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Fertility Drugs for Women - Benefits & Side Effects
In the case of infertility in women, doctors prescribe fertility drugs to increase the chances of conceiving a baby. However, these drugs have their pros and cons. So how are they beneficial and are there any risks involved in using them? Learn about the various fertility drugs for women that are available, their benefits, side-effects and much more.
What is a Fertility Drug?
The medicine to increase fertility is known as a fertility drug. The fertility meds are used to trigger hormones that release the eggs from the ovary - the process of ovulation.
For What Health Conditions Are Fertility Drugs Used?
Fertility drugs are most commonly prescribed for fertility issues in women. However, it may be used in other health conditions like:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Problems with ovulation
On being either underweight, overweight or following an extreme workout routine
Thyroid problems
Eating disorders
Benefits of Fertility Medicines for Females?
Fertility drugs help in a number of ways which are listed below.
It increases the production of hormones which help with the reproductive process.
The ovulation cycle is regulated by the use of fertility drugs.
The fertility drugs contain vitamins and minerals which are required for the development of foetus thereby narrowing chances of miscarriage.
It encourages your ovary to produce follicles containing eggs. These follicles when they grow helps in ovulation.
Disadvantages of Using Fertility Medicines for Women?
Unfortunately, women may have to face serious consequences for using fertility drugs some of which are listed below.
1. Mood Swings
While on these drugs, women may suffer from difficult mood swings. This is because all fertility drugs change the hormone levels in the body, specifically that of oestrogen. High doses of oestrogen cause mood swings and depression.
2. Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple pregnancies can be a risk to the mother, as well as the babies. The babies may have a very low birth weight which can lead to long-term health issues and may even prove to be fatal, in some cases.
3. Premature Babies
Multiple births, which are common if fertility drugs are used, can lead to pre-term delivery, which causes several complications for the baby when he is born.
4. Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
If the ovary swells up due to the over-reaction of the hormone injections, it could cause OHSS. This condition causes pain, rapid weight gain, less urination, nausea, vomiting, and breathing problems. In serious cases, it could prove to be fatal for the woman.
5. Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy
Fertility drugs increase the risk of Ectopic pregnancy four-fold. This is due to the high levels of estrogen and multiple oocytes.
Types of Fertility Drugs
Fertility drugs should be taken only if you've been unable to conceive even after trying for over a year. However, after having reached the 1-year mark, doctors may prescribe following fertility drugs.
1. Clomid
It is the most common fertility drug available in the market and probably the first fertility drug that your doctor may prescribe to you. The drug is popular because it is fairly inexpensive and helps 80% of the people who take it, to conceive within 6 months of taking the drug. Unlike injectable fertility drugs, it is a pill which is easy to take.
2. Bromocriptine
This is also a commonly prescribed fertility drug which can be prescribed to women as well as men. It is used to stop the overproduction of the prolactin hormone. In women, it is also used to treat menstrual problems. In men, it helps in cases of low sperm count or low testosterone caused due to high levels of prolactin.
Apart from these, the drug can also be used in treating Parkinson’s disease, to slow down the growth of pituitary tumours, and at times even for type 2 Diabetes.
Common Fertility Drugs Available for Women
There are many fertility drugs available for women in the market. However, the most common ones are listed below.
1. Clomiphene Citrate
It is prescribed primarily for women suffering from ovulation problems. It is also given to women diagnosed with PCOS, and also to improve the production of eggs in women who have regular ovulation.
2. Letrozole
It is taken orally to lower progesterone levels, triggering the brain to produce more Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) to ovulate more and release more eggs. It helps women with PCOS and to improve the quality of eggs in women with normal ovulation.
3. Human Menopausal Gonadotropin
The drug constitutes two hormones, namely Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormones (LH). Both help the ovaries to produce good quality eggs and also develop the eggs.
4. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
The drug is available in the injection form and it helps the eggs to mature. It is prescribed mostly for women suffering from PCOS or if the drug Clomiphene does not work, and even in case the infertile woman is undergoing IVF treatment.
5. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists
This drug is prescribed for women undergoing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation technique treatment along with IVF. It prevents forced ovulation by suppressing LH and FSH. and permits the eggs to develop only during the time of IVF.
6. Metformin Hydrochloride
Like most fertility drugs, it helps in treating ovulation problems in women suffering from PCOS. It helps to equalise the estrogen level and testosterone level thereby helping the body to ovulate on a regular basis.
7. Bromocriptine
The problem of overproduction of the prolactin hormone, which creates problems in ovulation, is treated with this drug. It is either available as a pill or as vaginal suppositories.
How Do Fertility Medicines Differ from One Another?
Fertility medicines may differ from each other in forms. Some are in the form of pills and some in the form of injections.
Some of the fertility drugs like Clomiphene may help women with PCOS to ovulate, while some women may respond well to Metformin. For some, a combination of both the drugs work well.
Women with high levels of the hormone Prolactin will be prescribed Bromocriptine or Cabergoline for the treatment of ovulation problems.
Finding the Proper Dose of Fertility Medicine
A proper dose of the fertility medicine is important in successfully treating fertility issues in women. The dosage and the type of fertility drug depend on the cause and the severity of the problem. A low dose of the medicine may take away your chances of getting a successful result, and a high dose may result in a serious health issue like OHSS.
Fertility drugs are the first line of therapy in treating female infertility. There are many highly beneficial drugs that will help you to conceive. Feel free to talk to your doctor and try out the fertility drugs prescribed by him. The right fertility drug with the correct dose will help you to conceive. Read more
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Chromium in Pregnancy - Importance, Dosage, and Food Sources
A diet of a pregnant woman should include healthy foods which meet the nutrition requirements of the baby growing within her womb. Chromium is one of the important nutrients that is necessary for the healthy development of the baby. But if chromium is consumed in high quantity, it could pose risk to the health of the mother and the baby. So, read this article to find out the amount of chromium that should be consumed during pregnancy and the risks of consuming too much of it.
What Is Chromium?
Chromium is present in several foods as a trace element. Chromium in the form of trivalent chromium ions is necessary for glucose, insulin, and fat metabolism in our body. Chromium consists of chromodulin that enables the hormone insulin to regulate blood glucose in the body. It also works with insulin to process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. Hence, it is an essential nutrient for human beings.
Importance of Chromium in Pregnancy
Chromium intake during pregnancy helps the body maintain a normal blood glucose level. It is especially important if the mother-to-be is diabetic or has gestational diabetes. Chromium is also important for the developing baby as it helps with protein building in the baby’s tissues. Apart from this, chromium also plays an important role in the breakdown of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Therefore, chromium is an essential trace nutrient required during pregnancy for the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing foetus.
How Much Chromium Should a Pregnant Woman Take in a Day
Trivalent chromium is an essential trace nutrient and our body requires trace amounts of chromium in its trivalent form in order to perform vital metabolic processes. All pregnant women should consume chromium in different quantity depending on their needs and requirements. Find out how much chromium should pregnant women consume.
The adequate intake of chromium for a pregnant woman should be 30 micrograms per day, but it differs for different for each pregnant woman.
Normal healthy women between the ages of 14 and 50 should consume around 25 micrograms per day. Women who are above the ages of 50 should consume 20 micrograms per day.
For lactating and breastfeeding women, the adequate intake (AI) is 45 micrograms per day.
For infants, who are between 0 to 6 months, the AI is 0.2 micrograms and infants between 7 to 12 months need 5.5 micrograms of chromium per day.
