The Wide-Ranging Dangers Of Opioid Overuse
Opioids are powerful pain relievers that are only available via prescription. These are some of the most effective painkilling drugs on the planet but have highly addictive properties. Statistics show that up to 29% of people misuse opioids, and 8-12% develop opioid use disorder. The highly addictive nature can lead to several health consequences, including overdose and death. A particularly vulnerable group is pregnant women or those looking to start a family. There is an increase in opioid use among pregnant women, which can lead to dangerous consequences for the mother and child. Despite these challenges, there is a fertility path that can lead to a potentially healthy outcome.
Can opioid use cause pregnancy loss?
Opioid use can significantly impact fertility and pregnancy. Premature births, low birth weight, and health complications are possible. For instance, pregnant women with opioid abuse pass on the dependency to the child. Newborns can be born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), a dangerous side effect. Pregnant women who abuse prescription opioids are also more likely to have recurrent pregnancy loss. Research suggests that constant opioid use before or during the initial stages of pregnancy can lead to early pregnancy loss or lower conception rates. Opioid use may impact fertility hormones or interfere with ovulation.
What is your fertility path?
Women or couples struggling to get or stay pregnant should seek medical advice as soon as possible. An evaluation may reveal that opioid use or abuse may be hindering fertility. While opioids may be a reason for pregnancy loss, there may be other underlying health challenges causing infertility. The fertility path requires a multi-faceted approach. The first and most critical step is addressing opioid addiction. Treatment may include talk therapy, use of medication, lifestyle changes, and treatment of underlying medical conditions. The duration and severity of opioid use will affect this timeline and the degree of support required. Only when there is a clear path to sobriety can fertility treatment begin.
Potential fertility options
Some women may have additional challenges impacting fertility. Opioid use can disrupt the reproductive system, but there may be underlying health challenges as well. Treatment can begin with ovulation induction, which is the use of hormones to increase egg production and, potentially, fertility. This process couples well with intrauterine insemination (IUI), producing higher success rates. With IUI, a prepared sperm sample is inserted into the uterus to encourage pregnancy. Most cases of recurrent pregnancy loss need assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), for more control. The eggs are extracted and analyzed, then combined with sperm to create viable embryos. The best embryo is then transferred to achieve pregnancy. In severe cases, IVF, along with gestational surrogacy, may be best.
Despite the challenges, parenthood is possible
Opioid addiction continues to impact society in multiple ways. The health and wellness of women and future children are at risk. Opioid abuse can lead to pregnancy loss or challenges with fertility. Couples who want to get pregnant must understand the risks and dangers of opioid use, especially to the future child. The goal is to be healthy and safe first with effective, constructive methods to quit opioid use. Achieving sobriety then opens the door for effective fertility treatment like IUI or IVF. With the help of doctors and fertility specialists, follow the path to parenthood.
