MyFertilityGuide

Fertility drugs are often a lower cost alternative to invasive and expensive surgeries and therefore a popular choice for couples faced with infertility. Hormones taken as injections to induce ovulation are one course of treatment available and chosen based upon the specific infertility issue being dealt with.

Hormone Fertility Drug Options

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, about 25 percent of infertility cases are due to problems with ovulation. Therefore, ovulation-inducing fertility drugs are often chosen as a first course of treatment. Fertility drugs that induce ovulation include:

• Heparin - An anticoagulant that thins the blood to prevent clotting. Chosen for women who have a hard time carrying a pregnancy to term.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) – A hormone that increases the number of eggs released each month, thereby increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. Brand names include Profasi and Pregnyl. Often chosen for women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome, irregular periods and anovulation.
• Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG) – A combination of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone that triggers ovulation. Often chosen for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or endometriosis.
• Recombinant FSH – Chosen for women suffering from amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, irregular menstruation, or anovulation.
• Urofollitropin – A purified form of follicle stimulating hormone. Chosen for women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome, anovulation, high levels of luteinizing hormone or low levels of FSH.

Are There Side Effects With Fertility Drugs?

Yes. Depending upon the dosage, the combination taken, and the individual a number of side effects can occur. These include fatigue, weight gain, water retention, irritability, abdominal pain, cramping, breast soreness and more.

What Level of Success Do Fertility Drugs Exhibit?

Again, it varies. With different fertility issues, the percentage of success ending with live birth is between 30 percent and 60 percent within the first three months of use and rises when used in conjunction with other procedures.

How Are These Fertility Drugs Administered?

With the exception of Heparin which is available in pill form, all of these hormone treatments are taken as subcutaneous injections beneath the skin or intramuscular injections directly into the muscle. Many of these drugs are taken in conjunction with IUI treatments and timed sexual intercourse.

Why Is It So Important For Fertility Drugs To Be Taken Under Supervision?

All of these drugs require close monitoring by a physician, including frequent check-ups and ultrasounds to ensure that the drugs are taking effect as they should. Without a doctor’s supervision, it is impossible to know if the drug is even creating the desired changes. Adjustments in dosage and changes in treatment can be made accordingly, increasing the chances of success for fertility drugs.