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What do doctors recommend for fertility

What do doctors recommend for fertility?

Well, for the question ‘What do doctors recommend for fertility?’, the answer is quite complex. It is unpredictable until doctors explore the underlying factors for infertility. Doctors might ask you some potential questions regarding identifying your problem. 

Typically, you can expect some recommendation from doctors to modify your lifestyles, intake of certain medications and even surgeries.

In this article let’s explore doctor’s recommendations for fertility in detail. Keep Reading!

Fertility tests

When do you need a fertility test? Simple, if you can’t get pregnant even without unprotected sex for about 12 months, then you must check for fertility issues. Irregular period, heavy bleeding or if periods didn’t come for a long time, then consider a fertility test. 

Unfortunately, if you have gone through two or more miscarriages, you should consider a fertility test. And also, if you are under chronic medical condition then you may need a fertility test.  

Now, let’s break down various fertility tests that are likely advised by a fertility doctor.

1.Ovulating testing:

You can do this procedure at your home using a kit which can predict ovulation by detecting the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. Through these tests doctors can predict ovulation period and rate of pregnancy.

2.Hysterosalpingography:

You can visit a hospital to undergo an X-ray dye test which is taken to analyze your uterus and fallopian tube. Your fertility doctor can evaluate the underlying fertility problem related to blocked fallopian tubes through the X-ray images.

3.Ovarian reserve testing:

This test is recommended by a doctor to determine your fertility potential and along with a blood test, vaginal ultrasound is taken to evaluate the remaining number of eggs in the uterus. Through this test, the quantity and quality of the eggs is also examined.

4.Another hormone testing:

Here, hormone related tests are taken like thyroid hormone tests and pituitary hormone tests. Since these hormones can influence your fertility, it is necessary to undergo these tests.

5. Imaging tests:

If you have any fallopian or uterine disease, it can be detected by a pelvic ultrasound. Sometimes, doctors suggest to undergo hysteroscopy to discover the features inside the uterus, which cannot be determined by typical ultrasound.

6.Laparoscopy:

Don’t be scary, when you hear laparoscopy. It’s a small invasive surgery. A small incision on your body is made, through which a thin viewing device is inserted to analyze your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.

7.Genetic testing:

As the test’s name indicates, this test is taken to identify whether you have any issues related to genes. Even genes have a heavy influence over fertility.

Thus, the Doctor suggests taking these initial tests to analyse and determine the fertility issues. Depending upon tests’ results, doctors will proceed with further treatments. Let’s delve into treatments recommended by doctors in the following paragraphs.

Treatments

 After analysing you thoroughly based on age, how long you have been suffering from infertility, your health condition, and psychological condition; doctors decide to treat you either through medications or surgery. Since, treatments for fertility involve complex procedures, doctors will recommend certain medical care or treatment that suits your issue.

Let’s delve into medications recommended by doctors to improve fertility

Medications to Restore Fertility

Why do women face challenges to conceive a baby? It’s because, if a female body has irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and irregular ovulation, then reproduction becomes a challenging one. Since women undergo hormonal changes during their menstruation and ovulation, the slight changes can make the whole system of reproduction into trauma.

However, certain medications can stimulate ovulation and clears the imbalanced track for enduring pregnancy. Following are the fertility medications also called, fertility drugs which can stimulate hormones – Follicle stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormone.

1. Clomiphene citrate

Doctors recommend this drug as an initial medication. This drug can trigger the pituitary gland to produce FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone). Through the release of these hormones, ovulation is triggered.

2. Gonadotropins

This drug is injected or given through nasal spray. It is a group of hormones that can stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs.

3. Metformin:

If you suffer from insulin resistance due to body mass over 35, this medication is recommended. Insulin resistance is also a hindrance to ovulate. Thus, this drug aids in decreasing insulin resistance.

4. Letrozole:

If you are under PCOS, obesity, then letrozole is the best option. Like clomiphene, letrozole also works to trigger ovulation.

5. Bromocriptine:

Excess of prolactin is reduced by Bromocriptine. It is a dopamine, used to cure infertility issues caused by hyperprolactinemia.

Thus, these drugs aim to treat unexplained fertility leading to pregnancy. Since these drugs have some side effects or risk factors like multiple pregnancy, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and long-term risk of tumor; you should avail these drugs with the guidance of your doctor. Now, we shall explore surgeries recommended by doctors in the passage.

Surgeries to Restore fertility

Why do doctors recommend surgeries to treat infertility? Because, surgeries can set right the issues for fertility and improve female fertility. Following are the most recommended surgeries;

Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery:

This surgery is done to remove endometrial polyps and certain fibroids in the uterine cavity. This treatment is done by making a small incision on your body through which a thin viewing device is inserted to analyze your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus.

Tubal surgery:

This surgery is done to remove blocking tubes close to the uterus. By doing so, the chance of getting pregnant is high.

Reproductive Assistance

The most familiar techniques used in reproductive assistance are given below;

1.Intrauterine Insemination:

Is it a complex procedure? Well, a fertility treatment which is simple and non-invasion. In IUI, the motile sperms are collected from your partner or donor; these sperms are washed in the solution containing protein and antibiotics; and it undergoes dilution, centrifugation and resuspension.

Now, these clean and concentrated sperms are placed directly into the uterine cavity through the uterine cervix during ovulation. This can enhance the sperm to reach the egg and increase the chance of successful fertilization. Tip: You can undergo IUI with your spouse’s sperm or in case of unavailability, sperm from a donor is also used.

Assisted reproductive technology: What is assisted reproductive technology? It’s a complex procedure that entails collecting mature eggs from you, fertilizing them in a lab with your partner’s sperm; then putting the fertilized embryos into your uterus. IVF is an example of assisted reproductive technology (ART). 

If your doctor recommends IVF treatment, initially fertility medications are given to increase your egg production. Subsequently, a small surgical incision is made to retrieve your eggs. The doctor inserts a fine needle through the vagina into the egg sac containing the eggs following the ultrasound images in the scans. After the egg is retrieved, fertilization and insemination take place.

Fertilization occurs when sperm and eggs are allowed to combine. A fertilized egg divides into an embryo, which is composed of many cells. After fertilization, about 3-5 days later the embryo is placed into your uterus, aiming for pregnancy.

Thus, these are the reproductive assistant treatments that might be suggested by your doctor.

Conclusion

Hope, you are clear with the above-mentioned medications and treatments for infertility. Though these recommendations from doctors enhance your fertility, it is also suggested to modify your lifestyle. Doctors will mainly focus on your diet, and monitor your well-being. You should have balanced and nutritious food, avoid any kind of alcohol consumption and smoking; exercise daily and avoid junk foods.

Apart from this, it is advised to follow your medication regularly. Consult with your doctor for further treatments.

FAQs:

Clomiphene citrate, Gonadotropins, Metformin, Letrozole, and Bromocriptine are some of the common medications recommended by doctors to improve fertility.

