Fertility drugs are used extensively to stimulate the reproductive system; but they occasionally come with physical discomfort. Although there is a concern about an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer with the use of fertility drugs, studies have not shown a link between the two.
The most common fertility drugs include Clomiphene popularly known by the brand name Clomid, Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin, and Bromocriptine.
Clomiphene, taken as a pill daily, stimulates the pituitary gland to produce follicle stimulating hormones and luteinizing hormone, which is the hormone that triggers ovulation. The most common side effects of Clomiphene affecting 10 to 14 percent of patients are mild ovarian enlargement and hot flashes.
Clomiphene can also cause mood swings, dry cervical mucus, and stomach pain. A side effect that requires immediate attention is headaches or visual disturbances, especially “floaters” that cloud vision. Clomiphene can also lead to superovulation, which increases the chance of multiple pregnancies.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG) is often used as an alternative if Clomiphene does not work effectively. Possible side effects from hMG include head aches and swelling or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, women develop hyperstimulated ovaries, in which the ovaries become much enlarged. This is a serious condition signaled by sudden onset of severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, or weight gain. If symptoms are severe, close monitoring, including daily weight measurements and ultrasounds may be necessary.
Bromocriptine is taken orally or as a vaginal pill. Side effects from Bromocriptine include headache, nausea, dizziness and low blood pressure. Patients who take the drug vaginally often report fewer side effects. In general, injectible fertility medications tend to have fewer side effects than oral fertility drugs.
One side effect that is common with fertility drugs is the risk of multiple births. The multiple pregnancy rate is 7-8% of Clomid patients and 30-35% of Gonadotropin (injectable) patients. The majority of these multiple pregnancies are twins.
Offsetting the Side Effects
Before taking any medication, discuss the side effects with your health care provider at length. Most side-effects are usually short-lived and are no cause for concern. Some simple measures that can be taken to minimize the discomfort of fertility drugs are listed below:
• Take the pills after intake of food to prevent abdominal upsets
• To minimize the discomfort of injections, topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the injection. Ice should not be used as it may affect the absorption of the medication due to decreased blood flow.
• Other common symptoms such as insomnia, mild ovarian swelling, breast tenderness and weight gain are normal symptoms where nothing much can be done
• Irritability, mood swings and all the extra pounds that a woman gains are also normal but a temporary phenomenon that go away in due course
• Get plenty of fluids, since even mild dehydration can lead to headaches
• Linking up with support groups helps to share common concerns and advice from those in similar situations.
Also keep in mind that each patient's drug protocol is unique, so no two women will have the same side effects with fertility medication.
Thousands of women undergo fertility treatment every year with no major complaints. When the end result is a safe pregnancy and healthy baby, most women forget the pain and discomfort that they experienced in the course of medication.
East Bay Fertility Center is well equipped with the latest infertility treatment options and offers comprehensive consultation in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology. The Center is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and offers a complete mind-body experience for couples with fertility issues. Dr. Snowden brings to her patients a rare and valuable firsthand empathy for the personal pain and emotional stress of dealing with infertility.
To learn more about East Bay’s infertility treatment options and counseling sessions, call 925.828.9235
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Careful Embryo Transfer for a Successful IVF Outcome
For a successful IVF outcome, the procedure of embryo transfer should be done with great care to ensure that the embryos are delivered gently inside the uterine cavity without any trauma. The process usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes. A carelessly performed embryo transfer can ruin the chances of conception.
Once the embryos are transferred, there’s nothing a patient can do to influence the outcome of her cycle. A few hours of bed rest after the transfer is required. It is important that physical activities be limited for the remainder of the day and the following day or two.
Conception depends upon the genetic quality of the eggs. Nature will only allow genetically perfect embryos to survive.
Ensuring a Safe Embryo Transfer
All along there was the misconception that the method of embryo transfer really did not affect outcome. However studies have proved that the key to IVF success is meticulous embryo transfer.
A dummy embryo transfer or a precycle trial transfer is sometimes recommended to ensure that a proper evaluation of the uterine cavity and utero–cervical angulation is done.
Some doctors perform the transfer under ultrasound guidance, to ensure proper placement of the embryos in the uterine cavity. Ultrasound guidance has many potential advantages. The full bladder required to perform transabdominal ultrasound guidance is helpful in straightening the cervical uterine access and substantially improves pregnancy rates.
