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Seasonal allergies aren’t limited to spring. For many people, the onset of autumn — and the beginning of ragweed pollination — brings itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and other telltale allergy symptoms. Here’s more on what triggers fall allergies and the best ways to treat and prevent them.

How to Navigate Fall Allergies

While spring allergies are primarily caused by grass and tree pollen, the main culprit of fall allergies is ragweed pollen, which begins in late summer, peaks in September, and can continue into October or even November.

Other pollen-producing weeds that can cause fall allergy symptoms include:

Mold is another common trigger of fall allergies, with piles of fallen leaves a ripe breeding ground for mold growth.

Like all seasonal allergies, fall allergies have intensified in recent years as a result of climate change. Rising temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have extended the pollination of many plants, including ragweed, which allows for a longer allergy season.

Even if you are more prone to allergies than others, there are steps you can take to prevent symptoms. Here are our top prevention tips specifically for fall allergies.

Avoiding known allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. To limit your exposure to ragweed pollen, shut the windows as much as possible on windy days when pollen counts are high. (You can find your local pollen count online or in a weather app.) If you’re going outside on a high-pollen day, wearing a hat and sunglasses can protect your face from pollen and reduce the chances of symptoms developing.

If you are sensitive to mold, it’s best to have someone else rake the leaves — and be sure to toss those aging jack-o-lanterns well before they start to rot. If you have to do some fall yard work yourself, wear a mask to reduce mold exposure as much as possible.

Be mindful of indoor mold growth as well. Using a dehumidifier can help you keep the humidity in your home at optimal levels.

An outdoor pollen encounter can bring the allergen into your home. To keep the house or apartment pollen-free, change your clothes and take off your shoes as soon as you're inside. Wash clothes and bedding regularly as an additional preventive step.

These precautions are especially important if you have allergy-induced asthma, the most common type of asthma, which occurs when exposure to pollen, mold, or other allergens results in inflammation in the airways.

Although fall allergies are triggered by different substances than spring allergies, they can be treated with the same over-the-counter allergy medications. 

Over-the-counter nasal sprays including Nasacort® (triamcinolone), Flonase® (fluticasone), and Rhinocort® (budesonide) prevent nasal inflammation and reduce stuffiness and sneezing. They may be taken in advance of allergy season to potentially prevent the onset of symptoms altogether.

Eye drops can relieve itchy, red, or watery eyes.

Oral antihistamines including Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Clarinex® (desloratadine), Allegra® (fexofenadine), Alavert® (loratadine), Claritin® (loratadine), Xyzal® (levocetirizine), and Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) can be taken preventatively or on an as-needed basis to reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching. These medications offer fast relief, going into effect from 15 minutes up to two hours. Benadryl can cause drowsiness and is not recommended to take before driving or other activities that require your attention.

Decongestants including Afrin® and Sudafed® can be taken to relieve stuffiness, however they can worsen symptoms when taken over an extended period of time and should not be used as a long-term treatment.

Many of the above OTC allergy medications are available for purchase at the Essentials Store in the Alto app! To browse the selection, tap the "Store" icon along the bottom of the app or in your account on desktop.

If you have allergy-induced asthma, allergy medications will likely be a part of your asthma treatment plan, but they are not a substitute for asthma medication. In addition to consulting an allergist, speak with your primary care provider as soon as asthma symptoms appear so that you can find the best treatment plan.

If your allergy symptoms persist after trying over-the-counter medications and consulting with your primary care provider, it may be time to see a specialist. Allergists and immunologists have extensive training in allergy treatment. In addition to helping identify specific allergy triggers, these specialists can also facilitate additional treatment options like immunotherapy. This process gradually exposes you to allergens to decrease your sensitivity to them. It can be administered as injections or sublingual tablets placed beneath the tongue. 

Stock up on allergy essentials in the Alto app

Purchase allergy season essentials like Claritin, Flonase, Zyrtec, Allegra and more right from your Alto account. You can order these over-the-counter products whenever you need them or add them to your next prescription delivery.