Apart from medications and treatments, it is suggested to modify your lifestyle. Doctors will mainly focus on your diet, and monitor your well-being. You should have balanced and nutritious food, avoid any kind of alcohol consumption and smoking; exercise daily and avoid junk foods.

What do doctors recommend for fertility? Read More »

How to prepare for a Female Fertility Test

How to prepare for a Female Fertility Test?

People are chasing a lot of goals in today’s hectic world in an effort to secure their aspirations, achieve financial prosperity, and lead successful lives. They neglect to concentrate on fertility, pregnancy, and delivery. Once they reach the age of 35 or above, they start to realize about pregnancy and baby.

Typically, a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant decline with age since the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries decline and eventually diminish. Apart from this, environmental factors, poor nutrition also affects the couples who wish to get pregnant.

In the current era, infertility has evolved as an issue. Though it can be cured with the use of various modern technologies and science, if a woman goes beyond the age of 37, the success rate is very low.

 In this article, let’s examine the female fertility test and how to prepare for it. Keep Reading!

How to prepare for a female fertility test?

Prior to taking a fertility test, have your body and mind prepared for any form of medications or adjustments. Following are the few steps on how to prepare for fertility test;

 1.Visit your doctor and speak about your health conditions that includes frequency of periods, irregular periods, variations in the blood flow, birth control usage, surgical history and lifestyle.

  1. Adopt a calm attitude. If you suffer from nervousness or dread about injections, try practicing relaxing meditation. By inhaling deeply, maintaining your composure, and visualizing optimism, you can practice relaxation. You can read books and listen to music to feel even more content. You may also employ some relaxing podcasts as a form of mediation.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Drinking more water can plump the veins through which blood can be easily extracted for blood tests, as water makes up around half of blood. Similar to this, it will be simple for you to collect urine for urine tests if your bladder is full. Since blood tests and urine tests are the most required tests to analyze infertility, consuming more water is essential.
  3. Semen should be collected either through sex or masturbation for semen analysis before four to five days of the fertility test.
  4. In addition, the doctor suggests few important tests taken by women prior to the fertility test. They are,
  •       BBT charting
  •       Sonogram
  •       Ovarian Reserve Test
  •       Laparoscopy
  •       HSG
  •       Postcoital test
  1. It is necessary to avoid the consumption of alcohol, smoking, and intake of caffeine. Since, these habits can affect fertility directly.

Female Fertility test

A thorough physical and medical evaluation is necessary when a couple tries to get pregnant for a year without success. A woman’s chances of getting pregnant usually decrease as she ages because her ovaries produce fewer and eventually lower-quality eggs. Women in their 35s are more likely to experience miscarriages due to the development of aberrant chromosomes.

Thus, it’s critical to get a fertility test in order to identify the underlying cause of infertility and determine a course of action. Visit your fertility doctor and discuss your birth control use, past and present sexual behaviors, medication, surgical history, other health conditions, and lifestyle choices.

After a thorough physical examination, some initial testing is proceeded which will evaluate ovarian function, uterine function during the ovulation process. It is important to know whether you are ovulating or not. So consider taking Ovulation test that include,

Ovulation testing

Ovarian function tests

Luteal Phase test

Hormone test.

Cervical mucus tests and Ultrasound tests are done at the first evaluated cycle. Some additional tests that are included in fertility tests are Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), Endometrial biopsy, Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy.

Timeline for fertility assessment

Before conducting a fertility test, it is recommended to discontinue the use of hormonal birth control for a brief period. Depending upon the patient’s menstrual cycle timeline for fertility assessment is done. Specific tests are scheduled for the patients to get the significant information about their infertility. Given below is a general timeline for fertility assessment.

Timeline Fertility Assessment Process
Day 1
The fertility assessment effectively begins on the first day of your period's bleeding.
Day 2 – 5
Ovarian reserve is determined through various tests like blood test, test for follicle stimulating hormone, Estradiol, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH). The AMH test determines the level of the hormone in a sample of blood. While AMH blood testing is a good indicator of ovarian reserve, it does not predict egg quality, conception rates, or when a patient will enter menopause.
Day 5 – 10
Hysterosalpingogram (HSGs) is carried out between days 5 and 10 to define the uterus and check for infections or scar tissue that may obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing an egg from passing from the ovary to the uterus.
Day 11 – 14
If the patient has a regular menstruation, an ultrasound is performed to measure the thickness of the uterine lining. It will provide you the ovary's information so you can monitor ovulation. At this point, endometrial abnormalities such fibroids, polyps, or scarring can also be identified.
Day 21
A blood test is performed to measure progesterone levels, which can give additional indications that ovulation has happened, about 6–8 days following ovulation. Additionally, this hormone aids in thickening the uterine lining and preparing it for a fertilized egg.

When to conduct a Fertility test for Females

A woman should seek a fertility test if she isn’t getting pregnant after more than a year of unprotected intercourse with her spouse. If a woman over the age of 35 does not become pregnant after six months of intercourse, she should undergo a fertility test.

This fertility test is equally significant for both males and females with infertility.

Conclusion

Therefore, before doing a fertility test, all prior tests must be completed. Prepare your body with a nutritious diet and overall well-being. Plan wisely and act according to doctor’s advice. I hope this post helped you understand fertility tests and how to get ready for them.

FAQs:

A woman should seek a fertility test if she isn’t getting pregnant after more than a year of unprotected intercourse with her spouse. If a woman over the age of 35 does not become pregnant after six months of intercourse, she should undergo a fertility test`.

How to prepare for a Female Fertility Test? Read More »

When is Frozen Embryo Transfer Done After Period?

For many couples, one of the common options available for successfully becoming pregnant is in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, IVF has a specific timeline, mainly for frozen embryo transfer, which makes most people confused as to when the particular process takes place. 

Frozen embryo transfer is an important component of assisted reproductive technology. The timing of the transfer is significant for making sure that the uterine environment is favorable for embryos to implant and grow. 

This blog helps to inform the readers about the optimal timing for frozen embryo transfer after a period.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Endometrial Preparation

The menstrual cycle can be classified into various phases, and each phase plays an important role in the preparation of the body during pregnancy. 

Follicular phase

This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends at the start of the ovulation period. In this phase, the pituitary gland will release a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) that stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicle. When the follicles mature, they will produce estrogen that makes the endometrial line thick for preparation for potential pregnancy.

Ovulation phase

The ovulation happens at the middle of the menstrual cycle when the mature eggs are released from the ovary.  The increased production of luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the ovulation process.  This is an important timing for frozen embryo transfer as, at this stage, the endometrium will reach its peak for receptivity after a few days of ovulation.

Luteal phase

After the ovulation process, the luteal phase starts. Here, the ruptured follicles transform into corpus luteum and secrete progesterone. Progesterone helps stabilize the endometrial lining and make it more receptive to implantation. 

This phase is significant for frozen embryo transfer cycles, as endometrium must be prepared adequately with progesterone for the successful implantation of the embryo. 

