Pregnancy with Hashimoto’s is possible, but its not without risks and challenges.

If pregnancy is risky or difficult, surrogacy can help you become parents quickly and safely.

Contact us online today to learn more about surrogacy as a way to grow your family if you’re struggling with Hashimoto’s and infertility.

This article will explore how Hashimoto’s affects fertility, the potential risks for pregnancy, and how treatments like IVF or surrogacy may help you build your family.

Can You Get Pregnant with Hashimoto’s Using IVF?

Yes, getting pregnant with Hashimoto’s is possible.

However, Hashimoto’s can impact fertility treatment or exacerbate other infertility factors, as it can interfere with ovulation due to hormonal imbalances.

In 2022, the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology published this paper that looked at 50 different studies, using five in its review that met inclusion criteria.

Four of those studies found that Hashimoto’s can have a negative effect on female fertility, especially in older patients.

How Does Hashimoto’s Cause Infertility?

Hashimoto’s happens when the antibodies that usually protect your body by attacking bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attack the cells in your thyroid gland.

This leads to the thyroid not producing enough thyroid hormone which can lead to problems getting pregnant with Hashimoto’s as the hormonal imbalance can cause problems ovulating and conceiving naturally.

Can Hashimoto’s Cause Miscarriage? 

Yes. A 2020 study found that women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have an approximately 85% higher risk of recurrent miscarriage.

This is represented by the study group of women with thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), the antibodies present in Hashimoto’s.

Some research suggests that proper thyroid treatment before pregnancy could lower miscarriage risk, but it’s unclear how hormone levels during pregnancy may affect treatment.

Managing the condition is typically done through medication to replace and maintain thyroid hormones with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine.

Medicinally, levothyroxine is the main treatment, but there are also other ways to manage the condition such as reassessing your diet.

Adding anti-inflammatory and other vitamin and mineral rich foods are an easy way to combat the negative aspects of the disease.

Hashimoto’s and IVF Success Rates

Although IVF offers an alternative when Hashimoto’s disease and miscarriage occur, it still may not be an answer for the infertility it can cause.

• Cancelled cycle before embryo transfer: Recent studies indicate that women with hypothyroidism, which can be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, might experience poorer ovarian stimulation responses and higher rates of canceled cycles even with treatment.
• Live birth rates: If an embryo transfer was performed, those with hypothyroidism were shown to have slightly lower live birth rates of 27% compared to 30% of those without hypothyroidism, though this is statistically insignificant.

Although getting pregnant with Hashimoto’s is possible, managing the condition and even utilizing assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods such as surrogacy offers another path to parenthood.

Hashimoto’s and IVF Failure: What’s Next?

If IVF hasn’t been successful while managing Hashimoto’s, it may be time to look at other options.

Some couples may benefit from a gestational carrier, especially if Hashimoto’s and other medical factors continue to interfere.

Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood, allowing for a healthy pregnancy to be carried to term by a qualified surrogate, with all the necessary medical precautions in place.

Learn more about when it may be time to consider surrogacy after failed IVF.

Can I Have a Healthy Pregnancy With Hashimoto’s?

A healthy pregnancy with Hashimoto’s is possible. However, if left untreated, undertreated or if your body does not respond to treatment there are a number of risks that arise when it’s untreated o undertreated such as:

• Preeclampsia
• Anemia
• Miscarriage
• Placental abruption
• Postpartum bleeding

And while those effects have to do with your wellbeing, it can also cause severe issues for your baby too, like:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth
• Birth defects
• Thyroid problems

How Surrogacy Can Help You Become Parents

If getting pregnant with Hashimoto’s hasn’t been possible, you can still become a parent through surrogacy.

Since Hashimoto’s may affect thyroid hormone levels and embryo implantation, a surrogate allows you to use your embryos while a surrogate carries the pregnancy.

Surrogacy may be your best next step if:

• IVF has been unsuccessful
• Your treatment for Hashimoto’s has been ineffective
• You have a history of recurrent miscarriages
• You have concerns about pregnancy and delivery complications

All of our surrogates have been prescreened thorough medical evaluations to assess their health, past pregnancy experiences and ability to carry a pregnancy.

Take the first step toward your family-building journey with Hashimoto’s—contact us to learn more about surrogacy or read our article about our surrogate screening process.

Hashimoto’s FAQ

What Are the Five Stages of Hashimoto’s?