If your allergy treatment plan includes prescription medications, we can help. We’ll coordinate with your doctor and insurance to offer your medications at the best price we can find. Our expert pharmacists are available via in-app messaging to answer any questions you may have about symptoms or side effects.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility

There are many potential causes of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, also referred to as tubal disease or tubal factor infertility, account for 25-30% of all cases. Below, we explain how fallopian tube obstruction may prevent natural conception and what treatment options can support your family building journey.

How do blocked fallopian tubes impact fertility and pregnancy?

Fallopian tubes are female reproductive organs that connect the ovaries and uterus. They transport an egg from an ovary to the uterus during ovulation, the phase of each menstrual cycle in which the ovaries release a mature egg.

Healthy, functioning fallopian tubes are involved in several key steps of the natural conception process. First, they are the passageway through which sperm reaches an egg for fertilization. The fertilized egg will then move through the fallopian tubes until it reaches the uterus for implantation.

There are varying degrees of fallopian tube obstruction. The condition may take the form of:

Mild adhesions or scar tissue in either or both fallopian tubes

One narrowed fallopian tube as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Two narrowed fallopian tubes as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

One completely blocked fallopian tube as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Two completely blocked fallopian tubes as the result of adhesions or scar tissue

Hydrosalpinx, a severe form of tubal disease in which a blocked fallopian tube becomes enlarged and filled with fluid

While any of the above structural issues can potentially interfere with the fertilization of an egg, it is possible to become pregnant naturally if the fallopian tubes are only partially blocked. However, conceiving naturally with a partial blockage may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when an embryo implants outside of the uterus. (90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes.)

Ectopic pregnancies can lead to very serious complications, such as ruptured fallopian tubes, without prompt treatment to end the pregnancy. Given this risk, anyone with a history of fallopian tube blockage should inform their doctor as soon as they think they might be pregnant.

A hydrosalpinx may prevent the possibility of pregnancy in some cases, as the fluid can be toxic to an embryo. This interferes with successful embryo implantation in the uterus, a critical step in the reproductive process. In other cases, a person with hydrosalpinx may be able to become pregnant, but the resulting inflammation of the uterine lining can still interfere with the typical development of an embryo in a healthy pregnancy.

Blocked fallopian tubes may develop as the result of the following health conditions and infections.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or lining of the pelvic cavity. When it develops in the fallopian tubes, the resulting scar tissue may lead to fallopian tube blockage.

Physical trauma to the female reproductive organs, like a previous abdominal surgery or ruptured appendix, can also contribute to the accumulation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, can lead to the accumulation of scar tissue and fluid in these organs. PID typically develops when bacteria enter the female reproductive tract. It is often a complication of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea.

What are typical symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes are rarely accompanied by noticeable symptoms other than difficulty becoming pregnant. Many women first learn that they have a fallopian tube blockage after consulting a doctor for a fertility evaluation. However, more extensive fallopian tube obstruction may be accompanied by chronic mild pelvic or abdominal pain. This is most common with a hydrosalpinx.

How is fallopian tube blockage diagnosed?

Blocked fallopian tubes are typically diagnosed with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or a laparoscopy.

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray taken to examine issues within the uterus and fallopian tubes. In this process, dye is injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix. If there is no fallopian tube blockage, the dye will flow through the fallopian tubes.

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a small camera through the abdomen to evaluate reproductive organs including the fallopian tubes.

Surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are the two main treatment options for people with tubal factor infertility. The best option for you depends on the extent of the blockage and individual reproductive health factors.

Surgery may be an appropriate treatment option for someone whose fallopian tubes are not severely damaged if there aren’t additional infertility factors. If you are conceiving as a couple, a partner’s sperm count and quality should be accounted for as well.

Tubal surgery can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. If you have had this procedure, it’s even more critical to contact your doctor right away if you believe you may be pregnant.