Risks of Chromium Deficiency in Pregnancy
There are no standard tests to determine chromium deficiency. However, as chromium is found in several regularly consumed foods, it can be obtained through a healthy balanced diet. Pregnant women will be at the risk of chromium deficiency if they do not eat healthy foods rich in chromium. Severe chromium deficiency has been found only in hospitalised individuals fed through intravenous drips. The symptoms seen in such cases include high blood sugar due to impaired glucose tolerance, loss of weight, confusion, and malfunctioning of the peripheral nervous system.
Food Sources of Chromium
Chromium is found in several foods. Here are some of the foods that contain chromium (in mcg):
1 cup Grape juice – 8 mcg
Half a cup broccoli – 11 mcg
1 teaspoon dried garlic – 3 mcg
1 cup orange juice – 2 mcg
1 medium-sized banana – 1 mcg
1 medium-sized apple – 1 mcg
Half cup green beans – 1 mcg
I cup mashed potatoes – 3 mcg
28 grams turkey breast – 2 mcg
28 grams beef – 2 mcg
2 slices of whole wheat bread – 2 slices
Can Pregnant Women Take Chromium Supplement?
Although pregnant women are slightly at a higher risk of chromium deficiency than normal women, taking chromium supplement during pregnancy is not recommended. It is suggested that women should opt for natural sources of chromium during pregnancy.
Chromium picolinate is the form in which chromium is present in dietary supplements. It is trivalent chromium attached to three molecules of picolinic acid. This form is absorbed better by the body than chromium found in foods. However, you should not take chromium picolinate in pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects of Excessive Intake of Chromium in Pregnancy
Excessive consumption of chromium during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and the growing baby. Some of these side effects of taking too much chromium include:
Arrhythmia
Recurring headaches
Kidney and liver damage
Cancer
Insomnia
Irregular blood sugar levels
Reactions with other drugs
Allergic reactions
Word of Caution
Please consult your obstetrician before taking chromium when you are pregnant, particularly, if you have diabetes or are taking insulin. This is because excess chromium can cause blood sugar levels to become abnormal.
Chromium is a trace mineral that is important for pregnant women. But it is best if it is consumed from the sources in which it is naturally present and not from dietary supplements.
Also Read: Zinc in Pregnancy Read more
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Sex Up your Weekdays Right Now!
Don't let your sex life during weekdays suffer because of your multiple roles at work and home. It's time to pause and give your relationship the attention it requires. After all, sex is not an activity that should be reserved just for the weekends!
One of the biggest fallout's of the frenetic pace of cosmopolitan life is that sex on days other than the weekend goes for a complete toss. But you can change things! Get rolling and add some zing to your relationship all the days of the week.
Tips to Enjoy Sex on Weekdays
1. Talk to Your Partner
As a rule, men are not as good as women when it comes to reading the signs of intimacy in their partners. The best way is to spell it out. If you feel too bashful to let him know outright, write a naughty note and slip it into his briefcase or lunchbox. It’ll keep him thinking about sex all day!
2. Leave Work Where it Belongs
It’s not easy to think about cosying up when you have the latest fact sheet from work running through your head. Make it a firm rule to leave work at the doorstep when you enter home. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to get into the mood and have weekday sex.
3. Try Something Different
You don’t have to go totally crazy with experimenting but once in a while, doing something unexpected can be wonderfully exciting. Think of kinky stuff you and your partner always discussed but never got around to doing. It could be a different place or position for having sex or even something as simple as wearing sexy lingerie.
4. Savour Aphrodisiacs
Chillies, avocados, bananas, chocolate, red wine (in moderation), pomegranates–what do all these have in common? They’re considered to be the top aphrodisiac foods. What better way to boost up your sex life during the weekdays than by including them in breakfast, lunch or dinner!
5. Boost Your Energy Levels
You’ll definitely not be thinking about sex if you’re exhausted with work and managing the house. Give yourself an hour off and do some yoga or cardio exercises to get your blood pumping. Exercise releases happy hormones and can put you in the right frame of mind to get naughty.
