Fertility medication may lead to emotional side-effects, including mood swings and hormonal shifts that cause fatigue.
Some patients taking fertility medications experience headaches, nausea and hot flashes as side effects. It’s essential that patients be informed about these possible side effects prior to beginning fertility treatment and getting help during this process can make things simpler.
1. Relaxation
Fertility treatment can be a stressful experience. Between multiple clinic appointments and managing life commitments, stress can easily escalate. Although stress doesn’t impact on fertility cycles or pregnancies directly, finding support system and practicing self-care regularly are keys to mitigating stress levels during this process.
Many medications used in fertility treatments have side effects that include bloating, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings and pelvic discomfort. Furthermore, some carry risks like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
If you’re experiencing symptoms from taking fertility medication, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce or eliminate them. Over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol are generally safe options that can alleviate symptoms. Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin/Midol) and naproxen (Aleve/Midol) should also be avoided as these may interfere with ovulation/implantation processes. Furthermore, consulting a licensed therapist may help identify their source; for instance if stress/medication interactions exist between yourself/medication interactions or both!
2. Exercise
Fertility treatment can be an exhausting journey. To maintain energy during treatment, it’s essential to take some time away from normal routine activities and engage in stimulating ones such as gardening or taking a long walk; other alternatives could include cutting back on extra work commitments, home renovation delays or travel restrictions.
Hormonal changes caused by fertility drugs can sometimes produce emotional and physical side effects such as mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue and abdominal pain. Since many of the hormones used to stimulate egg development are similar to those present during menstruation cycles, their side effects may also mirror some of these.
At times, more severe and long-term fertility drug side effects can arise, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS occurs when excess fluid collects in hollow parts of the body like the abdomen or underneath the lungs; although rare, OHSS can be caused by stimulating medications like Clomid and gonadotropins follitropin or Lupron; discomfort can ensue and multiple pregnancies increase, neither being good outcomes for you or the baby.
3. Stay Hydrated
Women undergoing fertility treatments frequently report feelings of fatigue as a side effect of taking fertility drugs that raise progesterone levels; increased progesterone can result in feelings of tiredness.
Fertility treatment brings with it many new experiences that can be emotionally taxing. There will likely be daily injections, invasive monitoring and diet changes; in addition to other daily obligations. Therefore, it’s essential that you prioritize restful activities during this journey to keep yourself energised.
Fertility medication side effects may also contribute to fatigue, such as bloating, redness at the injection site, hot flashes and mood swings. Rarely, fertility drugs may even lead to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Staying hydrated is another effective way to combat fertility medication side effects and is especially important during a fertility cycle, ensuring cervical mucus remains moist enough for sperm to travel and the ovaries ovulate properly. Water and other beverages with electrolytes is best for this purpose – drinking enough of such fluids also helps avoid constipation, another common side effect of fertility drugs.
4. Eat Well
As with any medication, fertility drugs may cause side effects. Most often these side effects relate to hormones used during treatment that disrupt normal biological function resulting in symptoms like bloating, headaches, breast tenderness and hot flashes – as well as local reactions at injection sites.
Other symptoms could include fatigue and mood changes due to hormonal fluctuations or simply feeling discouraged with the length and cost of treatment.
Consuming a healthy diet while taking fertility medication can help you feel more at ease. Choose foods high in proteins, fiber and fats while limiting processed food items like fried items with high amounts of sugar or salt content as well as caffeine intake to two cups daily at most.
Exercise is also vital, and Dr. Eyvazzadeh firmly advises women undergoing fertility treatments to continue their normal fitness regime while going through treatment. Any time there are concerns or discomfort while doing fitness routines during fertility treatments, be sure to discuss it with your physician first. For pain management during treatment, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can usually be taken without adverse side effects; alternatively, speak to your physician about taking ibuprofen or naproxen instead.
5. Talk to Your Doctor
Women trying to conceive may turn to medication to stimulate ovulation, and some of those medications have side effects that should be reported immediately to your physician if any serious or persistent adverse reactions develop.
If you’re taking fertility drugs and experiencing blurred vision, inform your physician. It is better to share any concerns than risk serious medical consequences such as blood clots.
Your doctor can recommend ways to alleviate any discomfort related to your medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) for headaches and cramps; however, you should avoid taking ibuprofen or naproxen as they can interfere with ovulation. He may also provide additional insight into how certain drugs and chemo treatments affect fertility; they could tell you when is appropriate to resume unprotected sexual activity or try for pregnancy after completing treatment, and could suggest additional ways such as donor eggs to help conceive.