IVF is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which an egg is fertilized with sperm outside of the body and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. Since IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes, implanting a fertilized egg directly into the uterine lining, it is a common treatment for tubal factor infertility.

It is typically recommended for people with fallopian tube blockage who are less likely to have success conceiving naturally. This includes people with severely damaged fallopian tubes as well as those with less severe fallopian tube damage but other infertility risk factors.

Hydrosalpinx has been associated with lower IVF success rates. If you have this type of fallopian tube damage, your doctor may recommend fallopian tube removal before starting IVF.

The cost of treatment and insurance coverage are also important factors to consider as you explore your options.

Fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, but Alto is with you every step of the way. We offer reliable same-day delivery of your medications and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and access to fertility-trained pharmacists.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through secure in-app messaging.

There are many triggers that can lead to allergy symptoms, including certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. Like any type of allergic reaction, a drug allergy is the result of an immune response to a normally harmless substance — in this case, one or more ingredients in a medication.

Medication Allergies, Explained

Drug allergies range from mild to very severe. Generally speaking, the only way to prevent this type of allergic reaction is to avoid taking the medication in question. In some cases symptoms may require treatment with other medications. Make sure that all of your providers and your pharmacist are aware of any known or suspected medication allergies so that they can help you explore alternative options and prevent symptoms.

Below, we share how to recognize drug allergy symptoms and what steps to take if you experience them.

Drug allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance in a medication as an outside invader such as a virus or bacteria. As part of this reaction, your immune system produces antibodies that in turn release histamine, a chemical responsible for typical allergy symptoms.

You typically won’t experience symptoms the first time you take a medication you’re allergic to. This is because in order for an allergic reaction to occur, your immune system has to recognize a substance that it has previously identified as harmful.

Though drug allergy symptoms and medication side effects can sometimes overlap, there is an important distinction between the two, as ordinary side effects don’t involve an immune response.

Any medication can cause an allergic reaction, but certain medications are more frequently associated with them, including:

Antibiotics, particularly penicillin and sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra® and Bactrim®) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole®)

Seizure medications, particularly aromatic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and phenobarbital (Luminal®)

Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®)

Penicillin is the most frequently reported medication allergy. If you believe you are allergic to penicillin, it is important to seek proper evaluation and diagnosis. (Penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by a simple skin test.) While many people are indeed allergic to this class of antibiotics — and in some cases, to similar alternatives as well — studies have found that penicillin allergies are overreported. A significant percentage of all those who believe they are allergic don’t have the true immune reaction that characterizes a drug allergy. This often results in the unnecessary use of alternative medications that may be less effective or more expensive.

Another reason proper testing is important is that it’s possible to outgrow a penicillin allergy over time. Of all those with a documented penicillin allergy, only an estimated 20% remain allergic after 10 years. If you were diagnosed with a penicillin allergy more than 10 years ago, consult with an allergist to determine if you’re still allergic.

Mild drug allergy cases often produce typical allergy symptoms, which may develop anywhere from hours to weeks after you take the medication. The most common symptoms are itching of the eyes or skin, minor rashes, and hives. Swelling and wheezing may also occur. While these symptoms typically don’t require emergency medical care, seek evaluation from your provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms of severe drug allergies such as anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction that blocks breathing — tend to develop more quickly, often immediately after you take a medication or within an hour.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

Serious drug allergies require emergency medical care. Call 911 immediately if you experience the above signs of anaphylaxis or another severe reaction after taking a medication.

As noted above, penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by skin testing. This is a simple process conducted by an allergist in which your skin is exposed to a small amount of penicillin. A positive result is determined by a red, itchy bump.

It is also relatively easy to identify sensitivity to contrast dye — simply experiencing allergy symptoms after getting an x-ray is typically sufficient diagnostic criteria.

The process for diagnosing other drug allergies is often more complex, but a specialist called an allergist can help identify one through testing and an evaluation of your health history and symptoms.

