Issues with fertility can be one of the most difficult challenges couples will ever face. It is normal to feel stressed, sad, angry, or even cheated by your own body because we feel that having a family should come naturally. The thought of not being able to have children can make many couples feel like there is something wrong with them.

At Footsteps to fertility Centre in Nairobi, Kenya we are proud to offer an inclusive environment for individuals, families and partners to discuss their needs privately with a doctor, and to obtain the fertility care they deserve.

Methods of Contraception

There are different types of contraceptives. They include;

• Barrier methods.
• Combination hormonal methods.
• Progestin- Only hormonal methods.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Sterilization.

Barrier Methods of Contraception

You don’t have to depend on hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy. You may want to consider barrier method options. This includes contraception like condoms or a diaphragm.

Barrier methods of birth control do require you to use them. They can’t be effective if you forget or don’t place them properly.

However, for those that are consistent and careful, they can provide an effective way to avoid pregnancy, while not interfering with your hormones.

• Cervical Cap – A cervical cap is a thimble-shaped, latex rubber barrier device that fits over the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. The cap should be about one-third filled with spermicide before inserting. It stays in place by suction.
• The use of condoms
• Sponge – A contraceptive sponge is inserted into the vagina. It has a depression to hold it in place over the cervix. It is less likely to work if a woman has already had a baby.
• The diaphragm – A diaphragm is a rubber, dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix. It fits into place behind the woman’s pubic bone and has a firm but flexible ring that helps it press against the vaginal walls.

Combination Hormonal Methods

These methods include:

• Contraceptive Pill – The combined contraceptive pill is taken daily. It contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. The hormones stop the release of the egg, or ovulation. They also make the lining of the uterus thinner.
• Contraceptive Patch – This is a trans-dermal patch that is applied to the skin. It releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. The patch is worn each week for 3 consecutive weeks. No patch is worn in the fourth week, to allow for the menstrual period.
• Vaginal Ring – The contraceptive vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen over 3 weeks. It prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus, so that sperm cannot move easily.
• The Implant – An implant is a rod with a core of progestin, which it releases slowly. It is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. The implant is effective for up to 4 years, but it can be removed at any time, and then pregnancy is possible.

Progestin-only hormonal methods

The contraceptive injection, or “the shot,” is a progestin-only, long-acting, reversible, birth-control drug. The name of the drug is Depo-Provera, also known as the Depo shot or DMPA.

The shot is injected every 3 months at a doctor’s office. It prevents pregnancy by stopping the woman from releasing an egg.

If you had a Depo-Provera (or DMPA) shot, you should get a cycle after 6 to 12 months of your last injection. However, some women experience disruptions to their fertility for up to 18 months.

Do not panic if you don’t get your fertility back right away after Depo-Provera. It can take up to 22 months—or almost two years—for your cycles to return after the birth control shot. That’s not the average, but it’s possible.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

The intrauterine device (IUD), or coil, is a small, flexible T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus. There are two types:

• Copper IUD – It releases copper, and this acts as a spermicide. It can last up to 10 years.
• Hormonal IUD – It contains progestin. It prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the wall of the uterus.

Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives

Any kind of hormonal contraceptive that a woman takes may have an impact on her body. Although it may not impact fertility, it may fiddle with the long-term fertility of a woman. Here are some ways in which taking them may negatively impact the long-term fertility of a woman.

Short-Term Side Effects

Hormonal methods of birth control contain artificial progesterone or estrogen and progesterone. They affect the hormone levels in a person’s body, so many people experience side effects shortly after taking them. Other side effects may develop after taking hormones for some time.

Some side effects will go away within several months as the body adjusts to the hormones.

Possible short-term side effects of birth control include bleeding between periods/spotting, headaches, nausea, irritation, vaginal discharge, weight gain, breast tenderness, infections and mood changes.

Long-Term Side Effects

For most people, using hormonal contraceptives for a long time does not cause significant problems.

Many people use hormonal birth control for contraception. But, others take hormonal contraceptives to manage long-term medical conditions such as heavy or painful periods, endometriosis, and menopause symptoms.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. It includes tubal ligation and tubal implant(for females) and vasectomy(for men).

• Tubal ligation – This is a form of female sterilization. The surgeon will cut, block, or burn the fallopian tubes, or a combination of these methods, to seal them and prevent future fertilization.
• Tubal implant – A coil is placed in the female’s fallopian tubes. Tissue grows around it, blocking the tubes. It can take 3 months to work.
• Vasectomy – This is surgery to make a man sterile. The tubes through which sperm pass into the ejaculate are cut or blocked.