• Stage 1: Genetic Predisposition
• Stage 2: Immune Celle Infiltration by the thyroid  gland
• Stage 3: Subclinical hypothyroidism
• Stage 4: Overt hypothyroidism
• Stage 5: Progression to other autoimmune disorders

Does Hashimoto’s Cause Infertility?

Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of an underactive thyroid gland, effecting women more than men. It’s treatable but if left untreated, it can cause infertility as well as problems during pregnancy.

Does Having Hashimoto’s Make it Harder to Get Pregnant?

Yes, having Hashimoto’s makes it harder to become pregnant with almost half the women with the disease having issues. One of its impacts is on the menstrual cycle; irregular menstrual cycles can make it harder for women with the disease to become pregnant.

Can Hashimoto’s Cause Infertility in Men?

This 2022 paper from the National Library of Medicine looked at the impact of impaired thyroid function on male and female fertility.

It found that the link between thyroid dysfunction and male infertility was debated and less clear than female infertility.

As more people explore fertility treatments like IVF, many are also juggling cosmetic treatments like Botox.

But when it comes to your IVF and surrogacy journey, it’s important to understand how Botox might affect your treatment and chances of success.

Contact us today to learn how we can support you through IVF, surrogacy and more. We’re here to help you build the family you’ve always dreamed of.

In this article, we’ll dive into the relationship between Botox and IVF, answer key questions, and help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

Join our community on Instagram for the latest updates, helpful tips and real stories from our surrogacy family.

Can I Get Botox During IVF Stims?

No, it is generally not recommended to get Botox during IVF stims.

During IVF stimulation, medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Botox injections work by temporarily preventing a muscle movement through tiny amounts of botulinum toxin injected into the skin or muscle.

Although it typically remains localized, there is still concern that Botox during IVF could potentially interfere with the hormonal balance required for stimulation.

If you’re considering Botox during IVF, it’s important to speak with your fertility doctor to assess the best timing for cosmetic treatments and to ensure they won’t interfere with your IVF process.

Is Botox Safe During IVF? [Risks and Side Effects]

While Botox injections are generally considered safe, there are specific risks and side effects to consider during IVF:

• Injection Site Infection: Any injection carries a risk of infection, particularly when the immune system may be more sensitive during IVF treatments. This could interfere with the IVF process and potentially delay or complicate the cycle.
• Botox Migration: While rare, Botox can sometimes migrate from the injection site. If this occurs during ovarian stimulation, there may be concerns about how the toxin could affect nearby tissues or organs.
• Unintended Effects on Egg Quality: Although Botox is primarily localized, there is limited research on whether it might impact egg quality or the fertilization process. It’s best to avoid unnecessary treatments until the completion of the IVF cycle to ensure all factors are in your favor.

While studies exist on Botox before and during IVF, the research between Botox and fertility is limited.

Even professionals that offer cosmetic services have recommended against Botox before IVF.

“While studies performed on animals show that the injection does not cross into the womb, there is very little testing performed on humans. Another factor to consider is that the actual size of the molecules in Botox can determine whether or not the toxin passes through the placenta.” – Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center

They went on to add that if you are getting Botox and then get pregnant, to stop receiving injections immediately.

Botox and IVF for Surrogacy

If you’re considering Botox and IVF for surrogacy, timing is key. You’ll likely be advised to wait until after the IVF stimulation phase. Once your eggs are retrieved and you have created embryos, Botox treatments can generally be resumed safely.

If you are using donor eggs for surrogacy, then receiving Botox during IVF should not pose any risks since your eggs will not be used and you will not be carrying your baby.

However, it’s always important to consult with both your fertility specialist and your surrogacy agency to align Botox treatments with your IVF and surrogacy plans.

Getting Started

Did IVF not go as planned, or are you considering surrogacy to complete your family? Our surrogacy specialists are ready to help you navigate this important decision.

Contact us now to learn how we can match you with a compassionate surrogate to make your dream of parenthood a reality.

The costs of IVF, especially medications, can quickly overwhelm those pursuing IVF or surrogacy. But there is a way to ease this burden.

Donated IVF medications provide a safe and affordable option to help you continue your family-building journey while also reducing medical waste.

In this article, we’ll explain how donated medications can lower your expenses, how to safely access unused IVF medication and other resources for low cost IVF meds.

We can help you navigate the financial aspects of your surrogacy journey. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your dream of parenthood possible.