Endometrial Lining and Its Role in FET:

The thickness of the endometrial lining and its quality are vital for the successful implantation of embryos. Normally, the thickness must be between 7 mm to 14 mm at the time of transfer. 

Timing of Frozen Embryo Transfer Post-Menstruation

Determination of Proper Time for FET

Based on the cycle type proper timing will be determined for frozen embryo transfer. The cycles may be natural, medicated, or modified naturally.

Frozen embryo transfer is performed 2 to 7 days after ovulation. This corresponds to approximately 14 to 21 days after the start of menstruation. In a medication cycle, there will be more controlled time and the endometrial lining will be prepared with estrogen and progesterone. 

Timing Varies Depending on the Cycle type

Natural cycle

The timing of the frozen embryo transfer will be aligned with the ovulation of the patient in the natural cycle.  Their ovulation will be monitored carefully with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds. Then the transfer will be carried out during the most respective time of endometrium. 

Medicated cycle

In this cycle, the endometrium will be prepared with the help of hormones and they will not be related to the natural ovulation of the patient. For thickening of endometrium lining estrogen will be given and it is followed by progesterone for stabilization. Based on the time length in which endometrium is with progesterone the timing for embryo transfer will be determined.

Factors Influencing Timing

Various factors that can influence the embryo transfer timing are the menstrual cycle, regularity of the patient, hormone levels, and the doctor’s assessment of endometrial lining. 

If the patient is suffering from irregular periods, then additional monitoring and adjustment will be carried out.  This helps in ensuring that the endometrium is prepared adequately for the embryo transfer. It is also necessary to check the hormone imbalance and correct it during the treatment period. 

FET schedule

Every patient has a different personalized schedule for frozen embryo transfer, mainly based on their specific situation. Healthcare providers will consider their menstrual cycle, hormone levels, and response level to the treatment when determining the best time for frozen embryo transfer. This personalized approach will help increase the chances of successful pregnancy.

Types of Cycles and Their Impact on FET Timing

Frozen embryo transfer timing will be aligned with the natural ovulation of the patient’s natural cycle. The ovulation will be monitored with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds, and then the optimal time for transfer will be determined.  

The main advantage of the natural cycle is that there is less medicine used. However, it needs precise monitoring to make sure that the timing is correct.

The timing of embryo transfer will be more controlled in the medicated cycles than in natural cycles. Estrogen will be used to prepare the endometrium to promote its thickness, and stabilization will be carried out using progesterone. 

This will help create more flexible schedules as embryo transfer timing does not depend upon natural ovulation.  This method is mostly used in patients with irregular menstrual cycles or those who need more control over the timings of their transfer.

The modified natural cycle is a combination of the natural cycle and the medicated cycle. In this method, patients may receive minimal support from hormones to ensure proper endometrial preparation so that the natural process can take place. This method is beneficial for patients who prefer natural processes but need hormonal assistance. 

Factors That May Affect the Timing of FET

  • Thickness of the endometrium
  • Levels of hormones
  • Other health conditions include polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid disorders. 

Protocols for Timing FET

The timing for frozen embryo transfer starts at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. In natural cycles, ovulation will be monitored and embryo transfer will be secured at the proper timing after ovulation. 

In the medicated cycle estrogen is given for preparing the endometrium and progesterone to stabilize it. The timing for the embryo transfer will be carefully calculated based on the preparation of hormones and receptivity of endometrial linings. 

Conclusion

The timing for frozen embryo transfer after a period is significant for the success of pregnancy. The menstrual cycle plays a vital role in preparing the endometrium for embryo implantation, and precise timing is required for embryo transfer to be successful.  

It is important to consult the specialist about the best timing and the methods that an individual needs for pregnancy. With proper timing, careful preparation, and expert guidance, the success of frozen embryo transfer pregnancy will be greater.

FAQs

FET is typically done 5-7 days after ovulation, around 14-21 days post-period start.

Yes, FET can be timed with natural ovulation by monitoring hormonal levels and ultrasound.

In a medicated cycle, hormones like estrogen and progesterone prepare the endometrium independently of natural ovulation.

FET timing in a medicated cycle is based on hormone preparation and endometrial response.

Yes, irregular periods may require additional monitoring and adjustments for precise FET timing.

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which is more painful iui or ivf

Which is more painful IUI or IVF

Are you looking to get pregnant with ART treatments, but stuck with the dilemma of whether to choose IUI or IVF?

Well, that’s a pretty common question among many young couples today before they get into the treatment. Usually, couples who couldn’t get pregnant naturally will decide to undergo IUI or IVF.

When it comes to pain associated with these treatments, it varies from person to person. The IVF treatment is slightly more painful than IUI.

In this blog, you will get to know which treatment gets more painful, what is the recovery time for the treatments and how you should overcome the pain after the treatment

Pain associated with IUI

You can feel a quick pinching sensation and cramping when the catheter is placed into the cervix, which is often described as the pain of IUI. This discomfort is usually brief, as the process only takes a few minutes. 

So, you don’t need to panic thinking that the process will take longer or cause severe pain.

Pain associated with IVF

There will be a stinging sensation when the thin needle is inserted into the uterus that does not cause severe pain to you. This complete IVF procedure will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete your treatment.

You can have your partner or your friend with you while you feel discomfort during the treatment.

Recovery time after IUI treatment

The IUI treatment will be taken for a few minutes and after the treatment women will take 20 to 30 minutes of rest in the hospital. Only a few women will have immediate pain like cramping and discomfort and that will not be severe to you.

Few women will undergo regular work, and exercise on the same day but, you should take complete rest on the treatment day to avoid risks. If you get severe pain or heavy bleeding on the day of the procedure then you should consult your doctor.

Recovery time after IVF treatment

The recovery time consists twice, the first time is during egg retrieval and the second time is during embryo transfer.

At the time of the egg retrieval, the process will be done for a few minutes and then the patient will be monitored for a few hours in the hospital. Mild cramping and spotting may occur but that do not cause severe pain. Few women will be ready to do their regular work on the same day, but heavy activities should be avoided for a few days.

At the time of embryo transfer, the process will be done for 20 to 30 minutes by giving anaesthesia to the patients. The patients will rest for 30 minutes in the hospital and can go back home. Heavy activities should be avoided for a few days to have a better result.

How to overcome the pain after IUI

There are various steps that you can follow to overcome the pain after the IUI treatment.

Intake of Tylenol: This medicine helps you to overcome the cramping pain in your abdomen which will not affect your pregnancy. Before taking it, you must consult your doctor for a better solution.

Rest your body: Resting your body for at least 4 to 5 days will help you relax and overcome the pain quickly.

Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises are a simple activity that helps to overcome the pain. Breathing in for 4 seconds, holding it for 7 seconds and exhaling it for 8 seconds will help to get relief from body pain. This can be continued for 2 to 3 minutes regularly in the morning and evening of the day.

Take a warm bath: Taking a bath or shower in warm water will help to relax your muscles and overcome your pain.