Is it safe to use contraceptives indefinitely?

Most people can safely use hormonal contraceptives for many years, provided their fertility specialist has recommended it.

However, many long-term birth control methods contain hormones. This can cause problems depending on a person’s medical history, age, and overall health. Your fertility specialist may advise you to avoid using certain types of birth control.

For example, if a birth control pill causes side effects, you can speak to your fertility specialist to change them until they find the one that works for you.

People with a history of blood clots may prefer progesterone-only birth control pills or the hormone-free IUD.

Does using contraceptives hurt your chances of getting pregnant later?

Your cycles should return within about three months of stopping birth control, if not sooner. You should have a cycle within one to three months of discontinuing most forms of reversible birth control.

If you stopped birth control and haven’t gotten a period yet, you may want to take a pregnancy test first. You can get pregnant the very next month after stopping birth control.

For example, if you have been using the pill for a short or long time you are likely to experience a temporary delay in conception, but this does not affect your chances to fall pregnant.

Fertility is slightly reduced during the first couple of menstrual cycles after stopping the pill, but after that, monthly fertility rates quickly return to their usual level.

For those using other contraceptives such as the Uterine Devices (IUD’s), Implanon and Depo-Provera long-term fertility is maintained. Most contraceptives are associated with a temporary reduction in fertility.

However with the injection of Depo-Provera it takes an average of 9-10 months before ovulation returns and therefore it may take longer before you can fall pregnant. If you want to become pregnant in the next 12 to 18 months, it is recommended that you use a different method of contraception.

Moving From Contraception To Conception

Many women begin using different forms of contraceptives at a very young age and don’t stop until they want to begin trying to conceive. They do not cause infertility, but impacts long-term fertility by “silencing a woman’s biological clock for so long that, in some cases, they forget it’s ticking away”.

In other cases, women ignore or forget they are dealing with a fertility issue because the symptoms have gone away.

If you have been facing problems in conceiving after you stopped taking any form of contraceptives visit our fertility specialist at Footsteps to Fertility Centre in Nairobi, Kenya so that you can be assessed to figure out what may be causing the problem.

We are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized reproductive and fertility health care for our patients.

To learn more about what options are available to you, please feel free to schedule an appointment below or visit our clinic located at Ralph Bunche Road, Kugeria Court, Suite B9.

The post Contraceptives and Infertility first appeared on Footsteps to Fertility.

The post Contraceptives and Infertility appeared first on Footsteps to Fertility.

We have broken down these 6 major lifestyle factors that may affect your fertility below;

1. Substance Use

Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and the use of recreational drugs such as tobacco and marijuana negatively impact reproductive health in both men and women. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of delay in getting pregnant, while in men, substance use causes impotence, reduced sex drive, and sperm quality.

2. Medication

Medications including supplements, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines used to treat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can cause subfertility. These medicines alter ovulation and the uterine reception to pregnancy in women and lower sperm count in men. Thus, if you cannot conceive but are on medication, please disclose your medicines with our fertility specialist during your appointment. We will recommend substitutes where applicable to ensure safe conception and pregnancy.

3. Exercise

If done in moderation, exercise helps with getting pregnant by controlling your BMI. A BMI below 18.5 implies you are underweight and your hormones out of balance. This, in turn, affects estrogen production and hence ovulation. With an irregular menstrual cycle, it is challenging to track your fertile days for timed intercourse. On the other hand, a BMI above 25 means you are overweight. Your body will release high estrogen levels, disrupting your menstrual cycle, making it difficult to get pregnant. While exercise is good, you should avoid intense workouts as it affects ovulation and progesterone production and hence pregnancy.

4. Diet

A healthy diet helps in maintaining a healthy weight for pregnancy. Healthy foods also increase fertility by boosting sperm and egg health, preventing erection problems, and balancing reproductive hormones. A healthy diet rich in iodine and folate prevents the risk of congenital disabilities in unborn children.

5. Mental Health

The stress and anxiety associated with infertility are unavoidable, which is why you should prioritize your mental health as well. Extreme stress will affect your ability to get pregnant, needing a strong support system for discussing your conception struggles and distress.

6. Social Risks

The 24-hour global economy subjects individuals to long sitting hours, night shifts, and few hours of sleep. These social risks interfere with a fertile woman’s cycle and ability to conceive and reduce the sperm count in men, especially drivers who spend most of their time sitting on vibrations. Delayed marriage in career-oriented modern women also explains the higher risk of non-conception caused by age.

