lifestyle factors

Religion can be a great source of comfort and solace during the most difficult of times. Religion has been implicated in reduced mortality, expedited recovery from illness, and improved mental health. It can encourage healthy lifestyles, provide social support, and provide meaning to life. But it can also impact help seeking behavior, especially when it comes to fertility treatment. Religiosity has been associated with greater concerns about infertility treatment, which, in turn, decreases the likelihood of help seeking (i.e IVF, egg donation etc).

Religion and assisted reproductive technology (ART)

The use of donor gametes to create embryos can ignite some serious debate in many faith circles. Some faiths say fertility treatments go against their beliefs and should not be used, even if it means someone will never become a parent otherwise. Meanwhile, other religions have no issues with it at all, as long as certain “rules” are followed. 

A Pew Research study conducted in 2013 asked people living in the United States about the moral acceptability of using in-vitro fertilization to have a family. One-third said it is morally acceptable, 12% said it was morally wrong, and 46% said it was not even a moral issue. The survey found modest differences in opinion among social and demographic groups, including religious groups, about the moral acceptability of IVF. 

But for many religious people their religious beliefs strongly inform their understanding of fertility and parenthood. Procreation can be an important tenet of a religion along with prescribed roles for the male and female partner when it comes to parenthood. So what if you want a family and the only way that family can be created is through egg donation? And what if you are someone who holds strongly to their faith - a faith that carried you through troubled times - only to discover that very faith does not give you its blessing to have the family you have prayed for? 

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What if you are someone who holds strongly to their faith - a faith that carried you through troubled times - only to discover that very faith does not give you its blessing to have the family you have prayed for?

How do I navigate making a decision?

You want to adhere to the teachings of your religion and at the same time you also have a very strong desire to have a child.  What should you consider when deciding how you want to proceed so you can feel good about your decision? How can you find a way to remain connected to your beliefs even if your choice is different from what is taught by your religion?

Give yourself permission to imagine different options

Play your life tape forward and really imagine how it feels to go against your beliefs in order to achieve pregnancy. Now imagine how it feels to stay strong in your beliefs and never be a parent. Discuss these options with your partner. Write them down in a journal and come back to them in a few weeks. Does one evoke a bigger emotion? Does one feel better than the other? There is no right or wrong and there is no judgment - you are allowed to imagine and really think through your different options. 

Speak to trusted members of your community.

Speak to respected and trusted members of your faith community. Ask questions to fully understand what your religion’s expectations are regarding parenthood and regarding ART and IVF and donor eggs. What are your expectations? Do they match or are they very different? 

If they are different, would you ever make a decision to pursue donor egg IVF that isn’t sanctioned by your religious teachings? If yes, how would your community support you? Would you be ostracized? What does it mean to be against these teachings?  If you would never go against the teachings, then how can your religion provide guidelines about living child free? Would you be able to find peace regarding infertility from your religious teachings? Studies have shown that infertile women with higher levels of spiritual well-being reported fewer depressive symptoms and less overall distress from their infertility experience because of the support from their religious community.  

Summing it up

Faith can be an essential aspect of a person’s life. Sometimes it is possible that not all  tenants align. But that does not necessarily mean that you forsake your faith, nor does that necessarily mean you give up your desire for a family. It may mean digging even further and leaning even stronger into your faith.  It may mean exploring all your different options by researching, talking, asking questions, and praying. All of these things can open doors and create alternative paths to parenthood that you may not have ever considered.

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If you're considering In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) while using or contemplating a GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic®, you’ll want to understand how these treatments might interact. 

GLP-1 medications are widely considered safe and have been approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA. But, they aren’t safe for everyone. And they may interact with other medications. 

Let’s review the potential benefits, concerns, and important factors you should discuss with your doctors before making any decisions about GLP-1 medication use in conjunction with IVF.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1s are a class of medications designed to aid in weight loss and blood sugar management, which can indirectly have positive effects on fertility. 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays important roles in digestion, blood sugar regulation, and appetite control. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1, leading to several benefits including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and potential cardiovascular benefits. Common examples of GLP-1 medications include semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®), liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), and others.

While it feels like these medications have shown overnight success for help with weight loss, they’ve actually been around for a long time. Initially prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, their weight-loss potential became a notable side effect. This led to further research, higher-dosage formulations specifically for weight management, and the widespread popularity we see today.

​​GLP-1 medications, obesity, and fertility

Obesity is a known factor that can negatively impact fertility treatment outcomes in both men and women.  It's associated with conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances, and changes to the uterine lining that can reduce the chances of successful embryo implantation. 

Since GLP-1 medications aid in weight loss and blood sugar control, they have the potential to improve some of the underlying factors that contribute to infertility. However, more research is needed to really understand how GLP-1 medications can impact IVF outcomes.

Can you do IVF if you are on GLP-1 medications?

It's best to discuss the use of GLP-1 medications directly with both the doctor who prescribes them as well as your fertility doctor. Many doctors recommend pausing GLP-1 medications for a few weeks before procedures involving sedation or anesthesia, including the egg retrieval portion of IVF, to reduce potential risks.

The reason being, there have been reports that the delay in stomach emptying due to the GLP-1 medication could be associated with an increased risk of regurgitation and aspiration of food into the airways and lungs. And, because you are unconscious, you can’t clear your lungs or eliminate the obstruction on your own. There is currently a lack of scientific data on how GLP-1 medications affect patients having procedures like IVF, so most doctors like to play it safe. 

Can you take GLP-1 medications while pregnant?

Even if you're planning to pause GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® for your egg retrieval during IVF, your doctor may not recommend you get back on them after the retrieval if you plan on getting pregnant. That is because these medications are not currently recommended during pregnancy or lactation. The full safety profile of GLP-1 medications is still under investigation.

This means that most OBGYNs will advise you to discontinue GLP-1 medications before attempting to conceive, whether unassisted or through IVF. They will work with you to create a safe and optimal plan for your fertility and pregnancy journey.

Summing it up

While GLP-1 medications offer benefits for weight loss and blood sugar control that may indirectly help with fertility, their direct impact on IVF outcomes and safety during pregnancy needs further research.  You’ll want to have open discussions with your fertility doctor, your prescribing doctor, and potentially your future OBGYN about the best medication strategy for your individual circumstances.

Here are some key points to remember:

• Temporary pause: You might be advised to take a break from GLP-1 medications prior to your egg retrieval procedure.
• Discontinuation before pregnancy: There is not enough human data yet to support GLP-1 medications during pregnancy and lactation, so currently it is not recommended.
• Collaboration is key: Work closely with all your doctors to make the safest and most informed decisions regarding your medication use, fertility treatment, and any pregnancy plans.

Research into the relationship between GLP-1 medications and fertility is ongoing. As we gather more data, clearer guidelines may emerge regarding safe and effective use of these medications alongside IVF treatment.  It's always encouraged to consult with your doctors for the latest information and recommendations specific to your situation. We wish you all the best!