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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.

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.

Every year, thousands of people in the US develop illnesses that are preventable with vaccines, in some cases resulting in serious health complications or hospitalization. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month this August, take a moment to learn more about the importance of vaccination and make sure you are up to date with recommended vaccines. 

National Immunization Awareness Month 2023

Vaccines, which were first developed in 1796 for smallpox, provide the best defense against many diseases. They are one of the safest ways to protect your health, as side effects are typically mild and resolve themselves without treatment.

Building on your immune system’s natural function, vaccines lower the risk of getting certain diseases or developing serious complications. And in lowering your chance of spreading these diseases, they also help you keep your loved ones safe.

Immunization remains important throughout your whole life, even if you received routine vaccines as a child. Not only does the protection of some vaccines weaken over time, you may develop new risks for illnesses based on age, occupation, travel, or changes to your overall health.

Many chronic conditions — including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and asthma — increase your risk of developing serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. For this reason, vaccines are a critical part of managing these conditions, even if you are also taking medication to control symptoms. Here’s more on the importance of immunization when living with a chronic illness.

Diabetes can make it more difficult for your immune system to fight infection and illness, putting individuals with the condition at a greater risk for complications of the flu, pneumonia, meningitis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, some of these illnesses can interfere with diabetes management — for example, the flu can drastically increase blood sugar levels.

Like diabetes, heart disease makes it more difficult for your immune system to protect you from illness, leading to a greater risk for complications. The flu can also increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

COPD and asthma can increase swelling of the airways and lungs. When individuals with these conditions get vaccine-preventable diseases that similarly impact respiratory function, they are more likely to experience complications. Adults with these respiratory conditions also face a greater risk for flu-related complications.

Not sure which vaccines you need? We have helpful information about the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules below, but be sure to confirm with your provider as well!

The CDC recommends that all adults stay up to date on the following vaccines:

Covid-19 vaccine - currently, everyone ages six years and older needs one dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna covid-19 vaccine to be up to date. Adults ages 65 and older are eligible to get a second dose of these vaccines.

Flu vaccine - recommended once every year for all infants, children, and adults over the age of six months 

Additional recommendations for specific age ranges include:

19-26 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the chickenpox, hepatitis B, HPV, and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the MenB vaccine.

27-49 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the chickenpox and HPV vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

50-64 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the shingles vaccine. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

65 years and older: Make sure you’re also up to date on the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages six and under

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages 7 to 18.

Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy gives your baby short-term protection against whooping cough, which can be life-threatening for newborns. Additional vaccines may be recommended before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more about vaccines and pregnancy here.

Some international travel may require additional vaccines, depending on your itinerary and vaccination history. You can find more information about travel vaccines here.

Most recommended vaccines are offered at doctor’s offices, and your provider is a great place to start. Ask if they offer the vaccines you need. If not, they can give you a referral.

Pharmacies and community health clinics are other common vaccination locations. Some people are even able to get certain vaccines at their workplace.

If you have health insurance, another option is to ask your insurance provider for a list of vaccine providers in your network.

The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines to children and adolescents 18 and under who meet any of the following criteria:

Do not have health insurance or coverage of recommended vaccines

Choose a reliable and flexible pharmacy partner

Alto Pharmacy makes it simple to live your healthiest life by providing an easier, more supportive, and more affordable prescription experience. Our pharmacists are here with information and answers, even during nights and weekends. And the Alto app gives you control and convenience in managing your medications, with auto refills, medication bundling, and custom dosing reminders.

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.

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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.

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it may feel overwhelming. If you or your child has received a diagnosis, one of the best things you can do as a next step is to educate yourself about the condition. To make sure you have the information you need, we’ve debunked common myths about type 1 diabetes.

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is only diagnosed in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes, and it’s true that it’s most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. However, a diagnosis can come at any age, and symptoms may first develop in adulthood.

It can be difficult to identify type 1 diabetes in adults, as early symptoms often develop rapidly and can be mistaken as illness. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Other symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. If you experience any of the symptoms above, speak with your provider about an evaluation for a potential diagnosis.

Myth: It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This is not the case with type 1. While the exact causes of type 1 diabetes aren’t entirely understood, it is considered an autoimmune condition, which means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own tissues and organs.

In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. (This is another important distinction between the two types of diabetes — type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning that the pancreas produces some insulin, but cells don’t respond normally to it.)

Many autoimmune disorders run in families, and type 1 diabetes is thought to have a genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with the condition may increase a person’s risk for developing it.

Myth: If you have type 1 diabetes, you can’t eat sugar.

A common myth about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that they’re caused by sugar. This is not true, and people with either type of diabetes can indeed consume sugar.

That said, managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment, and diet can significantly affect a person’s blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient. Since daily insulin dosages are based on daily insulin-to-carb ratios, people with diabetes need to monitor their carb intake.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether, but rather that you need to plan ahead and maintain a balanced diet. You should still be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you plan meals carefully and spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Myth: You can’t lead an active life with type 1 diabetes.

Quite the opposite! In fact, regular physical activity is as important for people with diabetes as it is for anyone else. However, there are extra fitness-related considerations to account for when you have diabetes.

Exercise is another factor in blood sugar levels, and some people experience decreased blood sugar during or after exercise. A variety of factors can affect your blood sugar response to exercise, including:

Your blood sugar levels prior to exercise

To exercise safely as a person with diabetes, check your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, and be prepared to treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia can be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Myth: Treatment stays the same throughout a person’s life.

While treatment for type 1 diabetes isn’t as varied as treatment for type 2 diabetes, and everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy, a person’s insulin needs will likely change throughout their life.

The physical changes caused by puberty and pregnancy often lead to evolving diabetes treatment needs, including different blood sugar targets and insulin dosages. Plus, as you learn more about diabetes and become more familiar with your body’s needs, you may find that you have a different experience of living with the condition.

Given the complexities of diabetes management, it’s important to regularly see an endocrinologist who can evaluate your insulin needs and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your or your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also provide personalized support via in-app messaging. If you have questions about insulin therapy, side effects, insurance terminology, or anything else related to diabetes treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

Despite how widespread infertility is, affecting about 9% of U.S. men and 11% of U.S. women, the condition remains underdiscussed and misunderstood.

Information is critical to making the right decisions throughout your family building journey, but with so many misconceptions about fertility — and so much unsolicited advice — it can be difficult to know the best way forward. To help set the record straight, we’ve debunked several common myths about infertility.

Myth: Infertility is purely a female health issue

Infertility is often considered a women’s health issue, but in reality, only a third of all infertility cases are exclusively caused by female reproductive factors. Of the remaining two-thirds, half stem from only a male reproductive factor and half stem from a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.

Male infertility is most often the result of issues with sperm production, including problems with sperm quality and quantity. Fertility treatment can help address both male and female fertility issues. In fact, one reason for the perception of infertility as purely a female health condition is that it is sometimes women who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) even for a male infertility factor. (Men can be treated for infertility with oral medications or injectable hormone therapy, but these treatments can take six months to a year or more whereas a typical IVF cycle is just two weeks.)

If you and your partner are experiencing challenges conceiving, you both may wish to consult with a doctor about a fertility evaluation to determine the best next steps. Experts recommend seeking an evaluation after six months of trying to conceive if the female partner is over 35 and after a year if the female partner is 35 or younger.

Blog

Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility

National Immunization Awareness Month 2023

What to Know About Secondary Infertility

How to Prepare for Your IVF Cycle

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Top Fertility Myths Debunked

What to Consider Before Freezing Your Eggs

How to Prevent or Treat Heartburn

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome?

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

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