How Using Donated IVF Medication Can Reduce Your Fertility Costs

If you’ve been researching the costs of IVF, you probably already know that medications are a major part of the price tag. IVF medication donation offers a way to afford medications in a pinch.

When patients complete their IVF cycles, they often end up with unused medications. Many individuals choose to donate their surplus.

Over 70% of fertility clinics will accept unused meds and distribute them for free to other patients.

Donated IVF medications are often free or available at a low cost. This can be a game-changer for families wanting to budget for surrogacy.

These medications are verified for safety and distributed through state drug repository programs or third-party organizations like SIRUM.

Is IVF Medication Donation Safe?

Yes, using donated IVF medications is safe—if you go through verified channels. All donated meds are carefully inspected by pharmacists to ensure they haven’t been tampered with, are stored properly and haven’t expired.

Only sealed, unopened medications are eligible for donation and they must meet strict safety standards.

While the process of donating and receiving medications is highly regulated, it’s important to verify that any program you use is reputable and follows the law.

How to Get Donated IVF Meds for Surrogacy

One of the easiest ways to access donated IVF medications is by talking directly to your fertility clinic.

Many clinics partner with state drug repository programs and accept unused medications to redistribute to other patients in need. Here’s how you can get started:

• Speak with your fertility specialist: Start by asking your fertility specialist about their donation programs, if they have unused medications available and whether you qualify to receive them based on your medical needs and prescription.
• Ask about costs: While many clinics offer donated medications at no cost, some may charge a small distribution fee to cover handling and processing.
• Follow up regularly: Since donated medications are often in limited supply, it’s a good idea to follow up with your clinic periodically to check on availability.

Our surrogacy agency can help guide you in finding the right clinic for your IVF or surrogacy treatment. Contact us today.

Avoid IVF Medication Donation Listings in Facebook Groups and Forums

While it may seem tempting to accept donated IVF medications from online communities, it’s risky.

Selling or giving away medications between private individuals, even in Facebook groups or forums, is illegal and could lead to safety concerns. There’s no guarantee the meds have been stored correctly, or that they haven’t been tampered with.

For your health and peace of mind, always go through official channels like state-run drug repositories or reputable organizations. These programs ensure that all medications are verified and safe for use.

How Drug Repository Programs Help You Access Donated IVF Medications

For over twenty years, government run drug repository programs have been collecting, verifying and redistributing donated medication.

While the laws around drug redistribution allows for private organizations and non-profit led donation programs, most formal repositories are currently run by state governments.

Currently, 29 states, Guam and Washington D.C. have functional state wide repositories, and 17 states allow repositories.  Additionally, there are several charitable and non-profit organizations that run cross-state drug repositories and third-party organizations like SIRUM.

Finding Drug Repository Programs Near Me

If you’re interested in accessing donated IVF medications, your first step is to find out if your state has a drug repository program and if there are participating partners near you.

To find out if there is a program in your state:

• Check with your fertility clinic:  Many clinics are connected with local drug repositories and can point you in the right direction.
• Search online: You can find out more about your state’s drug repository laws on the National Conference of State Legislature’s website, or search for charitable pharmacies, free clinics or federally qualified health centers near you.
• Contact your state’s health department: They can provide information on available programs in your area.

By using a local repository, you’ll ensure that the donated medications are properly handled and stored, keeping you safe throughout your IVF journey.

Other Resources for Receiving Low Cost IVF Medication  for Surrogacy

IVF medications can be a significant part of the cost of fertility treatments, but there are several ways to lower these expenses without compromising quality.

Here are a few strategies to help you access affordable IVF meds:

• Check for discounts and coupons: Many pharmaceutical companies offer discount programs and coupons for IVF medications. Be sure to ask your fertility clinic or pharmacist about available coupons. You can also find coupons  on sites like GoodRx and BuzzRx
• Use medication assistance programs: Many clinics and pharmacies offer medication assistance programs for low-income patients. These programs may allow you to receive medications at a significantly reduced price or for free if you meet their eligibility criteria.
• Look for generic options: While some IVF medications don’t have a generic alternative, others may. Ask your doctor or clinic if generic versions of medications are available, as they are often much cheaper than the brand-name options and can still be just as effective.
• Fertility loan programs: Fertility-specific loan programs can help you finance your treatment, including the cost of IVF medications. Look into programs like Future Family, SoFi and Prosper. U.S. Bank even has an IVF loan program specifically for LGBTQ+ parents.

