Navigating the world of infertility can feel like a lot. We’re taking a look at several of the different fertility medications. Learn how they work, why you might need them, and any potential risks and side effects.
Common Fertility Medications
Clomiphene
These hormones then trigger the ovaries to produce eggs. These medications are frequently combined with other fertility treatments, such as assisted reproductive techniques or artificial insemination.
Clomiphene (or clomiphene citrate) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) often prescribed to women who aren’t ovulating normally. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain so that the body perceives estrogen levels as being low, which helps stimulate the release of hormones.
Research has found that using clomiphene in anovulatory women can result in a 6-month live birth rate of 20% to 40%. Clomiphene can be used alone but is often combined with acupuncture.
Women most likely to benefit from clomiphene are patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other causes of infertility such as post-oral-contraceptive amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period), amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome, psychogenic amenorrhea, as well as some cases of secondary amenorrhea.
Injected Hormones for IVF
There are several different Injectable medications that may increase the chances of successful fertilization. These medications are typically administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle) and require precise timing. They may be given at home or by a medical professional. Some common injected hormones include the following:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This hormone triggers egg growth in the ovaries.
- Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG): These drugs combine FSH and LH (luteinizing hormone).
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): This hormone stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, but it’s not frequently prescribed in the U.S.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist): This hormone suppresses ovulation by stopping the production of estrogen and progesterone.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH antagonist): This hormone prevents early release of LH and premature ovulation in women preparing for IVF.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): These medications are used in conjunction with other fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg.
Progesterone
Sufficient amounts of progesterone are needed to prepare the lining of the uterus so that it can allow for implantation of the embryo and maintenance of pregnancy. Sometimes, progesterone production is inadequate and supplementation can help support pregnancy. Progesterone can be taken orally, as a vaginal suppository, or through injections.
The Importance of Fertility Medications in Fertility Treatments
Fertility medications are a critical component of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). They can help with every aspect of the conception process.
- Fertility medications can help to regulate the menstrual cycle to help optimize the timing of egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
- Fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the chances of successful fertilization and subsequent implantation.
- Fertility medications can help to prepare the uterus for implantation.
Benefits of Fertility Medications
Many people get pregnant without fertility medications, but for those who need support, fertility medications offer many benefits.
Increasing Chances of Pregnancy
In short, fertility medications help to improve the chances of pregnancy. Different medications work in different ways to increase the likelihood of successful fertilization and implantation.
Regulating Ovulation
Fertility medications can also play a role in regulating ovulation. This can mean stimulating a cycle in women who are not cycling or making cycles more regular and predictable.
Aiding Egg and Sperm Production
Some fertility medications can assist in egg and sperm production. For women, certain medications can stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. For men, other medications can improve sperm count and quality.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Fertility Medications
Like most things, it isn’t all upside. Fertility medications can come with potential side effects and risks:
- Hormonal Changes: Fertility drugs often work by affecting hormones. This means that they can cause similar symptoms to other hormonal changes, like menstruation, pregnancy, and even menopause. For example, fertility medications can cause mood swings, bloating, nausea, hot flashes, and headaches.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Some fertility medications affect ovulation and how many eggs are released, which increases the chances of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both the mother and babies.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, fertility medications can lead to a condition called OHSS, which causes the ovaries to swell and cause pain.
Most people find that the benefits of fertility medications outweigh the potential risks and side effects, but each person or couple should weigh their own personal pros and cons.
Other Considerations
The cost of infertility treatment varies significantly by person and insurance policy, and different types of medications have different benefits and risks. Be sure to advocate for yourself and ask questions to get comfortable with your proposed treatment plan.
Some possible questions you may ask include the following:
- What is the success rate for this treatment among people with my diagnosis?
- What is the average length of treatment before a successful pregnancy?
- How much does this treatment cost?
- What are my odds of getting pregnant if I do not use fertility drugs?
- Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances of pregnancy?
It is also important to consider male factors for infertility, and to remember that medications cannot treat all causes of infertility. Finally, remember that there are diet and lifestyle changes you can make to support fertility and complement fertility medications and treatment. Supplements can also support egg and sperm quality and other aspects of fertility.
Coping with Fertility Challenges
Dealing with infertility can be physically and emotionally exhausting on its own, and adding fertility medications can exacerbate some of these feelings. Take care of yourself, and seek support from your provider if you feel your mental health is suffering.