Heat therapy: You can apply your heat pad to your abdomen which helps you to overcome the pain and makes you feel comfortable.

Be Hydrated and Healthy: Keep your body hydrated by drinking more water, following a proper diet, and eating healthy food to avoid the risks in the future.

Mild exercise: Doing light exercises like slow walking, simple yoga exercises and a few minutes of meditation will help you to overcome the pain.

Wear a comfortable dress: Always wear a comfortable dress to keep yourself relaxed. You should not wear a tight dress which will make you feel uncomfortable.

Emotional support: When you feel emotionally low, you should communicate with your partner, friends and family. This will help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed.

How to overcome the pain after IVF

After the egg retrieval period, you should follow some steps to overcome your pain, so that you will get ready for the embryo transfer process.

Take medications: Tylenol is a medicine that helps you to overcome the pain after egg retrieval. Before taking this, you should consult your doctor for better results.

Rest your body: You should take a complete rest for 3 to 4 days for better results to gain positive results.

Heat Therapy: Applying the heat pad to the abdomen will help you to relax and get relief from the pain.

Body hydration: Keep your body hydrated and healthy for better results.

Mild exercise: Doing mild exercise, yoga, and meditation helps you to overcome the pain as you can feel relaxed.

After the embryo transfer process, you should follow some basic steps which help you to overcome pain,

Healthy diet: You should follow a proper diet include some points, and maintain a proper weight. This helps you to avoid future risks at the time of pregnancy.

Emotional support: Maintain good communication with your partner, friends, and family when you feel emotionally weak and stay in a positive environment.

The pain from this treatment will not be severe; it varies by individual and depends on factors like age and health condition. Stay hopeful and consult a best fertility doctor to begin your treatment.

Conclusion

Both treatments have pros and cons, however, these treatments help you to attain your pregnancy. Most of the women have successfully attained their pregnancy through ART treatments.

Don’t stress much emotionally and physically as to whether the treatment helps in pregnancy. Choosing the right fertility centre and the proper treatment will help to attain success.

FAQs

It involves the quick step for ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval by inserting a catheter into the uterus. So IVF is more painful compared to the IUI. But this will not cause severe pain to your body.

Once you complete the ART Treatment, you will be moving home after a few hours. You need to take complete rest for 3 to 4 days so that you will not face any unwanted risks in the future. Keep your body hydrated and healthy. If you have severe pain, bleeding, or fever you must consult your best fertility doctor immediately.

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icsi Treatment

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection(ICSI)

Couples may undergo various infertility issues, and in some cases, they couldn’t find any positive results. But now you don’t want to get worried about this; this is the treatment that will give you a positive response even after you fail in IVF procedures.

In this blog, you will get to know about the process, procedures and the role of ICSI for infertility problems.

What is ICSI?

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a treatment that occurs in the laboratory where a single sperm is collected from the male and directly injected into the matured egg. ICSI treatment helps many couples with male infertility problems.

Who needs ICSI?

There are certain reasons for ICSI treatment.

Male infertility issues

Males who face problems with

  • Low sperm count
  • Abnormal shape of sperm 
  • Poor motility.

IVF Failure

Couples who undergo IVF treatment and fail then will move to the next step for ICSI treatment. The IVF may fail due to 

  • Poor fertilization
  • Egg penetration
  • Issues with sperm binding with the egg

Procedures in ICSI

Several procedures will be followed for the treatment.

Ovary stimulation

Women will be given hormonal treatments to stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs for fertilization. 

Egg retreival process

In this process, the mature eggs from the ovaries will be collected through the thin needle by using ultrasound guidance. The mature eggs will be collected for the fertilization process in the lab.

Preparing and collecting sperm

The sperm will be collected from the male by masturbation or specific condoms at the time of intercourse. In some cases, the sperm will be collected from the donor. After collecting the sperm, it will be moved to the lab for the next process.

Sperm injection process

After the laboratory process, a single sperm will get injected directly towards the cytoplasm with the matured eggs for the fertilization process.

Embryo transfer and culture

The embryos will be developed in the lab and that will be monitored by the doctors. After the proper embryo development then it will be directly injected into the woman’s uterus. By using the catheter the embryos will be transferred through the cervix.

What are the symptoms after ICSI treatment?

Several symptoms may occur after the treatment.

Cramping

You will get mild cramping, which will feel similar to your menstrual cycle. This is caused due to the intake of hormonal medications at the time of egg retrieval.

Spotting

After the ICSI treatment, you will get light spotting or bleeding. This is common and should not be compared with your periods. This is caused due to the catheter placed through the cervix for the embryo transfer process.

Bloating

This is caused by the hormonal medications taken at the time of treatment, which result in abnormal bloating in the abdomen. This feels you with heaviness in your stomach.

Breast tenderness

This is caused by the intake of hormonal medications at the time of treatment. This can make you feel breast tenderness and pain when you touch them. This will be the same as how you will feel during your early periods.

Fatigue

Your hormones will change according to the reaction of your medications, which you undergo at the time of treatment. This can cause increased tiredness and laziness.

OHSS(Ovarian Hyperstimlation Syndrome)

OHSS is a common that affects women after treatment due to the increased ovarian stimulation medication. This will cause pain in the abdomen, rapid weight gain, bloating, fatigue, etc.

Symptoms for pregnancy after ICSI treatment

Below are some symptoms you can expect to experience if you had a positive ICSI treatment.

Signs Time Symptoms
Early signs
Between 1 to 2 weeks
Implantation bleeding
Common signs
Between 2 to 4 weeks
Breast tenderness, Mood swings, Frequent urination, Fatigue, Nausea, and Bloating.
Later signs
After 4 weeks
Missed periods, Basal body temperature, and Food cravings.

Critical Symptoms

Some severe symptoms will cause risk after the ICSI treatment.

Severe pain: If you are facing severe pain in the abdomen, severe cramping, or heavy bleeding, then you have to consult your doctor immediately.

Infections: If you get any other symptoms like severe fever, foul-smelling discharge, or any other infections in the vagina. Then you should meet your doctor immediately.

What is the success rate of ICSI?

The success rate of ICSI varies from different categories like age of the patient, health conditions, cause of infertility, egg and sperm quality, the clinic that they have chosen for treatment and the medications they follow

Age Success rate per cycle
Under 35
40 to 50%
35 to 37
30 to 40%
38 to 40
20 to 30 %
40 and above
10 to 20%

What are the risks and complications that occur after the ICSI treatment?

Several risks and complications affect the mother and also the child after the ICSI.

Common risks at the time of treatment

Egg retrieval: Less than 5% of eggs get a chance of damage during the needle insertion period.

Failed fertilization: Not every egg gets fertilized during fertilization.

Risks that affect the mother

OHSS: This is a common risk that affects the mother after the treatment. It causes Nausea, Bloating, Cramping, Bleeding, and breast tenderness.

Discomfort during egg retrieval: At the time of the egg retrieval process it might cause discomfort and mild cramping.

