Anovulatory Infertility is a condition of female infertility wherein a woman does not release an egg even when she’s having a menstrual cycle. This may be the culprit if you’ve had regular flow throughout and still have no luck conceiving. In this case, you’re only bleeding, but there’s no oocyte to fertilize, causing pregnancy to be out of reach.
Worry not, though, because this condition is curable through particular treatment regimens. Specifically, you could use either clomiphene citrate (Clomid), human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG), or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with or without clomiphene. Note that while anovulation can be cured by medications, some common medications may cause it! These include treatments meant for other purposes, such as:
NSAIDs are one of the most accessible drugs you can find; they’re an over-the-counter remedy requiring no doctor’s prescription. It’s an effective remedy to fight off urinary incontinence. The drugs are widely used to relieve inflammation, pain, swelling, and fever. In fact, you may even have some of its variations stocked up in your medkit, like aspirin and mefenamic acid.
That’s right, these are medications you can freely access when you’re experiencing period pain. However, no matter how much they are blocking the discomfort, there are certain effects you should be aware of. NSAIDs can alter physiological processes, including those of your reproductive system.
Studies suggest that these drugs inhibit ovulation by directly affecting the dominant follicle. Instead of splitting open to release an egg, the follicle remains in its unruptured state. This condition won’t last for a lifetime, though. Withdrawal and avoidance of these drugs may lead to pregnancy.
Anovulation can also be due to skin creams and other topical products containing various hormones. For instance, there are brands that purposefully include progesterone and estrogenic chemicals in their formula. While these are effective in addressing wrinkles, dark spots, and melasma, they have an adverse effect on women’s fertility.
In particular, estrogens are a fool-proof way to increase collagen production and skin hydration. It’s a hormone known for decreasing skin aging, so they’re sought after in facial creams. However, in return, women gain an increase in estrogen exposure. These will have a great impact on hormone levels and can even affect ovum production in the long run.
On the other hand, progesterone is a handy addition to topical products as it can treat bloating, tenderness, and fatigue. There’s a lot to be gained from using creams made with this hormone, but there’s a certain disclaimer. You should only be using this if you’re done with ovulation and entering the luteal phase of your cycle. It’s because the body only produces progesterone for thickening the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy.
You could classify steroids into two: anabolic steroids, which are a charm for bodybuilders, and corticosteroids which reduce pain and stiffness. The latter is an effective medication against asthma, inflammation, and flare-ups. However, there’s one unpopular result it can bring with constant use – steroids affect fertility.
That’s right; if you’re planning on building a family, these drugs are a no-go. It’s a substance that can no doubt affect your menstrual cycle, making it irregular, heavier, and prolonged. It can even interfere with the body’s hormone production leading to anovulation.
On the chance that you get pregnant even while taking steroids, there are bound to be some congenital disabilities. Pregnancy complications may arise and may lead to failure in fetus development. The thing is, these types of drugs should not be in contact with your body if you’re keen on conceiving and giving birth.
Cortisone and Prednisone are types of corticosteroids meant to address various clinical problems. These include but are not limited to illnesses such as severe allergies, asthma, lupus, arthritis, and IBD. However, their downside is that they prevent the necessary hormone production for ovulation from occurring.
This is especially the case if you’ve taken both drugs in high doses as a regular routine. The organic chemicals in your body, namely follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone become blocked in production. For reference, FSH and LH are a pair of hormones known to stimulate egg maturation in the ovaries.
In general, corticosteroids are not recommended for those who are eager to conceive. Studies show that some women who took a single steroid shot had their menstruation cycles turn irregular. The fickleness of monthly periods is not a good sign, especially when it comes to reproductive health.
If you believe you’re safe from anovulation because you’re all about the natural route, think again. Organic remedies may be eco-friendly and safer for your body, but they can also be the source of infertility. For instance, some herbs have hormone-like substances that can make your ovum production haywire.
For instance, some organic supplements contain ingredients that are high in estrogenic substances. Think of ginkgo, ginseng, clover, and other herbal plants effective in altering the sex-hormone concentration. In turn, egg production will be affected, and conception won’t occur.
This doesn’t mean you should completely stay away from herbs and natural remedies, though. They’re still a healthier, more sustainable alternative to chemically-processed substances. The best way to go is to schedule an appointment with your fertility doctor and take note of all the organic alternatives safe for use.
Anovulatory Infertility is a treatable condition that is experienced by thirty percent of women. It’s not as uncommon as you think and can be remedied by withdrawing from the substances causing it. You can also opt to get medications specifically addressing ovulatory irregularities.
Advancements in the medical world are growing rapidly, so you have access to various treatments in your hands. On the chance that you’re considering IVF, ask if they manage the patient journey with ART Compass. It’s a lab management software that can assist you with your conception goals through artificial intelligence.