By exploring these options, you can make IVF medications more affordable and reduce the financial burden of your fertility treatment.

Next Steps

Now that you know how IVF medication donations can help reduce costs, it’s time to take the next step in your fertility journey.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options, understand surrogacy costs and get budgeting support you need to build your family with confidence.

Our agency is here to support you every step of the way.

Trauma-informed IVF is a specialized approach to fertility treatments for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, medical trauma or previous IVF failures.

Trauma-informed IVF can help you make informed decisions about your care, while prioritizing your emotional well-being.

Your wellbeing is important to us. We can connect you with fertility clinics that specialist in trauma informed IVF care. Reach out to our team today.

In this article, we explain trauma informed IVF, potential triggers of IVF and how you can ensure your needs are met during your IVF and surrogacy journey.

What Is Trauma Informed IVF?

Trauma-Informed IVF refers to a specialized approach to in vitro fertilization (IVF) that takes into account the emotional, psychological and physical impacts of trauma on patients undergoing fertility treatments.

This type of IVF is particularly important for individuals who have experienced past trauma, such as:

• Sexual assault
• Medical trauma
• Past IVF trauma

Trauma-informed IVF aims to create a supportive environment where patients’ emotional and mental well-being is prioritized alongside their physical care.

What Are the 4 Trauma Informed Practices?

The four trauma-informed practices are realize, recognize, response and resist traumatization.  These four Rs are how your medical professional will consider your physical and mental-well-being when creating the most conducive environment to help you heal.

Understanding IVF, Trauma and Triggers

IVF can trigger trauma responses for several reasons, particularly for individuals with a history of trauma. Here’s how IVF can act as a trigger:

• Invasive Procedures: IVF involves a series of invasive medical procedures, such as injections, blood draws, ultrasounds and egg retrieval. For those with a history of sexual abuse, medical procedures involving the reproductive system may trigger past trauma.
• Loss of Control: Trauma survivors may have experienced a loss of control in their past. The lack of autonomy in treatment decisions or feeling like a passive participant in the process can be emotionally difficult.
• Previous Failed IVF Cycles: IVF treatments are often emotionally charged, with the high hopes of pregnancy success followed by the disappointment of failed cycles or negative results.

If you’re dealing with medical trauma or trauma related to previous failed IVF attempts, we’re here for you. Learn more about how to cope with the emotions of a failed IVF cycle and how you can move forward.

The IVF Experience for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

For survivors of sexual abuse, the IVF process can evoke emotional and physical reactions that are tied to past trauma.

The sensitive nature of fertility treatments, often involving medical procedures, intimate exams and interactions with multiple healthcare professionals, can trigger distressing memories or feelings of vulnerability.

The IVF experience for these survivors may feel overwhelming and, at times, re-traumatizing.

This 2022 article from Women’s Health Magazine was written by a psychologist who’s fertility treatment triggered her own past trauma while breaking down how a medical team and a patient can work together to find the best path forward.

 “For those with a history of sexual abuse, distress is often elicited by trauma reminders, and during fertility treatment, they’re difficult to avoid. Sounds, motions, sensations, power differentials between patient and provider, false reassurance, pain, sedation, bruising, and the thoughts and emotions that accompany these cues, like shame, fear, anger, guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness, can all bring up terrifying memories and sometimes the sense of re-experiencing them.” – Gabrielle Frackman, PhD, and author of the article.

Navigating Failed IVF Trauma

Experiencing a failed IVF cycle can be emotionally devastating and result in trauma that can be triggered by future IVF cycles.

Understanding how to process this trauma and how to move forward is essential for emotional well-being during this challenging time.

If a previous IVF cycle resulted in emotional distress, a trauma-informed team will adjust treatment protocols to accommodate the your triggers, providing additional support such as more time between cycles, gentle communication or flexibility in scheduling to reduce anxiety.

Managing Triggers During Trauma Informed IVF

If you’re considering IVF and have experienced trauma, whether from past fertility struggles, sexual abuse or medical trauma, it’s important to seek out trauma informed IVF.

Here are practical actions you can take to communicate with your medical team and navigate any overwhelming moments during your IVF treatments.

1. Ask for Trauma-Informed Care and Communicate Your Triggers Early

Start by having a candid discussion with your fertility specialist and any other medical staff about your trauma history. Be clear with your fertility team that you’re seeking trauma informed IVF care.

