Imagine that you're 18 years old and 100lbs and your belly is so bloated people ask you if you're pregnant on a regular basis.
Imagine every month bracing for pain that is so intense that it causes you to vomit or leaves you bed ridden.
Women often describe endometriosis as feeling like barbed wire is being wrapped around their reproductive parts and pulled tight. Yes. It’s THAT painful. That was me for 15 years. Except I couldn’t and didn’t stay home. I TOOK a ton of NSAIDS and Tylenol by the handful to cope.
I just didn’t know what else to do, AND I thought it was “normal” to have period pain. It took me -15 years to understand what I was dealing with and get diagnosed. By then it was stage 4 endometriosis. This is what I wish I knew...
1) Stop covering up symptoms with over the counter medicine. Pain relievers and NSAIDs affects your liver and kidney function which affects your hormones
2) Don’t wait for your doctor to diagnose you. Ask your doctor for the new blood test (not always accurate but indicative). Doctors are Literally NOT allowed to diagnose without surgery. This tripped me up for years because I didn’t want to further hurt my fertility chances with scar tissue when “I wasn’t sure” I had endometriosis.
3) Schedule your surgery. Don’t wait to get a laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis. If you are having period pain so intense that it's keeping you from performing daily functions it’s likely endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
4) Be real with yourself about how your diet is contributing to your potential endo. Endometriosis IS affected by what you eat. Focus on reducing your exposure to proteins that contain hormones (go organic if possible) and eat a diet low in inflammatory foods. Limit the amount of unprocessed foods you eat. There are tons of great resources for endo diets. Find one and try it. Today.
5) In addition to changes to your diet add anti-inflammatory supplements to your routine. Turmeric, dark fruit juices such as tart cherry, pomegranate or wolfberry/goji berry juices help with inflammation as do bio-flavonoids from citrus fruits.
I learned about this whole process is no one knows your body better than you do and the infertility journey is full of what if’s and risks. Overall health is the goal and pregnancy is the outcome. If you are determined to get to the bottom of your infertility diagnosis here's another checklist that I put together to help you on your path of infertility.
We all know that the average age of a first time mom is increasing but what if that’s you? What can you do to prepare your body for pregnancy if your TTC after 35? Despite what friends and even your doctor may tell you, don't take a wait and see approach to your fertility after 35. While it’s true that more women than ever are getting pregnant after 35, it’s also true that more women (and men) than ever are experiencing infertility. While you don’t have to rush to see a fertility doctor you should start to actively establish what your fertility health is NOW and work on things in your control to improve it.
Establish if you’re reproductive system is healthy by getting basic physical and blood panel done, a hormone panel and an extended thyroid panel which includes
Preparing your body for pregnancy after the age of 35 requires a proactive approach, rather than a passive 'wait and see' attitude towards fertility. Key steps include undergoing comprehensive health checks to establish a baseline of your reproductive system's status, including a variety of physical exams, hormone panels, and thyroid tests. Such foundational health assessments are often covered by insurance and can be crucial in navigating any potential fertility issues that may arise later.
It's also critical to assess and adjust lifestyle habits and dietary choices, as these significantly impact fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight, prioritizing whole foods over processed ones, and ensuring adequate hydration can dramatically influence hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. Simple yet impactful lifestyle modifications, embraced by both partners, can enhance fertility prospects substantially.
Incorporating high-quality, whole food supplements into your regimen is crucial for supporting fertility. Opt for supplements that contain bioavailable forms of essential nutrients, such as refrigerated probiotics with diverse strains, whole food prenatal vitamins with natural folate, and a comprehensive magnesium complex. Choosing the right supplements can bolster your reproductive health, ease digestion, improve sleep, and address common deficiencies, thereby setting a strong foundation for a successful pregnancy.
Read more...Embarking on the IVF journey is a significant step for couples striving to become parents, often coming after considerable emotional, time, and financial investments. As part of preparing for IVF or IUI procedures, there are several proactive steps that can be taken to enhance the chances of success. Among these, acupuncture stands out as a highly recommended practice, supported by both clinical studies and anecdotal evidence, for its benefits in aiding relaxation and implantation.
In addition to acupuncture, incorporating gentle movement into your routine can stimulate blood circulation and offer stress relief, important factors in the conception process. It's suggested to opt for low-impact exercises, especially during crucial times such as ovulation and the two-week wait period following IVF treatment, aligning with the principles of Traditional Chinese medicine. Another pivotal aspect of preparation involves supporting the liver and gut, as these organs play crucial roles in hormone regulation; this entails consuming easily digestible foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding inflammatory and hormone-disrupting substances.
Furthermore, ensuring adequate sleep is critical for maintaining optimal health and supporting reproductive efforts, as it helps regulate blood sugar and cortisol levels. Supplements, particularly those derived from whole foods, are also emphasized for their potential to aid in pre-conception, promoting a well-prepared bodily environment for IVF procedures. These strategies collectively aim to align the body’s health with the goal of successful conception and pregnancy.
Read more...
Facing unanswered questions and the silence of uncertainty in a doctor's office is a scenario too familiar for many women. The experience of discussing significant concerns like period pain and difficulties getting pregnant, only to receive inconclusive advice, leaves many feeling helpless and frustrated. This narrative is not only common but a call to action for self-advocacy and proactive health management.
The blog post introduces practical steps for women to take charge of their reproductive health. By monitoring their menstrual cycles, verifying ovulation, and being attuned to the nuances of their bodies, women can gather critical information that empowers them in discussions with healthcare providers. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's lab results and not dismissing persistent period pain as something to be endured in silence.
Emphasizing the average decade-long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis, the post sheds light on common yet often overlooked reproductive health issues. It champions the necessity of becoming a strong advocate for one's health to navigate the complexities of fertility challenges. By joining communities of support, like Infertility Empowered, women can find solace and strength in shared experiences and collective wisdom on their journey towards understanding and managing their reproductive health better.
Read more...
In an empowering exploration of moving beyond the daunting diagnosis of "unexplained" infertility, the narrative is a testament to resilience and taking charge of one’s fertility journey. Facing a diagnosis that feels almost like a verdict, the author refuses to accept infertility as a finality and embarks on a proactive quest for solutions—ranging from seeking second opinions and exploring alternative therapies to undergoing aggressive surgeries. This tale is not just about confronting medical hurdles; it's an intimate account of refusing to be defined by them.
The post underscores the crucial realization that time is of the essence in the battle against unexplained infertility, challenging the reader to take swift, decisive action rather than succumbing to the paralyzing effects of delay and overthinking. It reiterates the importance of not blindly following a medical agenda when it seems to offer no solutions, emphasizing the empowering realization that a lack of options within the conventional medical framework doesn't mean there are no options at all. Through sharing personal experiences with surgeries and alternative treatments, the narrative offers hope and a possible roadmap for others facing similar struggles.
Beyond the physical and medical aspects of infertility, the importance of mental health emerges as a critical element of the journey. The author reflects on the significance of addressing not just the physical scars left by infertility but also the emotional and psychological toll it exacts. The narrative evolves into a broader discussion on the significance of self-care and self-worth, irrespective of one’s success in achieving parenthood, encouraging readers to find fulfillment and happiness within themselves and their lives, regardless of their ability to conceive.
Read more...
