Overview
Metformin, primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes, indirectly supports fertility and is prescribed for women’s fertility-related benefits. It’s also utilized to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and improve egg quality, aiding ovulation. Studies suggest a potential increase in pregnancy rates by 32-60%, especially in PCOS cases, and a reduced risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Combined with clomiphene, it’s used to induce ovulation in PCOS.
Consult healthcare professionals for personalized prescriptions and doses. Metformin’s potential for enhancing pregnancy likelihood, up to 60%, is evident after three months of usage. While not directly targeting PCOS or infertility, its mechanism supports hormonal balance and ovulation.
How effective is Metformin for pregnancy?
Metformin is a medication that is prescribed to treat diabetes ( Type 2 ) for effective treatment. Metformin is not directly prescribed to treat any medical condition related to pregnancy, but it is prescribed for its beneficial effects related to women’s fertility. Metformin with different dosage strengths is also prescribed for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Does Metformin improve egg quality?
Metformin helps significantly in improving fertility by improving the egg quality in the ovaries. This medication is not directly prescribed for the improvement of quality improvement or for pregnancy. It treats type 2 diabetes, which has an impact on fertility. By controlling type 2 diabetes, egg quality, production, and overall pregnancy issues can be resolved.
It also has a positive effect of inducing the ovulation cycle, especially in PCOS women. As per the studies published, it also increased the pregnancy rates by 32-60% in PCOs and women with other fertility issues. Women with PCOS are likely to develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which can be improved and less likely to occur with metformin.
Make sure to consult and discuss your fertility problems when on antidiabetic medications to get the well-suited and required prescription per your health condition.
says Dr Richard Honekar
How to use Metformin to induce ovulation?
Ovulation is the process of releasing a mature egg from the ovary. This process is affected negatively by PCOS, where the ovulation gets stopped and no longer occurs, which leads to fertility issues.
Metformin, along with the combination of clomiphene, is prescribed by healthcare providers to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The starting dose of this combination usually starts from 500mg and gradually increases per your health condition and age.
It’s mandatory to consult your healthcare provider for the appropriate dose as per your medical condition. The dose, dosage form, and duration of this medication will change according to the age and the specific health condition.
How quickly can you get pregnant with Metformin?
The likelihood of achieving pregnancy differs among individuals. Metformin may enhance your chances of conceiving. Research suggests that women taking metformin for three months or longer might experience increased chances of becoming pregnant.
It also published that the chances of getting pregnant get increased by 32 to 60% by metformin. Consult your healthcare provider for a personalized pregnancy plan based on age and health condition.
Consult a doctor
Fertility issues in women with PCOS are prevalent yet manageable with proper consultation from healthcare experts. Tailored hormone and ovulation medications are commonly prescribed to address PCOS-related fertility concerns. Metformin, while primarily an antidiabetic medication regulating blood sugar levels, indirectly aids in managing PCOS and enhancing the likelihood of conception.
Metformin doesn’t directly target PCOS or infertility, but its mechanism of action contributes positively to fertility and ovulation. Studies suggest that it can potentially increase the chances of pregnancy by up to 60% by aiding in regulating hormonal imbalances and supporting ovulation.
FAQs about Metformin for fertility
Metformin doesn’t increase the chance of having twins specifically, but it increases the chances of getting pregnant in diabetic and PCOS women. As per some published studies, three twins out of 81 gestations were reported after using metformin, which shows a significantly lower probability of this occurrence.
Metformin duration depends on your health condition. It can be prescribed to you for six months or two years. Your health and medical condition are the major factors when taking metformin to treat PCOS.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, clomid containing the active ingredient Clomiphene is better than metformin if taken for achieving live birth in an infertile woman. It also showed efficacy better than metformin if taken for PCOs.
500mg is a starting dose of metformin for PCOS and infertility, which can eventually be increased after consultation and examination by your healthcare provider.