Hindrance to a Successful Embryo Transfer
Uterine contractions, blood or mucus on the catheter tip, bacterial contamination of the catheter and expulsion of embryos are some of the main reasons for problematic and unsuccessful embryo transfers.
The surgeon who performs the embryo transfer has to ensure that any cervical mucus within the cervical canal is removed so that it does not stick to the catheter and inadvertently remove the embryo during catheter withdrawal. Cervical mucus can also be a source of bacterial contamination that could adversely affect the results.
The ultimate goal of a successful embryo transfer is to deliver the embryos with the least trauma to the uterine fundus in a location where implantation is maximized. It is here that the skill of the surgeon performing the embryo transfer influences the outcome of the procedure.
East Bay Fertility Center offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
At East Bay embryo transfer is a completely painless process usually done three days after the egg retrieval. It is very much like a routine pelvic exam and involves the passage of a very small plastic catheter through the cervix. A tiny drop (20-30 microliters) of culture media with the microscopic embryos suspended within is deposited in the upper reaches of the uterus.
With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.
Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.
Once the embryos are transferred, there’s nothing a patient can do to influence the outcome of her cycle. A few hours of bed rest after the transfer is required. It is important that physical activities be limited for the remainder of the day and the following day or two.
Conception depends upon the genetic quality of the eggs. Nature will only allow genetically perfect embryos to survive.
Ensuring a Safe Embryo Transfer
All along there was the misconception that the method of embryo transfer really did not affect outcome. However studies have proved that the key to IVF success is meticulous embryo transfer.
A dummy embryo transfer or a precycle trial transfer is sometimes recommended to ensure that a proper evaluation of the uterine cavity and utero–cervical angulation is done.
Some doctors perform the transfer under ultrasound guidance, to ensure proper placement of the embryos in the uterine cavity. Ultrasound guidance has many potential advantages. The full bladder required to perform transabdominal ultrasound guidance is helpful in straightening the cervical uterine access and substantially improves pregnancy rates.
Hindrance to a Successful Embryo Transfer
Uterine contractions, blood or mucus on the catheter tip, bacterial contamination of the catheter and expulsion of embryos are some of the main reasons for problematic and unsuccessful embryo transfers.
The surgeon who performs the embryo transfer has to ensure that any cervical mucus within the cervical canal is removed so that it does not stick to the catheter and inadvertently remove the embryo during catheter withdrawal. Cervical mucus can also be a source of bacterial contamination that could adversely affect the results.
The ultimate goal of a successful embryo transfer is to deliver the embryos with the least trauma to the uterine fundus in a location where implantation is maximized. It is here that the skill of the surgeon performing the embryo transfer influences the outcome of the procedure.
East Bay Fertility Center offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
At East Bay embryo transfer is a completely painless process usually done three days after the egg retrieval. It is very much like a routine pelvic exam and involves the passage of a very small plastic catheter through the cervix. A tiny drop (20-30 microliters) of culture media with the microscopic embryos suspended within is deposited in the upper reaches of the uterus.
With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.
Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.
Infertility Treatment & Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a well-known but relatively rare complication of assisted conception treatments. In a majority of ectopic pregnancies the embryo implants itself outside the uterus in the fallopian tubes. There occurs a space restriction as the embryo grows and eventually the tube ruptures. This is life threatening and necessitates removal of a portion of the fallopian tube or the entire tube itself. Thus the ability to get pregnant reduces significantly.
Ectopic pregnancy may also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity. There's no way of transplanting an ectopic (literally, "out of place") pregnancy into the uterus, so ending the pregnancy is the only option.
What are the Causes that Lead to an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which leads to scarring of the tubes, is the most common cause of ectopic pregnancy. Other factors that may lead to an ectopic pregnancy include:
• Tumors or cysts in the tubes
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids in the uterus
• Previous tubal surgery
• A previous ectopic pregnancy increases risk of a second ectopic pregnancy
• Women who have had assisted conception through IVF or IUI have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Taking medication to stimulate ovulation increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy
IVF & IUI as Potential Causes for Ectopic Pregnancy
The chances of an ectopic pregnancy seem to be higher in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are at risk particularly if they already have problems affecting their tubes.