Depending on the reaction you’re experiencing, your doctor may recommend treatment options to relieve discomfort and prevent your symptoms from worsening. Common treatments for drug allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) for mild symptoms such as rash, hives, and itchiness - purchase these OTC medications from the Essentials store in the Alto app! 

Corticosteroids such as prednisone for itching and inflammation

Epinephrine is used in emergencies to treat anaphylaxis and other severe reactions. It is administered by injection.

A process called desensitization can gradually improve your tolerance of a medication you’re allergic to. During this treatment, which must be performed by an allergist, you are administered increasingly higher doses of the trigger medication. It is typically reserved for cases where there is no appropriate alternative to prescribe. It is often done in a hospital so that immediate medical care is available in the event of complications or a negative reaction.

There is no cure for a medication allergy, though a penicillin allergy may resolve itself with time. In other cases, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is by avoiding the specific medication. Sometimes it is also necessary to avoid similar medications — for example, if several medications contain the substance that triggered your symptoms.

Given this, make sure that your medical records are up to date — any healthcare provider who treats you should be aware of your full medical history including any drug allergies. You should also inform your pharmacist of allergic reactions to medications.

If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, it’s critical to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about your allergies, including the trigger, or allergen.

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication allergies, interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging.

There’s a spectrum of infertility experiences. The 11% of US couples affected by secondary infertility first have difficulty conceiving after previously giving birth without fertility treatment.

Infertility can be overwhelming to navigate regardless of when it occurs in the family building journey. And secondary infertility can bring unique challenges of its own. Fortunately, the condition is just as treatable as primary infertility, or difficulty becoming pregnant for the first time.

What to Know About Secondary Infertility

There’s a spectrum of infertility experiences. The 11% of US couples affected by secondary infertility first have difficulty conceiving after previously giving birth without fertility treatment.

Infertility can be overwhelming to navigate regardless of when it occurs in the family building journey. And secondary infertility can bring unique challenges of its own. Fortunately, the condition is just as treatable as primary infertility, or difficulty becoming pregnant for the first time.

Here’s what to know about causes, treatment options, and support resources for secondary infertility.

Like primary infertility, secondary infertility can be caused by female reproductive factors, male reproductive factors, a combination of both, or unknown causes.

Causes of secondary infertility in women and people assigned female at birth

Women become less fertile as they age, with a significant decline in the quantity and quality of their eggs from the mid 30s until they eventually reach menopause. Lower-quality eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, which increases the chance of miscarriage and reduces the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Structural issues with reproductive organs

Blocked or damaged reproductive organs, specifically the fallopian tubes or uterus, can result in secondary infertility. There are several potential reasons for damage to the female reproductive organs.

Complications related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia, or gonorrhea can block the fallopian tubes.

Procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C) or a c-section delivery can cause scarring in the uterus.

Benign polyps or fibroids may block fallopian tubes or interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg, or embryo.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a hormone imbalance that impacts ovulation. It is a leading cause of female infertility.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that should only grow in the uterus implants and grows elsewhere. The abnormal tissue growth — as well as surgical procedures to remove it — can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the fertilization of an egg. Endometriosis can also interfere with embryo implantation.

Changes in weight or other lifestyle factors

Being underweight or overweight can both impact a woman’s fertility. So can behavioral or lifestyle factors including smoking and substance use.

Causes of secondary infertility in men and people assigned male at birth

Male infertility most often stems from issues with sperm production, including sperm quality, motility, or quantity. Contributing factors may include the following.

Decline in the quality of semen, the fluid that carries sperm

Health conditions including hormone, pituitary gland, or immune system problems and genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis

Certain medications and medical treatments, including some blood pressure and arthritis medications and treatment for cancer, urinary tract infections, and more

If you are experiencing secondary infertility, you may be wondering why it’s more difficult to conceive than before. Here are some reasons why a fertility issue may develop later in life.