Despite the above effects of lifestyle on fertility, there is hope as most of these factors are temporary. At Footsteps to fertility Nairobi, Kenya, we offer expert advice and treatment to reverse the above effects and ensure you become a fertile man or woman capable of siring, conceiving, and carrying your pregnancy to term.

The post The 6 Major Lifestyle Factors That May Be Affecting Your Fertility first appeared on Footsteps to Fertility.

The post The 6 Major Lifestyle Factors That May Be Affecting Your Fertility appeared first on Footsteps to Fertility.

For every couple that wants to become parents, there’s nothing more disappointing than trying and failing at every method to conceive naturally

For couples who are trying very hard to make their dreams of starting a family come true, IVF can be a scary world.

At Footsteps To Fertility Centre located in Nairobi, Kenya, we are committed to bringing the best of tomorrow’s IVF treatment, today.

Who are Good Candidates for IVF?

IVF is an extremely effective treatment for couples whose infertility issues stem from:

• Ovulation or Egg Quality.
• Blocked Fallopian Tubes.
• Endometriosis.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
• Genetic Abnormalities.
• Male Factor Infertility.
• Unexplained Infertility.

When Is IVF Recommended

At Footsteps To Fertility Centre, our specialists are committed to providing patients with every available treatment option and level of care in a considerate, compassionate and cost-effective manner. We partner with our patients throughout their journey to bring their dreams to life.

The following are incidences when IVF is recommended;

• When one fails to get pregnant, even after trying all other infertility treatments.
• If either male or female is at risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder to their children, IVF will help them to accept healthy eggs or sperm from a donor and bypass that risk.
• Women who are having issues with Fallopian tubes (like blocked or absent Fallopian tubes) .
• Women experiencing fertility disorders like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) .
• Women that do not produce healthy eggs can use IVF if they want to use donor eggs.
• If your partner has a male factor infertility.
• Cancer patients, before undergoing radiation and chemo, which will affect their fertility, will give their healthy eggs and sperms to be frozen and stored in the respective banks, and will later use it in IVF after the cancer treatment.
• If their partner underwent a sterilization procedure and wishes to have another child.

What Are The Advantages of IVF?

IVF can be the most successful option for many couples who battle infertility, or for whom traditional conception and pregnancy aren’t an option. The following are advantages of IVF

• IVF helps many patients who would be otherwise unable to conceive a baby. The advantage of IVF is achieving a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
• Blocked tubes: For women with blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes, IVF provides the best opportunity of having a child using their own eggs.
• Older patients/ patients with a low ovarian reserve: IVF can be used to maximize the chance of older patients conceiving a baby.
• Male infertility: Couples with a male infertility problem will have a much higher chance of conceiving with IVF than conceiving naturally.
• Unexplained infertility: 1 in 7 couples will suffer fertility problems and sometimes these remain not diagnosed. After diagnosis these patients benefit from different treatment methods, specifically adapted.
• IVF can help to diagnose fertilization problems. In some cases of unexplained infertility, there could be a problem with fertilization.
• Premature ovarian failure: Women with premature ovarian failure or menopause can have IVF treatment using donor eggs, which typically has high success rates.
• IVF can be more successful than IUI and other forms of assisted reproductive technology. IVF success rates have been increasing since its conception, thanks to technological advances.
• It can help single women and same-sex couples. For single women or same-sex couples who wish to have a child, IVF can provide a great opportunity for helping them to become parents if IUI has not been successful. IVF with donor sperm can help potential patients achieve this goal.
• It has been used for a long time and has a safe track record. The technology has advanced, and techniques refined in order to create a safer and more successful treatment.
• Endometriosis: Patients with endometriosis, where parts of the womb lining grow outside the womb, may like to try IVF, as it has proved successful in this group.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition in which there is a hormone imbalance leading to irregular menstrual cycles. IVF has proved very successful in patients with PCOS.

What Are The Disadvantages Of IVF?

Expenditure:

In Vitro-fertilization, the procedure is complicated, with many fertility drugs involved in different stages as well, which costs a lot in the normal course of medicines involved.

• The medication starts with birth control pills to rectify the cycle and to control the development of follicles.
• Daily administration of gonadotropins drugs to control the growth of eggs.
• Medication to avoid early follicle ovulation, as the early formation of the follicle, could jeopardize the entire procedure.
• Injections with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) should be given at the exact time for releasing the egg at its best time.
• After harvesting the eggs, two types of medications are usually prescribed. An antibiotic for fighting the threat of infection and a steroid to bring down the swelling.
• After moving the egg into the uterus, progesterone is administered either via injection or via suppositories, to support the egg for a couple of weeks.