Let them know what triggers might arise during treatment. This could include physical sensations, medical procedures, certain words or phrases or feelings of powerlessness.

2. Establish Clear Boundaries

Ask for clear, step-by-step explanations before each procedure so you know what to expect.

You have the right to ask for breaks or adjustments during treatment if certain procedures feel overwhelming or uncomfortable.

If certain aspects of the procedure are triggering, work with your medical team to make adjustments. This might include requesting a different nurse, having a support person present or altering the room’s lighting or sound.

3. Involve Your Support System

Having a trusted person with you during IVF appointments can help you feel grounded and supported. They can advocate on your behalf and assist with managing emotional stress.

Consider having a mental health professional on standby that is familiar with trauma-informed care. This could be a counselor who specializes in fertility, trauma or PTSD. You can schedule sessions before and after treatments to process emotions.

4. Plan for Stressful Situations

Learn grounding techniques that can help you stay calm during IVF treatments. These include deep breathing, mindfulness and visualizations. You can practice these before treatments so that they become second nature when stressors arise.

Bring along calming items, such as music or a fidget toy to distract yourself during procedures. Some people find it helpful to listen to soothing music or podcasts to focus their mind away from the procedure.

5. Communicate Overwhelming Feelings

If you start feeling distressed during your IVF cycle, inform your medical team immediately so they can offer support or modify their approach accordingly.

You could work with your medical team to develop a signal or phrase that you can use during treatments if you begin to feel overwhelmed or unsafe. This can be something as simple as raising a hand or saying “pause” to let them know you need a break.

After each IVF appointment or procedure, consider having a follow-up conversation with your fertility team to review how things went. Giving feedback ensures your care is continuously aligned with your emotional needs.

What should I do if I feel my IVF provider isn’t trauma-informed?

If you feel that your IVF provider isn’t trauma-informed, it’s important to take steps to ensure you receive the care and support you need.

Here’s what you can do:

• Advocate for Yourself:  Express your concerns directly with your IVF provider. You could say something like, “I feel uncomfortable with the way certain aspects of my treatment are being handled and would appreciate a more sensitive approach.”
• Consider a Second Opinion: If your current IVF provider isn’t responsive to your needs or continues to make you feel uncomfortable, it may be time to consider switching providers. Research other clinics that specialize in trauma-informed care.
• Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to support groups, friends or online forums where other patients share their experiences. This can help you find a provider that aligns with your needs and values.
• Report Concerns if Necessary:  Most fertility clinics take patient concerns seriously and may be able to make accommodations or even reassign you to a different provider or team member who is more trauma-informed.

By taking these steps, you can advocate for your emotional health and well-being during your IVF journey.

Trauma Informed IVF and Surrogacy: Intersection of Care

For intended parents, trauma may stem from fertility struggles, miscarriages or previous IVF failures. Your surrogacy specialist can play a key role in this process by offering continuous support and resources.

From helping you find trauma-informed medical providers to assisting with mental health care, we ensure that your physical and emotional needs are met throughout your IVF and surrogacy experience.

We can also help address any concerns or special accommodations, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, respected and safe during your journey.

Contact us today to get the support and guidance you deserve while you seek out trauma informed IVF care.

Mental Health Support for IVF Post Trauma

Getting the support you deserve to address past trauma during IVF can come at any time during the process, before, during or after.

There are also a variety of resources you can reach out to find support on your infertility journey from infertility organizations to counseling and support groups such as:

• RESOLVE: RESOLVE is the National Infertility Association, a nonprofit that can connect you with the help you deserve, from finding a specific type of support group to other helpful resources and advice from those that have walked in your shoes.
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): ASRM manages a website that has resources to help with coping with infertility grief from patient stories and frequently asked questions to podcasts and videos on various topics surrounding infertility.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): ACOG has fact sheets on a variety of infertility topics, like evaluating infertility, treating infertility and other broad topics.

Infertility Support Groups

• IVF Professionally-led Support Group
• IVF Support Group
• IVF, Primary & Secondary Infertility, Loss, RPL (Recurrent Pregnancy Loss) Peer-Led Support Group
• HealthUnlocked IVF Community
• Daily Strength

Get Started

If you’re ready to take the next step in your fertility journey, we’re here to support you in finding trauma informed IVF care.

Reach out to us today to get connected with trauma informed IVF providers near you that will tailor your IVF experience to your unique needs.  Start your journey toward healing and parenthood with confidence.