Both male and female fertility change over time. The quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs decline with age. There is a similar, though not as severe, relationship between age and sperm quantity and quality. It’s also possible that a fertility issue has become more severe over time. 

Physical changes, new health issues, or lifestyle factors can influence a male or female partner’s fertility. Weight gain or loss or shifts in habits like smoking or substance use may lead to more difficulty conceiving.

A new diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, or gonorrhea is another potential factor in secondary infertility.

Taking a new medication could also change a person’s fertility. For example, common treatments for high blood pressure, arthritis, seizures, or ulcerative colitis can impact sperm quality. And treatment for certain types of cancer can also affect both male and female fertility.

Fertility issues caused by a previous pregnancy or birth

Structural issues with the fallopian tubes or uterus can develop as the result of a complication from a previous miscarriage, pregnancy, or birth.

The timeline for seeking treatment for secondary infertility is the same as that for primary infertility and depends on your age. 

If you are under 35, most health experts suggest consulting a reproductive specialist after a year of trying to conceive.

If you are between 35 and 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment after six months of trying to become pregnant.

If you are over 40, you may want to pursue testing or treatment before you start trying to conceive.

It’s important to be proactive about seeking treatment for secondary infertility. To increase your chances of success with treatment, don’t wait to pursue a consultation with a fertility specialist based on your past experience(s) conceiving.

It is also recommended to pursue testing or treatment before trying to conceive if you or your partner have any of the following risk factors for secondary infertility:

A history of a sexually transmitted infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease

Common treatment options for secondary infertility

There are many treatment options that can help increase your chances of conception. The most effective course of treatment depends on the underlying cause of your or your partner’s fertility issues. These are some common treatments for secondary infertility.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in which eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory and then placed into the uterus with the potential outcome of a pregnancy. In addition to treating female infertility, IVF can also be used when male infertility is a factor.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination in which sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation.

Injectable fertility medications like gonadotropins and oral fertility medications such as Clomid® and Femara® can treat fertility-related hormonal imbalances in women.

Oral fertility medications such as Clomid®, letrozole (Femara®), and anastrozole (Arimidex®) and injectable gonadotropin therapy are common treatments for male infertility.

Secondary infertility can be a difficult and emotionally complex diagnosis to process. The need for support is just as great as it is for primary infertility. It’s often helpful to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association offers virtual and in-person support groups specifically for secondary infertility.

To learn more, search their directory of support groups by topic.

IVF is often a rewarding journey, but it is also a physically and emotionally taxing experience. For many people, uncertainty can be one of the most difficult aspects of the process.

How to Prepare for Your IVF Cycle

Many factors shape each person’s experience of IVF. You have more control over some than others. Preparation includes both taking steps to increase your chance of success while also learning what challenges to anticipate and how to navigate them. Here’s more on what to expect.

It’s important to know upfront that the IVF journey can be longer than hoped or expected and multiple cycles are common. Of those who eventually conceive through the process, it takes an average of 2.7 cycles to become pregnant.

However, certain health and lifestyle factors can influence the likelihood of a successful cycle, and it is definitely worth doing everything you can to be at your healthiest when you begin treatment. Use the following suggestions below as a starting point — note that they also apply to physical preparation for an egg freezing cycle.

Research has found that weight can factor into the outcome of fertility treatment. Being underweight or overweight can both impact your body’s response to IVF medications. Having a healthy weight as you start your cycle may increase your chance of success.

Keep in mind that there are many factors in a person’s overall health, and being at a healthy weight looks different for everyone. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your fertility.

A well-balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and feel your best throughout your IVF journey. In general, load up on fruits and veggies, lean proteins like fish and poultry, and whole grains. Opt for healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and seeds as much as possible. It’s recommended to limit your intake of red meat, sugar, and processed foods.

Most health experts advise against any significant changes to your diet before or during an IVF cycle.