Time Consuming

A full course of IVF typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this period, monitoring the reaction of the mother’s body to fertility drugs is very important, which includes repeated visits to the clinic for more blood tests and ultrasounds. If any of the steps of the whole procedure fails, the cycle has to stop and restart all over again from the first step.

Increased chances of failure

Around 20% of IVF cycles are cancelled and has to repeat due to the development of insufficient follicles, frittering away the money and time again and again.

Multiple pregnancies

During this procedure, to increase the rate of success, the specialist usually places one to five embryos in the uterus. If more than one of these embryos managed to implant in the uterine wall, the mother will have multiple pregnancies. And it is found that around 25% of IVF pregnancy turns out to be multiple pregnancies

IVF treatment can take an emotional/psychological toll

Going through IVF treatment can be a highly emotive and stressful experience. For patients undergoing treatment, it can be physically and emotionally demanding. For partners, it can be difficult to watch a loved one go through a stressful experience.

Who Should Start The IVF Process Early?

Everyone’s situation is unique, only you and your fertility doctor can pinpoint the right time for you to start. Prior to making that decision you’ll have a comprehensive consultation and undergo testing to get a good sense of what’s causing your fertility issues and to determine if IVF is the best course of treatment for you.

We recommend you visit our Fertility Specialist Dr. Wanjiru Ndegwa – Njuguna if you’re younger than 35 years old and you have been trying to get pregnant naturally for 6 months, or over 35 and have tried for a year.

Much like natural conception, the success of IVF declines as a woman ages. Success rates begin to drop as a woman approaches 30 years of age with a more rapid decline beginning in the early 30s, and an even greater decline as a woman reaches her late 30s.

If you’re experiencing fertility issues and are over 35 years old, early IVF may be the right option for you. No matter your age, due to its overall high rate of success, our specialist at Footsteps To Fertility Centre in Kenya will advise you to explore IVF as a possible early treatment option. IVF shouldn’t be treated as a last resort to build your family.

We come across many couples who have numerous questions in their minds. We understand their concerns and answer their questions in a professional manner.

At Footsteps To Fertility Centre in Kenya, it will be our privilege to become part of your parenthood journey and we thrive to give you the best fertility treatment specially designed for you to have a healthy baby.

The post Is IVF The Last Resort first appeared on Footsteps to Fertility.

The post Is IVF The Last Resort appeared first on Footsteps to Fertility.

I’m finding it so hard to cope after a miscarriage. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal. Whatever your circumstances, pregnancy loss can be devastating. Your partner and loved ones may find it hard to adjust too.

It’s normal to go through the same grieving process as you would for the loss of a close relative or friend.

As well as this, you are grieving for the loss of your baby’s future and your imagined future as a parent. You may have wondered whether you were having a girl or a boy, or started to think about favorite baby names. This can be especially hard, as the people around you may not grasp this aspect of the grieving process.

You may find yourself in turmoil emotionally and physically because grieving can affect your mind and body in different ways.

Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Everyone’s experience of miscarriage is different and there is no right or wrong way to respond.

If you have already told people about the pregnancy, you will probably dread having to tell them the bad news. Sometimes, expressions of sympathy, instead of being a comfort, can be difficult to handle.

Even if you feel physically fine, you may benefit from taking time off work. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a fit note to give to your employer. If you have other children to look after, extra help at home can be invaluable too.

Positive Steps Forward

At Footsteps To Fertility Centre, we understand the pain that comes along with losing someone special. After months or even years of trying to conceive, the agony of having a miscarriage and starting over can certainly be defeating.

However, we’re here to let you know that having the family of your dreams is still a possibility with the right kind of guidance and support. If you and your partner have recently suffered from a miscarriage and you’re having trouble coping with the loss, here are several steps to consider to help lead you in the right direction.

Allow Yourself to Process Emotions

Although you may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions after having a miscarriage, the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened.

The truth is that most miscarriages are caused by an abnormal chromosome in the embryo that cannot be controlled or prevented. Other factors, such as drug and alcohol use, previous medical conditions, age, and premature pregnancy testing can also increase the odds of a miscarriage. That being said, your daily feelings and emotions are never as harmful as you think.

