Metformin is the licensed medicine for diabetes. But, it is also used to treat the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is the leading cause of infertility. Most of the women get benefits from Metformin and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
But how long does it take to get pregnant on Metformin? Indeed, there is no proof that you can become pregnant after taking Metformin within two or six months. But yes, when you regulate the ovulation and menstrual cycle, you are more likely to get conceived.
Table of Content
Metformin – what is it?
Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetic symptoms. The medication has been used as an off-label treatment for PCOS. It lowers blood sugar by normalizing insulin levels. Moreover, it also reduces blood sugar by reducing the absorption of sugar by the intestines and liver.
Metformin restores hormonal balance. Also, it treats metabolic abnormalities associated with insulin sensitivity. Besides, it helps lower LDL cholesterol and burns fat.
If you are looking to shred some pounds, it is also a beneficial drug for losing weight.
Besides insulin resistance, Metformin also improves fertility and treats gestational diabetes.
Metformin As a Fertility Drug
Metformin is used to treat PCOS symptoms, but it is not prescribed for fertility. Then, how can Metformin help you to get pregnant if it isn’t a fertility drug?
It can help to improve fertilization by regulating hormones and induce ovulation. So, those who take it will have higher chances of conception than those who don’t.
Metformin suppresses the levels of estrogen, testosterone, and androgen that prevent ovulation. Also, it balances hormone levels by reducing insulin sensitivity. Thus, it results in a regulated menstrual cycle. In other words, it increases the possibility of getting pregnant.
Also, it is less likely to cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Which is a condition in which the ovaries swell and leak fluid to release eggs.
However, Metformin alone cannot help you to get pregnant. To improve fertility, you must take other fertility medications along with metformin. Additionally, Vitamin B6 and other supplements can also help to maintain pregnancy.
Yet, you should consult a gynecologist before taking over-the-counter medicines with Metformin. Otherwise, you can experience severe side effects on your fertility and menstrual cycle.
How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant on Metformin?
A multitude of variables determines pregnancy time. They include:
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Age of females
- The health of Fallopian Tubes
- Semen
- Infertility type
Also, nutrition and hormone levels have an impact on fertilization and implantation.
Unfortunately, infertility has one of the awful aspects; you can’t predict how long you’ll wait to get pregnant. But, It’s good news, though, that you can treat PCOS infertility.
Women who desire pregnancies with PCOS receive Metformin as their only medication. In general, Metformin takes effect in 3-21 days. So it is recommended to take it for 3 months or less (60 to 90 days) for conception.
Indeed, Metformin is usually prescribed to those who have trouble conceiving with PCOS. They will likely get pregnant any day now.
Additionally, a healthy diet, exercise, and safe sex are also part of metformin therapy. Still, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, doctors might give you another fertility treatment.
When PCOS women take Metformin, they are more likely to become pregnant. During treatment, Metformin lowers insulin levels, which can help maintain a healthy weight; they will start ovulating independently (without medication). In turn, it increases the chance of getting pregnant.
Having regular ovulation, though, does not guarantee that you can become pregnant. Indeed, safe conception requires other factors as well.
How Much Metformin Should I Take to Get Pregnant?
Diabetes type 2 and PCOS are treated differently with Metformin. It depends on the patient’s medical history, insulin sensitivity, and immunity.
You should take 500 mg of it per day to get your body used to it. After one week, this dosage increases to 1000 mg per day, then to 2000 to 2500 mg per day.
However, when your body reacts to a high dose of 2000 or 2500 mg per day, you may be reversed back to 1000 mg per day. To be effective, you should take 500 mg Metformin three times a day along with a balanced diet.
Although Metformin is an effective drug to recover from PCOS and improves fertility, don’t take high dose of it. It would be best if you took it under the doctor’s guidance.
Metformin During Pregnancy: Is It Safe to Take?
A doctor usually recommends continuing to take Metformin if you were taking it before pregnancy. In a study, Metformin was shown to be beneficial for the mother and progeny when taken correctly.
Metformin-taking women tend to have successful gestation than those who don’t take it. Indeed, it will prevent miscarriage and ensure pregnancy.
It also reduces gestational diabetes in PCOS women. Besides, it also keeps their fetal weight healthy. Indeed, it prevents other pregnancy-related problems and congenital disabilities.
Moreover, it reduces the risk of OHSS in the early stages of pregnancy.
On the whole, the following risks may reduce in women taking Metformin during pregnancy:
- Fewer rates of miscarriage
- Reduces Premature labor pain
- Maintain healthy Pregnancy weight
Metformin has been shown to have no damaging or developmental effects on the uterus or fetus.
Effect of Metformin on Fetus
Metformin can cross the placenta and enter the bloodstream of the fetus. Thus, it can cause a variety of effects on the fetus’ health. However, it cannot cause prematurity or congenital disorders.