Taking prenatal vitamins may improve the quality of your eggs — which is important for a successful embryo transfer during IVF — and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. 

Prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, coenzyme, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA are typically most beneficial, but check with your provider about the best option for your needs.

Some evidence suggests that healthy vitamin D levels can impact your IVF experience. Ask your provider if you would benefit from a vitamin D supplement.

Avoid unhealthy habits and lower your caffeine intake

You’re likely already aware of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy, but the reasons to avoid the habit while preparing for IVF go beyond the obvious.

While research on the link between IVF and smoking is ongoing, there’s strong evidence that smoking leads to lower success rates. More specifically, it can decrease the thickness of the endometrium, the layer of tissue lining the uterus. This can lower the chance of successful embryo implantation.

Research has also found a link between alcohol consumption during IVF and live birth rates.

Don’t be afraid to ask your provider for support if you are attempting to give up smoking or drinking in preparation for fertility treatment.

Experts haven’t yet determined specifically how caffeine impacts fertility, but several studies have found a link. It is recommended to limit your daily caffeine intake to 200 mg — approximately two 8-oz cups of coffee — during preconception and the first trimester of a pregnancy.

Not only will staying well rested improve your mental and emotional well-being during IVF, some studies have found a correlation between sleep quality and IVF success.

Of course, getting enough rest can be easier said than done: 1 in 3 U.S. adults report that they sleep less than the recommended minimum of seven hours per night. To improve the quality and duration of your sleep, try the following strategies:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.

Avoid use of electronic devices close to your bedtime.

Get plenty of natural light and stay physically active during the day, but avoid exercising close to bedtime.

Avoid eating or drinking close to bedtime, particularly caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar or high-fat foods.

Keep your bedroom dark and quiet and maintain a comfortable temperature.

Staying physically active is part of maintaining good health as you prepare for the IVF journey. Check with your doctor about your individual needs, but 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is generally a good target to aim for.

High-impact cardiovascular exercise isn’t recommended during IVF, but low-impact exercise is typically safe. However, some clinics advise against exercising altogether during an IVF cycle. Your care team can provide individualized recommendations.

Remember that your partner’s health matters, too

If you are a woman attempting to conceive with a male partner, remember that, while you are the one undergoing the process of IVF, your partner’s health can also affect the outcome of treatment.

There are many factors in sperm quality, including sleep, exposure to chemicals and toxins, and lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption.

Steps that a male partner should take before IVF include limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking or using other harmful substances, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a nutritious, balanced diet.

Review current medications with your doctor and make treatment adjustments if necessary

Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can impact your body’s response to fertility medications and the outcome of treatment. Make sure your doctor is informed of all medications and supplements you take. If any aren’t recommended to take during an IVF cycle, discuss how to safely taper off of them and whether to switch to an alternative medication.

Fertility treatment is a highly personal experience, and the process — including how stressful it is — looks different for each person. One thing that’s universal, however, is that information and support make the journey more manageable.

IVF is a significant financial investment, and the cost of treatment is a common source of stress. It isn’t always possible to predict the course of treatment, or how much it will cost, since there are so many variables, but doing preliminary research and mapping out your personal goals can help you prepare.

If you have health insurance, look into the details of your plan as a starting point. Coverage of fertility treatment varies significantly from one plan to another.

If your insurance plan covers IVF medications, that coverage may fall under the medical portion of your plan rather than the pharmacy one. We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier for an in-depth explanation of your fertility benefits. Additionally, some clinics have an insurance department, which can be another resource as you do your research.

As you prepare for the financial aspects of IVF, it is helpful to determine how many cycles you are willing or able to try. Keep in mind that there are many financial resources that can help you manage or lower the cost of IVF.

Beyond the emotionally taxing nature of fertility treatment, IVF can cause anxiety purely as an unfamiliar medical treatment. Take time to discuss the process with your clinical team. Some phases can cause additional stress, like the egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Knowing what to anticipate will likely help.