Infections: Due to the intake of increased hormonal medications, women may get a change of infections in the vagina and a rise in body temperature. 

Risks that affect the baby

Multiple pregnancies: ICSI process combined with IVF, which has a chance of giving multiple birth. This will have a higher chance of risks at the time of delivery.

Birth defects: There is a chance of getting a higher chance of risk for the baby after delivery than compared to naturally born babies. The reason for this is still in the research process.

Sex chromosome abnormalities: There is a higher risk of abnormal chromosomes that affect the child. This is caused due to the men’s infertility which is passed by genetic order, so the child may also get a chance to be affected by it.

What is the Cost of ICSI in India

The treatment cost varies from one hospital to another. It also varies from person to person according to age and health factors.

The cost for a single ICSI cycle

Process Approximate cost
Basic ICSI treatment
1,00,000 to 2,50,000
Advanced ICSI treatment
2,50,000 to 4,00,000
Ovarian stimulation medications
20,000 to 50,000
Embryo freezing
10,000 to 30,000
Genetic testing (if necessary)
50,000 to 1,00,000
Consultation fees
1,000 to 5,000 (single visit)
Donor sperm
30,000 to 50,000
Donor egg
1,00,000 to 2,00,000 or might get higher
Pre-treatment test
10,000 to 30,000

What are the Post-procedure considerations?

You should several steps which would be monitored by your doctor.

Take proper Rest

You should take a complete rest after completing your treatment. Keep your body in rest mode. Taking bed rest is highly appreciated. Avoid doing heavy work that will affect your abdomen. To increase the success rate of your treatment you should take rest for a few days.

Exercise

Mild exercises like slow walking and yoga will help you be active, and that will not affect fertilization. But you should completely avoid heavy workouts like pushups, weight lifting, running, jogging, fast walking, swimming, jumping, and dancing.

Proper Diet

Maintaining a proper diet will help you to increase the chance of success in the treatment. You can take fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates like whole wheat, and protein-rich foods. You can get a diet chart from your health care doctor which will be helpful to follow as routine.

Avoid eating over-sugared foods, drinks, caffeine, junk food, and uncooked foods. Avoid consuming drugs that will directly affect the pregnancy.

Medications

Follow the proper medicines suggested by your doctor. Never skip the medicines at any cause. If you face any other symptoms while taking the medicines then you should immediately meet your fertility doctor.

Self-care

Self-care is the best thing that everyone should follow. Take plenty of water which will always keep you hydrated. Avoid getting stressed, and keep yourself self-motivated.

Body symptoms

Some women may get slight body symptoms which could be a sign of early pregnancy. But if you experience any other severe symptoms, then you should meet your doctor immediately.

Positive environment

Always have open communication with your partner, family and friends about your emotional feelings. Get some time for relaxing by watching your favourite scenarios and listening to music. Always stay in a positive environment and keep your surroundings engaged.

Conclusion

ICSI is the best fertility treatment that helps many couples who face abnormal infertility issues. It makes many couples attain their parenthood. If you tried many infertility treatments, even if you have a failed IVF, then it’s the right option for you to choose the ICSI treatment.

FAQs

Those who have severe male infertility problems like low sperm count and poor motility. And those who faced failure in the previous IVF treatment can choose ICSI as their next level.

  • Damage to eggs and sperm
  • Multiple births
  • Abnormal chromosomes childbirth
  • OHSS

This is done due to the individual health condition. However, most single embryos will be transferred for fertilization.

Yes, ICSI can be done with donor eggs or donor sperm. It is done when there is a higher risk of male infertility or genetic factors.

No, it doesn’t guarantee 100% success. The success factor depends on the patient’s age and fertility health.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection(ICSI) Read More »

Which Doctor To See If You Want To Get Pregnant

Which Doctor To See If You Want To Get Pregnant?

Are you having difficulty getting pregnant and wish to consult a medical professional to assist in your pregnancy? This article will be of utmost help for you to seek the right doctor for you. 

There are different medical professionals for different health issues. There is a cardiologist for heart-related issues and a neurologist for brain and nervous system-related issues. 

Similarly, there are specialized doctors for pregnancy-related issues, too. You can consult these doctors if you need help getting pregnant. In this article, we will look at the doctors you can seek out if you want to get pregnant. Read till the end to learn more.

Which Doctor To See If You Want To Get Pregnant?

There are three doctors who specialize in pregnancy-related issues: an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), an IVF specialist, and a fertility specialist. 

Though an IVF specialist is also a fertility doctor, given the significance of IVF in fertility treatments, we will consider this a separate specialization. 

We’ll look at each of these doctors and their role in your pregnancy below.

Obstetrician-Gynecologist

A gynecologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats issues related to the female reproductive system from puberty to post-menopause. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and neonatal care. 

When To See This Doctor

An OB/GYN is probably the first person you will visit when you have difficulty getting pregnant. Here are some circumstances when visiting an OB/GYN will be helpful for you. 

  • When you have irregular, heavy, or no periods.
  • When you have pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
  • If you have undergone any pelvic surgeries previously.
  • If you are unable to get pregnant even after months of trying.

Role In Reproductive Health And Fertility

An OB/GYN is your first line of defense against infertility and other reproductive issues. They are also responsible for the overall health of a woman from her puberty to post-menopause. 

Regarding fertility, OB/GYNs diagnose and treat infertility issues in your body. They also provide guidance on safe sex (contraception), family planning, pregnancy care, neonatal care, etc.  

Treatments They Provide

An OB/GYN will stay with you throughout your pregnancy and guide you every step of the way. The best obstetrician will provide you with treatments that you might need during your pregnancy, such as labor, delivery, and prenatal and postpartum care. 

A gynecologist will run several tests on you and provide the treatment you require to treat a certain issue. The treatments include, treatment for irregular periods, for urinary tract infections (UTIs), for hormonal imbalances, and conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, etc. 

Fertility Specialist

A fertility specialist is the doctor your gynecologist will suggest you visit if they diagnose any infertility issues in you. As the name suggests, a fertility specialist specializes in treating a woman’s fertility and helps them get pregnant. 

When To See This Doctor

You can either visit a fertility doctor after consulting with your gynecologist or directly visit them. If your gynecologist send you to them, then you can visit them immediately. 

If you visit them on your own, here is when you should do so.

  • When you are under 35 and have been failing to get pregnant even after one year of trying.
  • When you are over 35 and have been failing to get pregnant even after six months of trying.

Role In Advanced Fertility Treatments

An OB/GYN offers basic tests like pap smear, ultrasound, etc., to diagnose any issues. A fertility specialist goes one step further and takes specialized tests to accurately pinpoint the root cause of the problem and help treat it. 

These tests include blood tests, PGT (pre-implantation genetic screening), semen analysis, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, etc. they will look into you and your partner’s medical history, lifestyle, and other factors and create a personalized treatment plan for you. 

