Going through fertility treatments has its challenges. The side effects of fertility drugs may have a significant impact on your life. Find out more about how to manage these side effects.
Understand Potential Fertility Drug Side Effects
Photo via Flickr by Torsten Mangner
A number of side effects are associated with fertility treatments. Some of the most common fertility drug side effects include:
- Headaches, dizziness and fainting
- Mood swings and depression
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness and swelling
- Weight gain and bloating
- Ovarian cysts and pelvic discomfort
- Increased incidence of multiple birth
- Increased incidence of miscarriage and premature delivery
The specific side effects you may experience while undergoing fertility treatments are linked to the type of medication you’re using. Different fertility drugs produce different side effects, so women experience a selection of these side effects rather than all of them.
It’s important to understand the side effects associated with the fertility drugs you’ll be taking. Knowing what to expect can help you identify certain reactions as side effects of the medication rather than a natural reaction. For example, it can be helpful for both you and your partner to recognize that irritability, sadness, or dramatic mood swings can be attributed to the drugs rather than to your actual emotional state. Talk to your doctor to make sure you know about all the possible side effects before you take any fertility medications.
Focus on Your Health
While some side effects may be unavoidable, placing a priority on your physical health can help diminish the severity of some of them. For example, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy meals will may help alleviate certain side effects, such as bloating, headaches, hot flashes, and nausea. In addition, it helps to stay active through moderate exercise, such as talking a walk, riding a bicycle, or going for a swim.
Your mental health is important, too, so don’t hesitate to look after yourself with plenty of self-care that keeps you feeling relaxed and content. Join a support group or seek out a counselor if the stress of the treatments or the emotional side effects are difficult to handle. If you find yourself dwelling on your side effects, keep yourself busy with projects that put you in a good mood. You can also try other relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or acupuncture to keep your mental state strong throughout your treatments.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
One of the best ways to manage the side effects of your fertility drugs is to communicate with your doctor. By talking about the side effects you’re experiencing, your doctor can suggest specific ways to manage them. Use your doctor’s advice to help make the process of fertility treatments a little easier on you.
In addition, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when undergoing fertility treatments. Stay on your recommended schedule and your prescribed dose. Doing this is the best way to increase your chances of becoming pregnant while also helping to keep the side effects from becoming unmanageable.
The good news is that most side effects cease once you stop fertility treatments, which will hopefully allow you to focus on having a healthy pregnancy and birth for your much-anticipated child.
