Women who are trying to conceive can find a plethora of vitamins and supplements marketed to enhance fertility. These include pills, gummies, teas, and powders that claim to balance hormones, thin uterine mucus, and boost egg quality.
Unfortunately, many of these claims are not backed by scientific evidence. Here are some things to consider before spending money on a fertility supplement.
Convenience
If you’re trying to conceive, it might seem tempting to buy fertility supplements at a grocery store or health food outlet that promises to increase your chances of conception. But it’s important to remember that most of these supplements are not backed by medical research, so they can only help to some extent at best. And in some cases, they can even do more harm than good.
Some supplements may include ingredients that interact with other medications you’re taking or compete for absorption with specific nutrients. So, it’s best to consult your doctor before buying these over-the-counter products. Also, be wary of any company that claims their supplement has been research-proven but needs to provide links to the actual studies on their website.
Many supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on fertility, but it’s essential to address any underlying health conditions as well. This includes addressing hormone imbalances that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, or other reproductive conditions.
One example of a women’s fertility supplement that’s been researched is Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry). This ingredient has been proven effective in lowering prolactin levels and improving irregular periods by promoting ovulation. Other nutrients that have been shown to improve menstrual cycle regularity are Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, which work by promoting insulin sensitivity and helping to regulate hormone levels.
Safety
It’s essential to consider safety when buying any supplements, especially those that are marketed as fertility vitamins. Many companies make mega-promises to improve fertility, but there needs to be more scientific data or evidence to back up their claims.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with high-quality, third-party-tested vitamins and supplements. You can usually find this information on the product label. It’s also helpful to look for products free from fillers, binders, and artificial ingredients that have undergone rigorous testing for purity and potency.
Folate is another essential nutrient. This nutrient is necessary during pregnancy to prevent certain types of congenital disabilities. It’s essential to ensure you get enough folic acid from your diet; supplements may be necessary if that’s not possible.
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s recommended that you see a fertility specialist after one year of trying without success. However, healthy lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and ovulation tracking with ovulation kits can improve your odds of conception.
Savings
Many women seeking fertility treatments find themselves strapped for cash. Even those with excellent health insurance and high-deductible healthcare plans may find their piggy bank taking a beating. The good news is that there are ways to minimize the blow and maximize savings.
For instance, you can buy women’s fertility supplements online for less and take advantage of several savings opportunities. Online retailers often offer discounts on single- or multiple-bottle purchases and provide loyalty programs, rewards, and coupon codes to help customers save money over time.
In addition, you can also take advantage of FSA and HSA accounts to help you cut costs. These government-established programs allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain medical expenses, including fertility and pregnancy products.
When shopping for fertility vitamins and supplements, it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal. Many need more evidence-based, meaning they don’t prove their efficacy via clinical trials.
For example, some supplement manufacturers make misleading or fraudulent claims. For instance, they might claim that their products contain “research-proven” nutrients but fail to list the actual studies. Similarly, they might claim that their ingredients are organic or grown without chemicals, but research shows these claims do not affect fertility outcomes. Instead, look for a supplement with nutrients known to improve egg quality, promote ovulation and menstrual regularity, balance hormonal levels, and support sperm health.
Availability
Considering the costs associated with fertility drugs and treatments, many people turn to supplements as a way of improving their chances of conception. These supplements are usually available in stores and online. However, not all of these supplements are created equal. Some could be low-quality or even scams.
When shopping for fertility supplements, make sure you read reviews. Look for positive comments that are backed by legitimate evidence. Also, remember that anyone can write a review, so positive ones might be biased. For example, if someone becomes pregnant after using a product, they might be more inclined to recommend it.
Another important consideration is that not all supplements treat all causes of infertility. If you have a specific cause, you must address it with your healthcare professional.
Folic acid is a necessary nutrient for pregnancy, but other vitamins can improve your chances of getting pregnant. For instance, vitamin E is an effective fertility supplement for women who are trying to conceive at a later age. Additionally, it can boost egg quality and reduce inflammation. Another vitamin that can increase your chances of conceiving is vitamin D, which has been found to help balance hormones in women with PCOS and to promote the thickness of the uterine lining in IVF procedures.