Treatments They Provide

Fertility specialists are experts in providing treatments that can help you overcome your infertility issue and get pregnant successfully. Some treatments they provide include

IVF Specialist

An IVF specialist is also a fertility specialist. However, since IVF is a major part of fertility treatments, we will look into IVF specialists separately. An IVF specialist is responsible for conducting the IVF treatments. 

When To See This Doctor

Your IVF doctor will most likely be your fertility specialist. After analyzing your fertility condition, your doctor will determine whether IVF will be the best course of treatment for you. 

You can also try IVF if other fertility treatments like ovulation induction or IUI do not help you get pregnant. 

Role In In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

An IVF specialist will stay with you throughout the procedure to ensure a smooth process. As you must know, IVF is a complex treatment involving a series of complex procedures. 

This is why it is important for you to choose the best IVF doctor in your area for IVF treatments. They can ensure you undergo the procedures safely and have a high chance of pregnancy. 

Treatments They Provide

An IVF doctor specializes in providing expert IVF treatments. If traditional IVF methods fail, they will also opt for advanced IVF methods like ICSI, IMSI, etc., to help you get pregnant. 

Conclusion

Be it an OB/GYN, fertility specialist, or IVF specialist, all these doctors have one primary goal: to treat your reproductive issues and help you get pregnant successfully. 

So, don’t panic if you can’t get pregnant even after trying. Choose the right doctor for your issue and get treated accordingly. You will definitely be cured and have a healthy and safe pregnancy. 

FAQs

An OB/GYN treats health conditions related to the female reproductive system. This includes issues related to menstruation, menopause, puberty, pregnancy, pelvic regions, reproductive organs, etc. 

Ultimately, a fertility specialist is the best doctor you can consult if you wish to get pregnant. They can accurately diagnose the root cause of your issue and provide the necessary treatments.

Among all fertility treatments, IVF is known for its highest success rate. It is an advanced fertility treatment involving a series of procedures. Your doctor will perform all these procedures carefully to ensure that you have a successful pregnancy. 

Which Doctor To See If You Want To Get Pregnant? Read More »

Breast Pain After Embryo Transfer

Breast Pain After Embryo Transfer

Have you recently undergone an embryo transfer? Then, you must be starting to experience a number of symptoms right now.

During your IVF treatments, your doctor would have notified you regarding the symptoms you might experience after the embryo transfer procedrue. Some may indicate a positive IVF, and others may indicate a failed IVF.

However, there are some symptoms that are not definitely a sign of a positive pregnancy. One such symptom is breast pain after embryo transfer.

So, is it normal for you to get breast pain after embryo transfer? What are the causes and managing techniques of breast pain after embryo transfer? Let’s look at all these in this article.

Is Breast Pain Normal After Embryo Transfer?

To answer your question, yes, breast pain is normal after embryo transfer. According to research conducted in 2018, almost 47% of women undergoing IVF reported mild breast tenderness or pain after embryo transfer. So, this is nothing to worry about.

Breast pain is also one of the most common early pregnancy signs. So, if you have breast pain after embryo transfer, it might be a sign of positive IVF. However, it can also be caused by hormonal changes due to hormonal injections. So, it does not always indicate a pregnancy.

Causes Of Breast Pain After Embryo Transfer

Breast pain is a common symptom you might experience during IVF treatments. Below are some of the most common causes of breast pain after embryo transfer.

Hormonal Changes

After embryo implantation, your body will start producing the pregnancy hormones (hCG, estrogen, & progesterone hormone level) into your body to sustain the pregnancy and aid with baby development.

These hormones can affect your breasts and can cause breast pain and tenderness.

Medication Side Effects

The hormonal medications you take during the IVF cycle can also affect your breast. These medications are administered to produce more mature eggs, improve uterine lining, and improve your chances of pregnancy. However, they can also cause minor side effects like breast pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms And Duration

Remember, when we say breast pain, it does not always mean you will literally have pain in your breasts. You might also feel certain symptoms, like

  • A tingling sensation in your breasts,
  • Tenderness and swelling,
  • Increased sensitivity,
  • Darkening of areolas, or
  • A tingling sensation. 

All these symptoms are associated with breast pain after embryo transfer. 

When it comes to the duration of this symptom, it generally varies from person to person depending on their hormone level, body condition, and the cause of breast pain. 

If the pain was caused by pregnancy, there are chances of having breast pain and other symptoms about a week or 10 after embryo transfer, and it generally lasts till the end of your first trimester. 

If it was caused by your hormonal medications, the duration and intensity of breast pain depend on the dosage and how long you take the medication. This pain usually subsides after a few days. 

It can be difficult for you to determine the cause of breast pain. It is best to consult your fertility doctor in case of any issues.

Managing Breast Pain After Embryo Transfer

Below are some effective measures you can take to manage breast pain after embryo transfer.

  • Wear supportive bras that provide gentle compression and do not press too hard on your breasts.
  • Apply cold or warm compressions (test and see which helps you manage breast pain) at regular intervals if you feel pain.
  • Get some rest and avoid doing strenuous activities. 
  • Gently massage your breasts with essential oils to soothe your pain. 
  • Consult your doctor and take over-the-counter pain medications if the pain does not subside. 

When To Seek Medical Advice

Breast pain after embryo transfer is normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, if the pain is severe and persistent, it is best to visit your fertility doctor and get some medical advice. It is best to identify early if you have certain complications that are causing breast pain. 

Conclusion

Remember, you will always experience certain symptoms during and after your IVF treatments. The main issue remains in identifying the cause of those symptoms. It’s important to understand that not all symptoms you experience are negative signs after embryo transfer.

Don’t always worry that these symptoms are negative. They might be positive, too, sometimes. So, be positive and always hope for the best outcome.

FAQs

Below are some positive signs after embryo transfer.

  • Implantation bleeding
  • Tender or sore breasts
  • Fatigue
  • Increase basal body temperature (BBT)
  • Changes in vaginal discharge

After about 5 days after embryo transfer, you might start feeling certain symptoms like implantation bleeding, mild abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, etc.

After embryo transfer, it is normal for you to experience certain pains like breast pain and abdominal and pelvic pain.

Breast Pain After Embryo Transfer Read More »

10 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms

10 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms

Hurrah! You have successfully completed your IVF procedure. First, congratulations on that. 

Now that you have undergone your embryo transfer, the next step is to know whether your IVF cycle was successful or not. Your doctor would have advised you not to take a pregnancy test for 2 weeks after the procedure, and for good reason. 

However, even if you don’t take a pregnancy test, here are some positive symptoms you might experience about 10 days after embryo transfer. This might give you a guess on whether the procedure was successful or not. 

Common Symptoms At 10 Days After Embryo Transfer

After about a week after embryo transfer, it is normal for you to experience certain symptoms. These symptoms might either signify a positive pregnancy or reveal negative signs. You won’t know until you take a pregnancy test.

Here are some common symptoms that you may experience about 10 days after embryo transfer.

Implantation Bleeding

After about a week after embryo transfer, you might experience slight bleeding or spotting from your vagina. It is normal for you to fear that it is menstrual and worry if your IVF cycle fails.

