At Home Insemination is committed to enriching the fertility community with valuable resources like Glow, a free app and fertility forum designed to assist individuals in managing their treatment both in and out of the doctor’s office.
In 2014, we teamed up with Glow to offer our users a robust tool to not only monitor their fertility testing and treatment but also to foster community interaction through engaging Q&A sessions.
Recently, during Glow’s “The Doctor is in” fertility forum, Dr. Emma Carter from our Fair Oaks, VA office hosted a live Q&A on IVF and IUI treatments. This reproductive endocrinologist, who specializes in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), male factor infertility, and ovarian aging, engaged with over 20 Glow users and more than 500 viewers interested in IVF and IUI options.
Participants had numerous inquiries regarding how health factors may influence the success of fertility treatments, the benefits of using ovulation medications before IUI and IVF, and the prevalence of secondary infertility among women with children. Here are some of the most popular questions and Dr. Carter’s insightful responses:
Q: “For a woman with PCOS who ovulates regularly, what could be the reasons for not conceiving? She has monthly periods and no visible cysts. Could it be the hormonal imbalance linked to PCOS?” — Sarah
A: In women who ovulate regularly or lack a history of infertility, the chances of conception are around 15 to 20 percent each month. Most couples will conceive within six months. If a woman hasn’t become pregnant after 12 months (or six months if over 35), it’s wise to seek further testing to identify other potential infertility factors. — Dr. Carter
Q: “How many cycles of Clomid should be completed before considering an IUI? Is it advisable to use Preseed or other fertility-friendly lubricants to compensate for reduced cervical mucus when using Clomid?” — Jess
A: Clomid can be effective for anovulatory infertility without IUI. For unexplained infertility, IUI is frequently recommended since Clomid alone doesn’t greatly enhance pregnancy chances. Every woman’s response varies, so it’s best to consult your doctor after two to three cycles. Preseed is a good lubricant if there’s discomfort, but it doesn’t affect cervical mucus. Clomid can thicken mucus, making sperm movement challenging, which is where IUI can help. — Dr. Carter
Q: “What are the success rates for IUI with Clomid in women with PCOS?” — Lily
A: For most women with anovulatory infertility, Clomid is a solid starting point. About 50 percent of those who ovulate with Clomid will conceive within the first few cycles. Some women with PCOS who don’t respond to Clomid may benefit from letrozole. It’s reasonable for younger patients to consider a few more cycles on Clomid, but discussing options with your doctor is crucial. — Dr. Carter
Q: “After having one healthy baby, why is it so difficult to conceive again? Is this common?” — Mia
A: Secondary infertility is quite prevalent and understandably frustrating. Various factors contribute, including age-related changes in ovarian function, uterine conditions, and male factor infertility. If you’ve been trying for over 12 months (or six months if over 35), I recommend visiting a specialist to explore treatment options. — Dr. Carter
Dr. Carter also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight for optimal pregnancy outcomes and advised how long couples should attempt to conceive before seeking help.
At Home Insemination recognizes that access to expert medical advice can empower more families to realize their dreams of parenthood. We encourage you to check out the Glow app’s fertility forum for Dr. Carter’s weekly Q&A sessions and a wealth of discussions and resources. For further insights, don’t miss our post on boosting your chances of conception, which can be found here. If you’re looking into home insemination kits, visit this excellent resource for more information.
In summary, Dr. Emma Carter’s participation in the Glow Fertility Forum provided valuable insights into common fertility questions, particularly surrounding IVF and IUI treatments. Engaging with patients through such platforms enhances awareness and accessibility to essential fertility information.