnant. In other cases, endometriosis can lead to the development of scar tissue on the internal organs. When scar tissue develops on the reproductive organs and interferes with the fallopian tubes, fertility becomes negatively affected.

Why should you choose Fertility Cloud to treat your infertility caused by endometriosis?

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.

We know that endometriosis can cause serious physical pain during periods, and even more emotional pain when it interferes with fertility. If you’re in need of guidance from our virtual infertility team or would like to learn more about how treatment works, please reach out to us. We’re ready to help.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

How can you cut the cost of infertility treatment?

how long after trigger shot do you ovulate

Infertility is a problem that affects a large number of people in the U.S. In fact, it impacts an estimated 1 out of every 6 people in the world. It’s usually characterized by the inability to conceive a child after a year of active efforts. 

Treatment for infertility can help increase a couple’s odds of conception, but at what cost? Treatment can quickly become expensive. Experts say that lower-income communities often spend larger amounts of their income on fertility care despite less access to high-quality care. 

Getting treatment for infertility may be costly for some, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for ways to cut the cost of infertility treatment, you can learn more here. We’ll go over some of the average treatment costs, cost-effective alternatives, and financing.

How much do in-person infertility treatments cost on average?

In-person treatment is the traditional treatment option for most couples. This option typically involves commuting to a doctor’s office and participating in in-person appointments where your doctor works with you to determine what the cause of your infertility may be as well as how to treat it. The costs of this type of infertility treatment can vary. Most fertility clinics treat patients by using in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF therapy can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 in the U.S. and isn’t often covered by health insurance. 

How can you cut the costs of infertility treatment?

Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can cut the costs of traditional infertility treatment. Are you looking for ways to receive affordable and effective infertility treatment? You can find out how below:

  • Start treatment with a virtual infertility specialist — One way to cut the costs of infertility treatment is to start treatment with a virtual infertility specialist. Most people are unaware that virtual treatment is an effective alternative to traditional in-person treatment. Virtual telehealth is generally less costly because the operating expenses are lower for the practitioner. This translates to lower costs for patients. Virtual care also reduces the transportation costs that are typically associated with attending in-person appointments. Patients can avoid spending extra money on gas, bus fares, child care, and other related expenses.
  • Try alternative infertility treatments — Another way to potentially cut costs of traditional IVF infertility treatment is through the use of alternative infertility treatments. These alternatives to IVF treatment, like ovarian induction, ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination, can be more cost effective.
  • Know your insurance coverage — Are you still looking for ways to cut costs while getting treatment for infertility? You can look at your insurance. Many health insurance companies will cover the costs of virtual services. This can make it a more affordable way for patients to receive infertility care.
  • Talk with your specialist about financing — If your fertility specialist offers a treatment financing program, you may be able to spread out the cost over time.

Let Fertility Cloud’s virtual treatment solutions be the answer to 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 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.

If you’re looking for more information on virtual infertility doctors and infertility treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our specialists are experienced in providing effective medical treatment to our patients and helping them work toward boosting their fertility. We’ll do our best to help you. If the cost of your treatment is your primary concern, we offer a treatment financing program to our patients to help them create the family of their dreams.
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

How to tell if you’re infertile: Signs you should pay attention to

Top Signs of Infertility to Look For | Fertility Cloud

If you think you may be experiencing the effects of infertility, the first thing you should know is that you’re not alone. Approximately 18% of people around the world experience infertility. Infertility can happen in both men and women, and in a surprising number of cases it can even be experienced by both parties simultaneously. Here is how you can tell if you’re dealing with infertility.

How can you tell if you’re infertile as a woman?

There are many signs that could suggest infertility in women. If you’re experiencing any of the following, consult with an infertility specialist who can help you on your conception journey. Here’s how to tell if you could be infertile:

  • You are 35 years of age or older — One of the top indicators of infertility for women is being 35 years of age or older. It’s usually around this age that conceiving starts to become more difficult for women. Being 35 years of age and older can affect your chances of getting pregnant, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get pregnant. 
  • You have tried to conceive for over six months — It’s generally recommended that couples 35 years of age and older who have not gotten pregnant within six months of trying should visit with an infertility specialist who can help.
  • You have a history of irregular periods — Are you getting your period around the same time each month? Can you predict what symptoms you’ll experience during your period? If not, you may be dealing with irregular menstrual periods, and they may be an indication of infertility that you should be paying attention to.
  • You have painful menstrual periods — If your menstrual periods are very painful each month, this is another sign of infertility to pay attention to. Painful periods might indicate conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, which may impact how easily you’re able to get pregnant.
  • You have a history of miscarriages — Women who have a history of miscarriages may be more likely to experience miscarriages in the future or have problems with infertility. If you’ve experienced more than one miscarriage in the past, you may want to look to an infertility specialist for help.
  • You have a history of cancer treatments — Women with a history of cancer or cancer treatments may have a higher risk of infertility. If you’ve undergone cancer treatments in the past, this may be a source of infertility for you.

How can you tell if you’re infertile as a man?

Infertility can occur in men too. If you’re struggling with any of these following conditions, you may want to consult an infertility specialist for more help. Here’s how you can tell if you might be experiencing infertility:

  • You have received test results that indicate a low sperm count — Low sperm count is a common indicator of infertility in men. If you’ve undergone a sperm count test and the results show that your sperm count is low, this may be the source of your fertility issues.
  • You have a history of cancer treatments — Just as is the case for women, a history of cancer treatments can negatively impact fertility. Cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can slow down or stop sperm production. 
  • You have abnormally sized testes or scrotum — Men with abnormally small testes and scrotum have a higher risk of issues with infertility. Smaller testes are correlated with lower sperm production and may negatively impact fertility in men.