It’s important to take some time to process your emotions in a way that feels safe and comforting. For example, keeping a journal can alleviate stressful thoughts or depression, or confiding in your partner is a great way to practice communication and healing.

When working through your grief, if you feel like being sad or angry, that’s okay. Express those emotions until they subside, but remember that they should never be directed toward yourself.

There is no right amount of time or grief that will signal you’re “over” your miscarriage

Every individual is unique and deserves the time, support, and healing you need to get to a place where you are comfortable trying to get pregnant again or pursue another way of growing your family.

But oftentimes, reaching out to those with professional training or who have dealt with similar experiences will help you put things into a new perspective.

Find the right support system

Of course, your partner is the first person you lean on when something traumatic happens, but quite often, you may discover that you and your partner have different ways of reacting to situations. After having a miscarriage, you may experience bouts of depression, sadness, anger, and frustration to say the least, and during this time, you may notice that your partner has begun to show signs of retreat or reservation.

At first, any other form of behavior can be unsettling since it doesn’t identify with your reactions, but not everyone deals with painful experiences the same way. If you and your partner are having trouble communicating or supporting each other through this difficult transition, finding the right support system from other sources can be a big help.

Speaking to a therapist or a counselor can be a great way to share your feelings and concerns in a healthy, non-judgmental setting. Through mediation and professional insight, couples can create a dialogue that encourages each other to express their inner struggles, opinions, and needs without the pressure of it escalating into a full-blown argument. Plus, seeking professional help can also alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety that can be tough to manage on one’s own.

If the weight becomes too much to bear, having an outside influence can make a tremendous difference in your future outlook. Individuals and couples who experience a miscarriage can find great relief in counseling sessions, group therapies, online communities, self-help books, and magazines. Once a solid foundation of acceptance and understanding has been established, the idea of trying again becomes much more possible to imagine.

Knowing When to Try Again

Unfortunately, there is no period of time that one has to wait before trying to get pregnant again after a miscarriage. Instead, you and your partner must first work through your feelings and arrive at a point that satisfies both of your mental and emotional needs. For some couples, trying again right away might be the best option to keep up the momentum, whereas other couples may feel like postponing their efforts until life becomes more stable. Whatever route you choose, trust that you’re making the right decision because in any case, you are the ones who decide when the timing is right.

Along with feeling mentally and emotionally prepared, consulting with your doctor or fertility specialist is also a good idea to gauge how soon after a miscarriage you can begin trying to conceive. Certain physical parameters should be evaluated to ensure that your next pregnancy will have a higher chance of success. For instance, after a miscarriage, it’s best to schedule a follow-up appointment two weeks later, making sure that your body is recovering properly. With your doctor’s green light, you can begin tracking your ovulation cycles and resume sexual activity at the right times.

Something else to consider during a new attempt is your current lifestyle and attitude while trying to conceive and after you become pregnant. Remember, this isn’t a reminder to put yourself down for any past mistakes, but think of it as a chance to make healthier choices with a positive mindset.

A good example of this is to implement a healthy diet with fruits and veggies, follow a casual workout routine, and stay away from harmful toxins like second-hand smoke or environmental hazards. More than anything, regaining the strength and motivation to try again after a miscarriage presents you with an opportunity to improve your awareness and stability, which will no doubt lead to a promising future.

Plan Your Future with Footsteps To Fertility Centre

Finding the determination to rebuild your life after having a miscarriage is no easy task, but knowing that you’re not alone during the process can make it much easier to accomplish. Footsteps To Fertility Centre is here to be an advocate for your success, and our fertility specialists are committed to helping you achieve a healthy pregnancy by offering assistance and insight for your specific concerns.

Scheduling a fertility assessment with our team is a great way to learn more about your pregnancy and the many factors that can influence it. Even though a miscarriage can happen for reasons beyond your control, a treatment plan can still be created to lower the risks and set you up for a promising outcome.

Being rushed to the next steps or advanced procedures can be intimidating, but Footsteps To Fertility wants to honor the time you need to cope with your miscarriage and move forward when the feeling is right. We will help you pursue a plan that encourages your needs as a patient, and our mission is to fully assess your case and set you down a confident path while serving as a guide along the way.

Experiencing a miscarriage doesn’t have to be a devastating setback, instead, it can be a new journey toward self-discovery. To learn more about what options are available to you, please feel free to schedule an appointment below or visit our clinic located at Ralph Bunche Road, Kugeria Court, Suite B9.

The post Moving forward after a Miscarriage first appeared on Footsteps to Fertility.

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