But don’t worry. It is not menstrual bleeding but implantation bleeding. This bleeding happens when the embryo implants into the uterine lining. It might rupture some blood vessels during implantation, which causes the bleeding.

Additionally, it’s common to experience some discomfort or period-like pain around 10 days after embryo transfer. This pain can often cause concern, but it can also be a sign of the body adjusting to the embryo implanting in the uterus.

Below are the characteristics of implantation bleeding:

  • Implantation bleeding will only appear as slight spotting and will disappear within a few days.
  • Unlike menstrual bleeding, which is bright red in color, implantation bleeding will be light pink or brown in color.

Remember, experiencing slight pain or discomfort 10 days after embryo transfer is not unusual and can be part of the normal implantation process.

Cramping

Along with implantation bleeding, you might also experience some mild abdominal and pelvic cramping. During embryo implantation, the embryo will settle deep into the uterine lining. This can put some pressure on your pelvic regions, causing cramps. 

Cramps can also be caused by the progesterone medications administered during IVF treatments. These medications are often used to support the uterine lining and maintain a high progesterone level, which is crucial for a successful pregnancy. So, this may not be a definite sign of pregnancy.

Breast Tenderness

Sometimes, pregnant women will experience sore or tender breasts. This is caused due to the sudden hormonal changes after a successful implantation. This, again, can also be caused due to the hormonal injections administered during IVF. So, this may not be a definite sign of pregnancy. 

Fatigue

It is normal for pregnant women to always feel tired and fatigued. This is, again, the work of hormones. The sudden hormone surge that happens in your body due to pregnancy can cause fatigue. 

However, it can also be the work of progesterone medications you take. So, you can only know if it is a pregnancy symptom when you take a pregnancy test after 2 weeks. 

Nausea

If there is one symptom that most people associate with pregnancy, it is nausea. Morning sickness is synonymous with pregnancy, and it is experienced by most pregnant women. 

This symptom is mostly normal and will reduce after the first trimester. However, if you have recurrent nausea, it is best to consult your fertility doctor.

Less Common Symptoms At 10 Days After Embryo Transfer

The above symptoms are some of the most common ones that you might experience after an embryo transfer. Below are some less common symptoms that you may or may not experience 10 days after an embryo transfer. 

Headaches

Headaches are not a common symptom of pregnancy. If you have a headache, it might be because of the hormonal changes that happen in your body. See if the headache reduces after some time. Suppose it does not, consult your doctor and take a painkiller. 

Mood Swings

Though less common, mood swings after not that rare in pregnancy. This is mainly the cause of the hormonal changes that goes on in your body after implantation. It can also be caused by the hormonal injections, so they are not a definite sign of pregnancy. 

Bloating

You can also have bloating sometimes after embryo transfer. Bloating is often the cause of progesterone hormone, which can slow down digestion and cause bloating. 

It can be a sign of pregnancy symptoms or can also be caused due to hormonal injections. 

Conclusion

Most of the symptoms we discussed above are normal and will disappear after a few days. However, if the symptoms stay for longer or get intense as days go by, it is best to visit your fertility doctor and get a diagnosis. 

Your body will also be weak after the embryo transfer procedure. So, don’t stress too much and consult your doctor if the symptoms worsen.

FAQs

After an embryo transfer, it will take about two weeks for your body to produce enough hCG hormones that would be detected in a pregnancy tets, so, it is best to wait for at least 2 weeks (10–14 days) before you take a pregnancy test. 

After an embryo transfer, you might experience certain symptoms if you had a positive IVF treatment. 

  • Implantation bleeding
  • Cramping
  • Tender breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating

Even though you have good embryos, sometimes, factors like your age, infertility issue, or any other existing health issue can cause IVF failure. 

10 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms Read More »

Pregnancy Symptoms After HCG Injection

Pregnancy Symptoms After HCG Injection

There are many fertility treatments that you can undergo if you have trouble getting pregnant naturally. The most preferred methods are IUI, IVF, and ICSI. But they are done when either you or your partner have infertility issues.

But did you know that there is another method? hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection is also one such fertility treatment that can help you get pregnant.

The hCG hormone stimulates the ovaries to produce progesterone, which then stimulates the ovaries to produce mature eggs. You might have trouble ovulating if you have low levels of hCG in your body.

In this article, we’ll discuss all about hCG, what role it plays in pregnancy, and if you should consider taking it to become pregnant.

HCG and Pregnancy

hCG is the hormone that the body releases during pregnancy. When you take a pregnancy test, the kit measures the amount of hCG hormones in your urine to determine the result.

When the embryo implants in the uterus, your body releases high levels of hCG hormones within 2 weeks. These hormones appear in your blood or urine, which can then help you determine pregnancy.

You are considered pregnant if you have more than 25mIU/mL of hCG hormones in your blood or urine. This level increases as you progress in your pregnancy. You will get a negative pregnancy result if you have less than 2 mIU/mL hCG in your body.

HCG Injection for Pregnancy

Sometimes, you might have trouble ovulating and releasing mature eggs. This is mainly because your body doesn’t have enough progesterone hormone to stimulate ovulation.

Administering hCG injections in combination with other fertility drugs like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) can help stimulate the ovaries to grow and produce mature eggs.

This is called the ovulation stimulation process. It can be done in two cases.

  • You have a good ovarian reserve and don’t have any fertility issues. In this case, the hCG injection can be given to stimulate the ovulation process. You can then get pregnant naturally through sexual intercourse.
  • You have a low ovarian reserve and need to undergo fertility treatment. Here, hCG is administered along with FSH to stimulate ovaries to produce more mature eggs. You can then undergo IUI or IVF, as the doctor suggests.

HCG Injection During Pregnancy

If you have low hCG hormones, it means you have low progesterone hormones in your body. Progesterone is an important hormone that is essential to sustain pregnancy.

Progesterone also ensures your fetus develops healthily. Below are some cases when you can consider taking a hCG injection.

  • If you get pregnant with low hCG levels
  • If your hCG levels don’t increase as the pregnancy progresses

Low progesterone levels increase the risks of early miscarriage and other complications. Ensure you test your hCG levels and take an injection before it affects your baby.

When Not to Take hCG?

hCG injection can be helpful for women who have difficulty getting pregnant due to low hCG levels. But this does not mean that it can be helpful for all women.

hCG combined with other drugs can cause an adverse reaction in some women who already have an existing medical condition. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor and understand whether the injection will have any side effects on you.

Some medical conditions that don’t go well with hCG injections are

  • Heart and kidney diseases,
  • Thyroid issues,
  • Tumors,
  • Asthma, and
    Seizures.

HCG Injection Side Effects

An hCG injection can help women get pregnant by increasing their hCG levels. But it might also have some side effects. Sometimes, the effects can be minor and disappear within a few days, like

  • Bloating and
  • stomach pain,
  • Swelling and rashes,
  • Headache,
  • Dizziness, etc.

