Environmental pollution, the use of poor-quality food, exposure to constant stress do not affect women's health in the best way. Every year, more and more women are faced with the inability to become pregnant and have a healthy baby. The causes of these complications can be many diseases. Some of them are not treatable, and families have to resort to the services of surrogate mothers, in vitro fertilization. But thanks to the progress in modern medicine, most of these problems can be solved with the help of special drugs. One of them is Dufaston. This drug has proved itself to be the best. In medical practice, there are a large number of women whom Dufaston helped to conceive and give birth to healthy babies. What is the essence of the drug? We will talk further about how conception occurs at Duphaston.
Female sex hormones
To understand how Duphaston affects the conception of a child, you need to understand the mechanism of the female reproductive system. The menstrual cycle is formed due to two main female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands in the second phase of the menstrual cycle and plays a crucial role in the processes of fertilization, gestation and the menstrual cycle.
In the first half of the cycle, increased estrogen production occurs, follicles mature with its help, a dominant one is distinguished among them, which will subsequently become an egg. The second half of the cycle begins with ovulation, during which the follicle ruptures. Then the progesterone content reaches its maximum values, and the egg goes beyond the follicle in anticipation of the sperm. At the site of rupture of the follicle, the formation of the corpus luteum occurs, it maintains the desired level of progesterone in the blood. A sufficient amount of progesterone at this stage is very important and has a number of goals:
- the structure of the walls of the uterus becomes more loose, ready for the adoption of a fertilized egg;
- the uterus becomes calmer, does not contract, protecting the fetus from rejection;
- the mammary glands are already beginning to prepare for the production of milk, their shape and volume are changing;
- the emotional sphere of a woman is at rest, it becomes easier to regulate emotions;
- the uterus is stretched depending on the needs of the fetus.
What role does progesterone play
It is from this substance that the whole process of bearing a child depends on the fertilization of the egg before birth. A lack of progesterone leads to the inability to become pregnant or bear a fetus. If a woman cannot become pregnant for a long time, she has irregularities in the menstrual cycle or has previously had miscarriages, after a full examination and confirmation of the lack of this hormone, the gynecologist prescribes Duphaston. So, how does Dufaston act on conception, what role does it play in this sacrament?
Active substances
In infertility, this drug is used as an artificial replacement for “pregnancy hormone”. The main active ingredient of the drug is dihydrogesterone, in its structure it is as close to natural as possible.
Previously, such artificial substances were obtained from male sex hormones. Of course, taking such drugs provoked a huge number of side effects: male-type hair growth, a change in the timbre of the voice, hormonal failure. Knowing about this experience of past generations, women are still afraid of taking hormonal drugs, but now the situation is completely different.
Modern technologies have made it possible to obtain a new generation of the drug, it does not have such a detrimental effect on the hormonal background of a woman. Duphaston fully compensates for the lack of progesterone, even with a significant lack of it.
However, how much to drink "Duphaston" to get pregnant, only the attending physician can say. Dosage and duration of administration are calculated individually for each patient. That is why in no case do you need to focus on the experience of women to whom Dufaston helped to get pregnant earlier.
Indications for admission
There are clear indications for the appointment of Duphaston:
- endometriosis - a disease in which the growth of uterine tissue occurs, menstruation delays are observed;
- infertility due to lack of lutein;
- the threat of miscarriage due to insufficient levels of progesterone;
- menstrual irregularities;
- uterine bleeding;
- hormonal failure after surgical manipulation.
In other words, even if you have an obvious hormonal failure, menstrual irregularities, the independent appointment of "Duphaston" is unacceptable. Only a qualified doctor, after a full examination, confirming that infertility is the result of violations in the production of progesterone, prescribes Dufaston as a replacement therapy.
Contraindications
Like any medication, Dufaston has contraindications for use:
- hypersensitivity to components;
- chronic renal failure;
- signs of allergies: itching, peeling, rash;
- lactation period.
Adverse Effects
Side effects when using Duphaston:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- anemia;
- nausea and vomiting;
- vaginal bleeding;
- disturbances in the liver;
- itching, urticaria, Quincke's edema;
- brown discharge during pregnancy.
Dufaston: instructions for use in planning pregnancy
In order for the drug to have the desired effect, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dosage and dosage regimen. Can I get pregnant after Duphaston? Definitely, you can. However, a universal treatment regimen for the drug does not exist. There are no clear instructions for using Duphaston when planning pregnancy. It is forbidden to use for yourself the appointment of another patient or to self-medicate. The instructions for use offer only general recommendations, so only a doctor can expertly say how to drink "Duphaston" for conception in each case.
