With Fertility Treatments, Timing Is Everything
Taking the first step for infertility treatment is a major accomplishment. Thousands of couples struggle to get pregnant, but assisted reproductive technology (ART) strategies are available. Fertility treatment requires hormone medication at specific doses and times. Therefore, timely medication delivery is essential for higher success rates. For treatment like in vitro fertilization (IVF), the patient needs the appropriate doses as quickly as possible. Sometimes, obstacles like logistics can impact timely medication delivery. Depending on the expertise of a specialist pharmacy, fertility treatments are on track.
Why is timing for fertility treatment so challenging?
Fertility treatment requires medication that works in tandem with the natural ovulation cycle. Hormone drugs, like gonadotropins, start 2-3 days after the menstrual cycle. These injectable drugs are administered daily around the same time for 8-14 days. Additional fertility drugs can suppress ovulation at specific times or trigger the maturation of the eggs. Progesterone and estrogen come in oral, patch, or vaginal formulations and are used to prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. Timing can be challenging as these drugs must be used daily at certain temperatures.
The fallout from missing your medication
Fertility medication requires accurate timing, but missing medication can lead to failed treatment or poor IVF cycles. Logistical issues, lack of stock, and insurance authorization delays cause patients to miss doses. This can increase the cost of treatment while extending fertility or IVF treatments. Fertility medication can also lose effectiveness, causing poor results. Doctors often recommend planning and building a relationship with a specialty pharmacy.
Improving your timing with a specialty pharmacist
Specialist pharmacies are facilities that handle medical treatment like infertility. These pharmacies have the appropriate brands and doses for individual patient needs. Specialty pharmacies make timing a top priority. The doses are delivered at the best time and at adequate temperatures. The pharmacist provides additional counseling to ensure proper care and use. Some pharmacies also provide doses in advance to prevent delays by insurance. Timely medication delivery reduces the financial impact created by waste or delays. With the support of a specialty pharmacy, there is no need to restart protocols or have treatment uncertainty.
Timely treatment leads to improved results
Fertility treatment like IVF requires precise hormone medication on consecutive days at specific times. The timing ensures proper egg development or preparation of the uterine lining for pregnancy. Poor timing can happen due to logistics, handling, or medication adherence. Plan to work with a specialist pharmacy before treatment. Discuss delivery timelines, insurance obstacles, and any other challenges impacting adherence. Create a contingency plan to limit missed doses. Fertility treatment has many moving parts. A trusted specialty pharmacy can limit delays, improving success rates.