In contrast, it reduces fat around the organs of a developing fetus. Thus, they become less prone to insulin resistance as they grow up. Yet, these babies are also at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
Moreover, a male fetus can be infertile due to sperm deficiency. Also, they can cause testicular cancer during his puberty.
Thus, your doctor recommends you stop Metformin as they detect the fetal heartbeat.
How Successful Is Metformin In Pregnancy?
Several studies have shown that Metformin preserves the status of pregnancy. Expected women with the following problems respond well to Metformin:
Apart from that, Metformin can also use for maintaining fertility in obese individuals.
Here are the chances of pregnancy in women who get Metformin and those who don’t:
| Types of PCOS pregnant women | Chances of Miscarriage |
| For untreated women with PCOS | 18.7% |
| For women taking metformin up to the 32nd week of pregnancy | 10% |
| For women who take metformin throughout their pregnancy | 0% |
Effect of Metformin on Men’s Fertility
The drug metformin is prescribed to male adults who suffer from T2DM. Men with T2DM cannot produce sperms normally due to the low level of testosterone in their blood.
Usually, it is prescribed in courses of 500, 700, and 2500 mg doses, respectively. If you take it at a high dose, it results in low-quality sperm and infertility.
Metformin exposure during pregnancy increases the chance of infertility for males fetuses. It slows down spermatogenesis – a process of producing and maturing sperm cells.
Their sperms also exhibit morphological defects, which can result in weak sperm. Additionally, it reduces the number of Sertoli cells and testicular sizes. Furthermore, it leads to testicular cancer in later life.
Besides Metformin, What are Other Treatments for Infertility in Women?
Infertile women can get benefits from the following treatment options besides metformin:
- Clomid
- Injectable Gonadotropin (FSH Hormones)
- Femara (Letrozole)
- In Vitro Fertilization
Apart from it, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also helpful for getting pregnant.
Is Natural Conception Possible?
A common underlying reason for infertility is PCOS. Yet, it is still possible to conceive naturally. The most basic methods to enhance your pregnancy odds are to change your food and lifestyle.
A normal-weight PCOS woman is more likely to get pregnant than a woman who is overweight. If you stay on top of your lifestyle issues, getting pregnant won’t be so hard for long.
Moreover, health expert guidance on PCOS condition and diet also helps a lot to get pregnant.
The following fertility tips will help you conceive or keep a pregnancy:
- Eat Low glycemic food
- Take multivitamins
- Kick out alcohol, smoking, and other chemical drugs from your life
- Monitor Ovulation
- Have sex every other day when you have an ovulating period.
- Maintain Healthy Weight
- Avoid strenuous activities and workout
- Manage Stress
- Replace animal protein (fish, egg, meat) with Vegetable protein (nuts, seed, beans)
- Eat food rich in antioxidants
- Exercise
FAQ
I take Metformin. Can it make it harder for me to become pregnant?
Metformin helps you to become pregnant. Having PCOS can make it more difficult to have regular periods and thus ovulation. However, thanks to Metformin, it helps restore imbalanced hormones and regulate flaky flow. Thus, it increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Further, it helps maintain pregnancy and prevent your child from acquiring congenital disorders.
How long does it take to get pregnant on Metformin 1000 mg?
A patient usually begins to see results after one month of taking Metformin. However, improving symptoms does not mean you can get pregnant. Indeed, you are on metformin medication for 60-90 days. Also, other fertility drugs may help you conceive if Metformin fails to do so. Still, if the results don’t meet your expectations, you may consider surgery.
I found out that I am pregnant. Should I stop taking Metformin?
Stopping metformin depends on what stage of pregnancy you’re in! Metformin regulates hormone levels in early pregnancy and prevents miscarriages. While it may cause some side effects in late pregnancy, there is little risk to the fetus. Metformin side effects will show up later in the life of them.
Can I breastfeed while taking Metformin?
Metformin is a safe drug to take while breastfeeding. For women with diabetes who are breastfeeding, it is a good alternative to insulin. Indeed, it passes through mother milk. In this way, they reduce their infants’ risk of insulin disease. Furthermore, it manages toddler weight as well. Thus, they need less hospitalization. According to NICE, this drug is safe for nursing women with PCOS and diabetes.
If a man takes Metformin, could it affect his fertility?
Taking Metformin as directed by a doctor is a safe and effective medication. But, high doses of Metformin can affect the quality and quantity of sperm. It may also affect spermatogenesis.
A male fetus exposed to metformin for a long time can develop small testes on puberty and even become infertile.
Pregnancy is the Blessing for PCOS Women!
In general, PCOS women have trouble conceiving. Also, a PCOS woman who conceives isn’t able to maintain her pregnancy. If you have PCOS and wish to start a family, you need to pay special attention to your health and medicines.
While pregnant with PCOS, Metformin is very helpful. So it would help if you asked your doctor for complete instructions on how to use it.
Also, ask your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant if you are taking Metformin. Your health expert will inform you in detail about how long does it take to get pregnant on Metformin.