6. Create The Right Ambience
One of the worst mood killers is having a grocery list looking at you while you’re in the throes of passion! Put away any distracting items, lay a clean bed-sheet and dim the lighting. With the right ambience, you’re already halfway to reaching your goal of having super intercourse on the weekday.
7. Dress The Part
A cotton nightgown might be the most comfortable thing you own but it definitely isn’t going to make your hubby go wild. Get yourself some sexy lingerie with frills and lace. Not only will it make him sit up and take notice, but it’ll also go a long way in making you feel good about yourself.
All relationships need a dose of excitement and adventure every now and then. Don’t fall into the routine of only having the weekends as designated days for sex. Break the monotony of weekdays with spicy lovemaking! Read more
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BABYHUG CUSHIONED POTTY TRAINING SEAT WITH HANDLE FOR TODDLERS REVIEW
Hello!
Myself Sravani mother of 18 months old toddler!
Me and my husband planned to make baby potty trained for my baby from his 12 months old!!
After lot of research, we planned to take Babyhug Cushioned Potty Seat!
We want to practise baby to train him for pee and Potty
So we selected our alltime go to brand BABYHUG.
We wanted to go with reasonable price with good quality
The best part of this potty seat is, it comes with handle.
It is travel friendly and easy to pack in ur travel bag. The size and shape are on point which makes baby comfortable for seating.
Cleaning is also very easy as the potty seat is waterproof and the outer layer can be easily cleaned by running water or by wet wipe!
My baby now understood his place for his nature's call and he immediately shows me or my husband to make him sit on the potty chair whenever he does stooling.
I like the way it designed for baby's bum and to adjust the commode at a time
U shaped foam padding above to sit and the four padding underneath makes it perfect fit for the commode
The durability of the potty seat is firm and it quality is of good one!
The finishing of the product is smooth and it is anti skid which results in No hurts and injuries to baby
My overall take on Babyhug Cushioned Potty Training Seat with Handle is
It is well designed, nice and sturdy product. Made baby comfortable with its Cushioned seat and made moms work of cleaning easy.
To all the new moms who are confused in choosing between potty chair or potty seat, I would highly recommend and suggest potty seat.
I would like to conclude by rating the product -4/5
Features -5/5
Product design -5/5
Performance -4/5
Value for money -4.5/5
*Special mentioning is needed for Firstcry for its fast delivery with utmost hygiene! Read more
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 2 months
37 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Sudden Back ache and abdominal side aches.. 8 th month first week.. What to do
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
26 mins ago
A. hi
you must visit your gynecologist
it is important
please don't sit or stand for long period
take support while sitting and place pillow between your legs while sleeping
prefer to sleep on your left side
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
31 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert .
hai mam , my wife 8 month 2days pregnancy, she have more leg pain'
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
19 mins ago
A. Sometimes leg pain can be commonly seen but if it is increasing or your wife is also facing any kind of a discharge your stomach hardness or pain coming and going then it can sometimes be assigned for an early labour or could be a false labour so better to check with your gynaecologist
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
28 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Ma'am I am two months pregnant now....can I continue breastfeeding my 17 month old baby ?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
27 mins ago
A. No I’m afraid you’ll have to quit breastfeeding your child because it is not advisable to feed your child when you’re pregnant with the second child is not healthy for you neither for your coming child so you’ll have to skip and quit onto your breastfeeding
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert is continuous urinary irritation is normal in summer during pregnency
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
15 mins ago
A. in this case it is important to rule out urinary tract infection for which urine report as well as urine culture needs to be done.
in the report if it is found that there is positive urine culture then dr gives antibiotics for around 14 days after which culture report is repeated to see if the infecdtion is gone.
kindly take plenty of fluids to drink to and maintain hygiene of the urinary area and contact your doctor for relevant examination and investigation
at the earliest d
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 mins ago
Q. why my vaginal area and back pains during pregnancy
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 mins ago
A. because of the pressure of gravid uterus. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 mins ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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