June 12, 2009
Our nurses often field questions about what is and isn’t safe when it comes to medical needs and appointments outside of the fertility clinic. As a result, we’ve compiled some tips and advice to help you navigate your medical needs and care for yourself, while avoiding adverse drug interactions and situations that may negatively impact your fertility treatment.
It’s imperative to note that fertility doctors differ in their opinions about what activities and medications are “safe” during a fertility medication cycle. Therefore, you should always consult with your fertility specialist and ensure that all of your health care providers – including alternative health care practitioners – are aware that you are taking fertility medications and undergoing a fertility treatment.
Here are a few general tips from our nursing team to help get you started:
- Tell all of your health care providers about all of your treatments and medications, including herbal and alternative remedies
- If you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, tell your physicians so they can be sure to avoid products and medications that may contain latex or have been packaged in latex
- Receiving Novocain during a dentist appointment is considered “safe,” but dentists should be aware that you are undergoing fertility treatment and taking fertility medications. Likewise, your fertility clinician should always be apprised of any dental work
- Benadryl®, Robitussin® and Sudafed® are typically “safe” medications, but cycling patients should always consult with their physicians before taking over-the-counter medications
- Ibuprofen should be avoided during a cycle because it can interfere with ovulation and embryo implantation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is always a safe substitute
- Prescriptions for antibiotics should be shared with all health care providers to avoid adverse drug interactions
- Flu vaccines are safe and recommended while undergoing fertility treatment, unless you are ill at the time or your immune system is compromised. Always check with your fertility clinician
- Mammograms are safe during fertility treatment, and are recommended yearly after age 40
- Regular GYN exams, including pap tests, are recommended to be continued during fertility treatment
- Herbal supplements are not researched by the FDA and should not be used in conjunction with fertility treatment. Ask your physician before taking any medications or herbal supplements
- Because it is a steroid, you should limit the use of hydrocortisone to small areas, unless otherwise prescribed
- Radiation should be avoided whenever possible; make CAT scan and X-ray technicians aware of your treatment so they can shield your abdomen from the radiation