How can you tell if you’re infertile? Fertility Cloud can help

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.

Getting the help you need for your infertility doesn’t have to be overly complicated. If you need a professional diagnosis instead of guessing how you can tell if you’re infertile, we’ve got you covered. If you’re in need of high-quality professional care, we’re the ones who can provide it for you. We can provide treatment and educational resources on the virtual infertility treatment process as well as the causes of infertility. Let us be the ones to help. 
Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with a fertility specialist.

7 signs of infertility in men

7 Signs of Infertility in Men | Fertility Cloud

7 signs of infertility in men

Even though everyone knows that it’s impossible to conceive a baby without the sperm from a man, many people believe that infertility is almost entirely due to the woman. But that’s simply not true. It’s important to realize when infertility stems from an issue with the man in a couple that’s trying to conceive so that the proper treatment options can be explored.  

If a couple is trying to conceive, it’s important to take note of potential infertility signs in the male partner so that they can be proactive about testing and solutions. By catching these symptoms as early as possible, you can increase the chances of effective treatment.

Read on to learn about what it means for a male to be infertile, the signs of male infertility to be aware of and the steps to follow after they are noted. You’ll also learn about some options for treating male infertility and how to boost the possibility of conceiving.

What does it mean for a male to be infertile?

Let’s start off by taking a look at the basic definition of infertility. If an individual or couple is infertile, that means that they have been unable to conceive a baby after one year of having regular sex without a method of birth control. If the woman is over 35, a doctor might cut that time frame for an infertility diagnosis down to six months.

When a male is infertile, they are unable to fertilize a woman’s egg for conception. Male infertility is a common issue, with about 7% of men being affected and up to 50% of infertility cases being caused by “male factor” infertility.

Male infertility can stem from a variety of issues, including:

  • Abnormal sperm function.
  • Low sperm count.
  • Inherited disorder.
  • Hormonal imbalance.
  • Diabetes.
  • STDs.

7 signs of infertility in men

Now that you know about potential causes of male infertility, how can you tell if you have any of them? By being aware of infertility signs in men, a male can catch onto symptoms that may stem from an issue that’s causing infertility.

Here are seven signs of infertility in men:

  1. Trouble ejaculating.
  2. Small amount of ejaculation.
  3. Testicle pain.
  4. Having a lump or swelling in the testicle.
  5. Recurring respiratory infections.
  6. Gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth).
  7. Decreased facial or body hair.

What to do when you recognize signs of male infertility

If you’re experiencing signs of infertility, there are a few steps to take. It’s important that you talk to your doctor or specialists to determine the cause of your issue. By getting a proper diagnosis, you can find potential treatment options for the issue as well as options for increasing the chance of conception with your partner.

A diagnosis for male infertility issues may involve several steps, including:

  • Semen analysis — The first course of action for men experiencing signs of infertility is to get a sperm count. Your samples will be analyzed for a variety of things, including how much semen and sperm is produced, the uniformity and the acidity level.
  • Blood and imaging tests — There are a variety of tests that your health care provider may run to test for hormone issues or reproductive system problems. They may recommend a blood test to check hormone levels as well as an imaging test to look at the blood vessels, testicles, and structures in the scrotum. 
  • Testicular biopsy — If your sperm count shows little to no sperm, your provider may take a biopsy of the testicles to examine under a microscope. A biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue from each testicle.

3 treatment options for male infertility and conception

If male infertility is hindering your journey to conception, it’s important to explore every treatment option with a fertility specialist. They can determine which option will be the most effective based on the cause and your medical history. 

While there are some options that help reduce the symptoms of male infertility, others will help a male with infertility conceive with their partner.

Here are three treatment options for male infertility: 

  • Surgery — There are a few surgical procedures that fix issues that contribute to male infertility. One option is a varicocelectomy, which can fix swollen veins that impact the mobility, structure and amount of sperm produced. There is also surgery available to fix a blockage that’s keeping the sperm from the semen.
  • Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) — Severe cases of male infertility may require intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This is a process that involves taking a single live sperm and injecting it directly into a mature egg. It can be an effective option for males that have little to no sperm in their semen.
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) — When other treatment options aren’t effective, a couple can explore the option in vitro fertilization, or IVF. This involves removing eggs to fertilize them with sperm in a lab. It requires multiple procedures and isn’t effective for every couple.

Fertility Cloud can help after recognizing signs of male infertility

Male infertility can make the road to conception difficult. But by catching the signs early and getting a proper diagnosis, a couple can explore the treatment options available and boost their chance of getting pregnant.

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

While we work hard to bring you the most accurate and relevant information available on fertility, it’s important to remember that each person’s journey is unique. The guidance provided here is intended for general knowledge and may not directly apply to your situation. Fertility challenges should always be discussed with a licensed medical professional who can offer personalized advice tailored to your individual health history and needs.

Beyond medical treatments, there are many ways to support your fertility naturally. Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can all play important roles in optimizing your fertility health. Simple changes such as managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation and prioritizing quality sleep can improve overall well-being and contribute to a more balanced approach to fertility. However, always consult a fertility specialist to get professional advice and recommendations suited to your personal circumstances. Your health and fertility are complex and unique, and professional guidance is essential to ensure you are on the right path for your body and your goals.