You should also prepare to make certain decisions, including how many embryos to transfer and what you will do with unused eggs or embryos. For some individuals and couples, the IVF process involves donor sperm or eggs. Discuss your options with your care team and give yourself time to determine what the right choice is for you.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with common side effects and make a plan for treating them. Injections can be particularly stressful to navigate, so take time reviewing the techniques. As an Alto customer, you’ll have personalized videos for each injectable medication in your protocol in the app.

Reducing stress and building a support system

Be mindful of your emotional and mental well-being throughout your fertility journey and make a plan for reducing stress. Don’t hesitate to lean on your friends and family for support — especially those who have gone through the IVF journey themselves — but remember, too, that sharing your decision to pursue IVF is a personal choice.

A pharmacy partner for your fertility journey

Fertility treatment can be a challenging journey, but Alto is with you every step of the way. We offer same-day hand delivery of your medications and fertility resources like personalized injection guide videos and access to fertility-trained pharmacists.

Staying on track with treatment and fully benefiting from a medication entails more than simply filling a prescription. It requires patients to take an active role in their health journeys, with education, clinical monitoring, and side effect management all necessary for proper drug utilization.

How Alto’s High-Touch Model Supports Patient Engagement

Pharmacists are an invaluable healthcare resource for those with complex treatment plans. Unfortunately, the traditional retail and mail-order models fail to maximize the possibilities of pharmacy care, without opportunities for ongoing engagement with patients. Not only are retail pharmacists often inundated with many tasks, it’s difficult for patients to discuss their health in a crowded store with a line of other customers behind them. And patients receiving their medication by mail often have limited visibility into delivery details or difficulty connecting with the pharmacy team. 

Alto Pharmacy offers a supported and convenient prescription journey at every step. We ensure that our patients have the information they need to get started with specialty medications and feel confident about their care. In addition to providing a simple onboarding experience, we have a team with robust clinical expertise and a high-touch model that allows patients to easily benefit from it.

We are also expanding our reach to fertility patients through our new nationwide* mail-order offering. Patients who receive fertility medications through mail-order experience the same convenience and support as those we serve via local courier delivery, with seamless onboarding, easy and supported medication management, and access to experts. 

And with an integrated and customizable tech stack — including both our proprietary pharmacy management software and our patient app — there are many ways for partners to provide additional engagement and supplement other support programs.

Here’s how Alto’s model enhances medication education and gives you, as a partner, the opportunity to more deeply engage our shared patients.

Alto offers a supportive and simple patient onboarding experience with proactive multichannel communication. We give patients a welcome text or call within 60 minutes of receiving their prescription, guiding them through their first order. Those who need to transfer an existing prescription to Alto can do so within minutes in our app.

If more information is necessary to fill a prescription, we make sure that patients and providers are both fully in the loop. We keep the patient informed at every step of the billing process, offering support with prior authorizations as needed. Through Alto Connect, our free communications portal for providers, clinical teams can view active medication details and quickly understand when additional steps are required to fill a prescription.

Partner Opportunities to Supplement Patient Support

The majority of Alto patients use our app for intake, medication ordering, and delivery scheduling. Not only does this give patients control and convenience in managing their prescriptions, it provides opportunities for additional engagement from partners.

Our flexible technology capabilities allow for many possibilities, including in-app introductions to your medications. In this video, a specialist from our fertility team walks patients through injecting the Gonal-f® RFF Redi-ject® Pen.

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How to Navigate Fall Allergies

Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility

Medication Allergies, Explained

What to Know About Secondary Infertility

How to Prepare for Your IVF Cycle

Tech-Based, High-Touch Patient Engagement at Alto

When Is Medication Necessary to Manage Cholesterol?

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

A Guide to PrEP Affordability Resources

The Difference Between Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections During IVF

Medication Shortages, Explained

What To Do With Expired or Unneeded Medication

Switch to a better pharmacy.