If the drug is taken at the wrong time in the cycle, it acts as a contraceptive. Synthetic progesterone eliminates infertility only if it is caused by a lack of it.
Often, "Duphaston" is prescribed for the second part of the cycle: the day after ovulation and before the onset of menstrual flow. Cancellation occurs only in the absence of pregnancy. To make sure of this, you need to wait for a menstruation or do a pregnancy test, you can also donate blood to determine the level of hCG. If you stop taking the drug before pregnancy is detected, a sharp jump in the hormone will provoke starvation and rejection of the fetus.
To achieve maximum effect, Duphaston is prescribed for six months. If treatment has been unsuccessful for more than a year, then it is necessary to discuss a change of therapy with the doctor and undergo a second examination.
How to use
As was said, treatment regimens are individual, but there are general principles for prescribing the drug. In infertility caused by endometriosis, 10 mg is prescribed three times a day continuously or on days 5-25 of the cycle.
If infertility caused luteal insufficiency, 10 mg of Duphaston is prescribed in 14-25 days of the cycle. Interruption of treatment for six cycles is contraindicated. After therapy, it is recommended to continue treatment in the first 2-3 months after conception.
If there is a threat of miscarriage, take 40 mg of Duphaston at a time and 10 mg every 8 hours until the symptoms disappear.
In case of malfunction of the menstrual cycle, 10 mg is prescribed on the 11-25 days of the cycle.
After the onset of pregnancy, it is forbidden to abruptly stop taking the drug, since in the normal course of pregnancy the hormone level decreases gradually when the corpus luteum transfers its functions to the placenta. During pregnancy planning, Dufaston adjusts progesterone levels and promotes embryo implantation.
When examining, choose the right time for testing, since the level of progesterone varies depending on the phase of the cycle. Donate blood in the middle of the second phase, it is ideal to choose the day between ovulation and the beginning of menstruation. If your period is irregular, control the cycle by measuring your basal temperature every morning. If this is not possible, pass the analysis twice in an approximate period with an interval of a couple of days.
Should therapy be continued after pregnancy?
When treated with Dufaston, synthetic progesterone creates conditions in the uterus that are favorable for the attachment and development of the embryo. Those to whom Dufaston helped get pregnant, in their reviews note that after the onset of the long-awaited result, it is impossible to relax and stop treatment. On the contrary, therapy is gaining momentum. Immediately inform the attending physician about the conception, based on your condition, he will decide whether to continue treatment or change tactics.
The effect of "Duphaston" at the stage of gestation is radically different than when planning. In this regard, dose adjustment is required. Progesterone affects the muscles of the uterus, prevents its contraction, reduces tone. Thanks to this hormone, the woman's body is provided with conditions for bearing the fetus, the risk of miscarriage is minimized.
The active ingredients of the drug relax the intestines, prepare the breast for lactation, pregnancy is put first in the physical and emotional aspects. It is important that Duphaston helps not only with a lack of progesterone during conception, but also with the threat of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
If pregnancy has occurred due to the action of "Duphaston", the appropriateness of its further administration, duration and dose are individually negotiated with the doctor. He will solve these issues after undergoing ultrasound and tests.
When is the time for cancellation?
By 18-20 weeks, the level of progesterone becomes stable, the placenta takes over its production, and taking the drug becomes inappropriate. At week 20, the placenta is able to independently regulate the hormonal background and maintain pregnancy.
But even now, you cannot abruptly stop taking Duphaston. The body must smoothly learn how to replenish progesterone reserves on its own. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug will lead to a decrease in the concentration of the hormone in the blood, starvation of the placenta and an increase in uterine tone.
If the doctor insists on taking
If your doctor insists that you start taking Dufaston after ovulation to conceive, do not resist this. This drug, despite its synthetic nature, is safe for women and children and has been proving its effectiveness for many years. Many women in Russia and abroad became mothers thanks to this medication. Your main task is to find a qualified specialist who can choose an individual regimen for taking the drug, and trust him.
To protect yourself from side effects, you need to take the medicine only after consulting a doctor, a thorough examination of the body and in strict accordance with the doctor's prescriptions. With proper use of the drug, a positive result is guaranteed. It can be said unequivocally that those women to whom Dufaston helped to become pregnant adhered to just such a tactic of behavior.