In rare cases, you might experience severe side effects that should be brought to your doctor’s attention. Below are some of them.

  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS happens when the ovaries react excessively to the fertility drugs and become swollen and very painful.
  • Severe bloating, stomach pain, and pelvic pain.
  • Indigestion, voting, and diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen hands and legs

Early Signs of Pregnancy After hCG Injection

As discussed earlier, an hCG injection helps women ovulate and produce mature eggs. If you time it right and have sexual intercourse during this period, there are high chances of pregnancy.

After fertilization, it might take around a week till implantation and another one or two weeks before you start experiencing pregnancy symptoms.

You will experience the usual pregnancy symptoms, like

  • Missed periods,
  • Fatigue and tiredness,
  • Nausea and vomiting,
  • Frequent urination, etc.

Remember that you might sometimes experience these symptoms due to the hCG hormones in the body and not due to pregnancy. Your urine and blood pregnancy tests will also not show correct results due to the hCG levels in your body. It is best to take an ultrasound scan to confirm pregnancy.

Reasons for Not Becoming Pregnant After hCG Injection

Though hCG injections help most women get pregnant by promoting ovulation, this does not work for all of them. Here are some reasons why hCG injections might not work for you.

1. High levels of androgen (male hormone) in the body

High androgen levels are one of the major causes of anovulatory issues. If you have high androgens, even if hCG helps you ovulate, the egg may not be fertilized and implanted in the uterus successfully.

2. Not administering sufficient hCG hormones

Your body needs around 5,000–10,000 units of hCG to raise progesterone hormones enough for ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. It might not happen if you were administered lesser amounts of hCG.

3. You have other fertility issues

An hCG injection works best for women with good ovarian reserve and no unexplained infertility issues. But, if you have other fertility issues like low ovarian reserve, PCOS, uterine or endometrial issues, or blocked fallopian tubes, hCG injections may not be enough to get pregnant.

You might need to discuss with your doctor and explore other fertility treatment options to get pregnant.

Conclusion

hCG injections are an effective method to induce ovulation and get pregnant. It also helps prevent miscarriages in pregnant women with low hCG levels. Visit your doctor and test your hCG levels if you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant. This can help prevent future complications.

In case hCG injections don’t help you get pregnant, you can always choose to undergo fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, etc. Just know that hCG is not the end of the road, and several options exist to help you become pregnant.

FAQs

Yes, hCG injections can sometimes lead to false pregnancy tests. That is, it might show positive results even though you are not pregnant. This is due to the hCG levels now present in your body. 

Urine and blood pregnancy tests give you results by measuring the hCG levels in the body. Your hCG levels will be high after an hCG injection, thus causing a false pregnancy test. 

Yes, once the embryo is implanted in the uterus, your body starts producing high levels of hCG hormones. They are responsible for the early pregnancy symptoms you experience, like nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, mood swings, etc.

hCG injections stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs. Sometimes, more than one egg might get fertilized and cause twins, triplets, or sometimes quadruplets.

Pregnancy Symptoms After HCG Injection Read More »

Progesterone level for embryo transfer

Progesterone level for embryo transfer

If there is one hormone that plays the most important role in your pregnancy, it is progesterone. Progesterone is a female reproductive hormone that helps women conceive and aid in the baby’s development till childbirth. 

If you wish to undergo IVF, your fertility doctor will definitely check your progesterone levels. You will also be administered several hormonal injections along with progesterone to increase your pregnancy success rate. 

So, why is progesterone so important in IVF pregnancy? What are the factors that can influence your progesterone levels? Let’s learn about all this in this article. 

Importance Of Progesterone Level For Embryo Transfer

Progesterone plays a significant role in embryo implantation and the healthy development of the baby, whether it is a natural pregnancy or IVF pregnancy. Below are some of the reasons why progesterone is important during your embryo transfer.

Progesterone helps thicken the endometrial lining

Your endometrial lining is one of the most common factors that determine the success or failure of your pregnancy. It is also one of the most common infertility issues.

During IVF, your doctor will give you progesterone medications. These medications will thicken your endometrium and prepare it for embryo implantation.

If the lining is not thick enough, the embryo won’t be able to implant properly, leading to IVF failure which can be identified by some of the symptoms. So, progesterone is important for embryo implantation and pregnancy.

Progesterone helps improve blood flow to the uterus

Progesterone can help relax blood vessels, thus improving blood flow to your reproductive organs. A good blood flow can help grow the uterine lining and can also provide the implanted embryo with the nutrients it needs to grow healthily.

As you can see, progesterone is required for both a successful embryo transfer and a successful pregnancy. The average progesterone level needed for pregnancy differs for each woman based on their condition.

Your fertility doctor will assess your condition and determine the dosage and duration of your fertility medications.

Factors That Can Influence Progesterone Levels

Progesterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by your body every month. During each menstrual cycle, your body will produce progesterone to prepare the endometrial lining for implantation.

If fertilization happens, your body will continue producing the hormone and support pregnancy. If there is no fertilization, the egg, and the endometrial tissue will be expelled during your periods. Your progesterone levels will also decrease.

Aside from the menstrual cycle, below are some other factors that can influence your progesterone levels and affect pregnancy.

Certain medical condition

Certain medical conditions like PCOS, ovarian dysfunctions, hormonal imbalance, tumors, etc., can affect progesterone secretion and affect menstrual cycle and fertility. 

Unhealthy lifestyle

Consuming unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking, and leading a sedentary lifestyle can affect your hormone levels and disrupt progesterone secretion.

Certain medications

Birth control pills, rings, patches, etc., are used to either prevent a pregnancy or to stimulate menstruation. All these can affect progesterone pregnancy and affect pregnancy chances.

Need For Consulting Your Doctor

Insufficient progesterone can severely affect your chances of success in your IVF treatments. It is necessary to check for progesterone and other hormone levels in your body before starting your IVF treatments.

If there are issues with your hormone levels, discuss this issue with your doctor and understand what you can do to improve the situation. Remember, your doctor knows your body best and can give you effective medications to improve your condition.

Conclusion

Progesterone is an essential hormone that plays a significant role in embryo implantation and a successful pregnancy. If you have any concerns regarding your hormone levels or other issues, don’t hesitate to contact your fertility doctor for clarification.

Your doctor and other staff in the fertility hospital will stay with you till the end and help you overcome your issue and get pregnant.

FAQs

There is no definite progesterone level one should have for embryo transfer. The level varies for each woman. The average progesterone level a woman might need for a successful pregnancy is about 22–31 ng/ml

You need an average progesterone hormone level of 22–31 ng/ml to successful implant the embryo and get pregnant. However, this is just an average amount and the progesterone you might need differs according to your specific body condition.

During IVF, your doctor will give you progesterone medications. These medications will thicken your endometrium and prepare it for embryo implantation.

If the lining is not thick enough, the embryo won’t be able to implant properly, leading to IVF failure. So, progesterone is important for embryo implantation and pregnancy.

Progesterone level for embryo transfer Read More »

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