During IVF, ectopic pregnancy may occur if the embryos when transferred to the womb are placed too high in the womb cavity. The embryos then have a greater chance of "wandering" and implanting themselves in places where they are not supposed to be, such as the fallopian tubes. It is also possible that embryos may make their way into the fallopian tubes if they are injected into the womb with too much force.
During IUI treatment also when inserting sperm directly into the womb cavity the risk of an ectopic pregnancy developing in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere exists if the sperm is injected with too much force or is placed too high in the womb cavity.
Thus between 2 and 5 % of IVF treatments result in ectopic pregnancy. Those who become pregnant in the course of undergoing IVF or IUI treatment should be aware of and look-out for symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Medical help should be immediately availed on experiencing any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment
Ectopic pregnancy can occur both with natural conception and with infertility treatment. Most ectopic pregnancies that happen in the course of IVF treatment are diagnosed early since such women are closely monitored. If it is diagnosed in the early stages it may be possible to use a drug to eliminate the ectopic pregnancy However, surgery may be the only treatment option if an ectopic pregnancy has gone past 6 weeks or if there is internal bleeding. Surgical options include laparoscopy or laparotomy. Removal of the tube (salpingectomy) remains a necessity in emergency cases.
Successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy is possible. Even if one tube was injured or removed, an egg may be fertilized in the other fallopian tube before entering the uterus. If both tubes were injured or removed, IVF is a viable option. In this procedure, mature eggs are fertilized in the lab and then implanted into the uterus.
At East Bay Fertility Center, ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed very early allowing a choice between two forms of treatment: laparoscopic surgery to remove the ectopic or an injection of methotrexate to dissolve it. Under the guidance of Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. The Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation and for more details about infertility treatments.
Ectopic pregnancy may also occur in the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity. There's no way of transplanting an ectopic (literally, "out of place") pregnancy into the uterus, so ending the pregnancy is the only option.
What are the Causes that Lead to an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which leads to scarring of the tubes, is the most common cause of ectopic pregnancy. Other factors that may lead to an ectopic pregnancy include:
• Tumors or cysts in the tubes
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids in the uterus
• Previous tubal surgery
• A previous ectopic pregnancy increases risk of a second ectopic pregnancy
• Women who have had assisted conception through IVF or IUI have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Taking medication to stimulate ovulation increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy
IVF & IUI as Potential Causes for Ectopic Pregnancy
The chances of an ectopic pregnancy seem to be higher in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are at risk particularly if they already have problems affecting their tubes.
During IVF, ectopic pregnancy may occur if the embryos when transferred to the womb are placed too high in the womb cavity. The embryos then have a greater chance of "wandering" and implanting themselves in places where they are not supposed to be, such as the fallopian tubes. It is also possible that embryos may make their way into the fallopian tubes if they are injected into the womb with too much force.
During IUI treatment also when inserting sperm directly into the womb cavity the risk of an ectopic pregnancy developing in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere exists if the sperm is injected with too much force or is placed too high in the womb cavity.
Thus between 2 and 5 % of IVF treatments result in ectopic pregnancy. Those who become pregnant in the course of undergoing IVF or IUI treatment should be aware of and look-out for symptoms of ectopic pregnancy. Medical help should be immediately availed on experiencing any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment
Ectopic pregnancy can occur both with natural conception and with infertility treatment. Most ectopic pregnancies that happen in the course of IVF treatment are diagnosed early since such women are closely monitored. If it is diagnosed in the early stages it may be possible to use a drug to eliminate the ectopic pregnancy However, surgery may be the only treatment option if an ectopic pregnancy has gone past 6 weeks or if there is internal bleeding. Surgical options include laparoscopy or laparotomy. Removal of the tube (salpingectomy) remains a necessity in emergency cases.
Successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy is possible. Even if one tube was injured or removed, an egg may be fertilized in the other fallopian tube before entering the uterus. If both tubes were injured or removed, IVF is a viable option. In this procedure, mature eggs are fertilized in the lab and then implanted into the uterus.
At East Bay Fertility Center, ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed very early allowing a choice between two forms of treatment: laparoscopic surgery to remove the ectopic or an injection of methotrexate to dissolve it. Under the guidance of Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. The Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.
Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation and for more details about infertility treatments.
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