How to Improve the Response to Follistim

Follistim is a brand name for the follicle stimulating hormone (generic name gonadotropin) used to treat women with fertility problems. Follistim mimics the naturally produced follicle stimulating hormone, which triggers several follicles to develop in the ovary in a regular menstrual cycle. One of these follicles ultimately produces a mature egg, which is then ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell. Women who are taking Follistim to boost their fertility can take a number of practical steps to improve its success.

Instructions

• 1

  Change your diet. A good balanced diet is advised and can increase your chances of successful treatment. There are also certain foods you must not eat. Avoid raw and undercooked meat, liver and pate, soft cheese, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk and raw shellfish. Although this advice is traditionally offered to women who are already pregnant, experts now believe its also appropriate in the pre-conception stage and especially for those taking courses of Follistim.

• 2

  Eat fertility foods to enhance your Follistim intake. Women have eaten certain fertility-boosting food for hundreds of years. These include garlic which is full of vitamin B6, minerals and selenium; honey; avocados; zinc-rich oysters and spinach. Zinc is a vital nutrient and can help prevent miscarriage. Beef, lamb and toasted wheatgerm also have a high zinc content.

• 3

  Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Well known as an essential supplement for pregnant women, folic acid also is highly recommended for women who are still trying to conceive. It significantly reduces the risk of the baby developing spina bifida. As with all of these steps, doctors now know that this is also beneficial to women on fertility medication such as Follistim.

• 4

  Manage your weight and exercise. Your fertility can be adversely affected being either overweight or underweight. You need to exercise for 20 minutes three times a week. Being at your optimum weight and fitness will help your chances of successful fertility treatment.

• 5

  Reduce your stress levels. Fertility treatment of any kind will take its emotional toll. Being stressed jeopardizes your chances of becoming pregnant so develop strategies for relaxing and staying calm.