Peace of Mind With Compounding Pharmacies
Compounding pharmacies provide specialized services when traditional pharmacists are unable to do the same. Specifically, these facilities are medication dispensaries that go beyond simply filling a prescription. Whereas traditional pharmacies are limited to providing a specific pill count or premade dosage, compounding specialists can offer tailored solutions for specialty patient needs. These facilities are most commonly associated with the preparation of customized formulas that may remove allergens or combine medications. However compounding pharmacies can also play an integral role in providing prescriptions associated with fertility treatments.
Supporting ovarian stimulation
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is probably one of the most well known forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and is most closely associated with ovarian stimulation. Yet other options including monitored natural conception and even intrauterine insemination (IUI) can also include this step. Ovarian stimulation is intended to increase egg production so that multiple ovarian follicles mature during a menstrual cycle. Compounding pharmacies often coordinate with fertility centers to develop customized hormone blends. These unique medications may have lower dosages in patients that might experience side effects such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Better regulated cycles
Almost every fertility treatment requires proper timing to achieve a successful pregnancy. Whether because of irregular periods or other conditions that interfere with tracking ovulation, a woman might be prescribed birth control to help stabilize the menstrual cycle. Some individuals may take birth control for extended periods to improve tracking and to develop a more accurate fertility treatment timeline. Compounding pharmacies can help to create a medication synchronization plan to prevent lapses between birth control and ovarian stimulation medications that would otherwise create errors.
Endometrial receptivity
Infertility isn’t always about not being able to conceive. In some cases a woman’s endometrial lining is too thin to effectively support a pregnancy. When such a situation arises, miscarriages are more likely. This condition is known as endometrial receptivity, and the most common treatment option is hormone supplementation to improve uterine lining thickness ahead of embryo transfer, insemination or even regular intercourse timed with ovulation. Because of menstrual cycle timing, medications for endometrial receptivity are often given at the same time as ovulation stimulants. This scenario is another time where a compounding pharmacy can either combine medications, customize dosages, or even create a medication synchronization schedule.
Better sperm production
Men are also key players in conception and a compounding pharmacy can help these individuals too. If a man is diagnosed with infertility, the most common reason is poor sperm quality. Similar to women, hormone supplementation via testosterone can improve sperm production ahead of providing a sample for IVF or IUI.
A customized approach
The reason fertility treatments are so effective is because the process is designed to control for factors that would otherwise derail pregnancy goals. Compounding pharmacies can also play a major role in this process. Although some people won’t need medication customization, having the option available is good to know. If standard dosages for fertility medications haven’t worked or had too many side effects in the past, consider speaking with a fertility provider about shifting to a compounding pharmacy.
