Fertility Medications Primer
Many myths and misconceptions circulate about fertility treatment, including confusing information about the medications that are sometimes used. Basic facts can be helpful, when considering whether to proceed with fertility treatment.
Hormonal Treatments for Infertility
Natural hormones are responsible for follicle development and ovulation in women and for sperm development in men. An imbalance or deficiency in these hormones can be one of the causes of infertility.
For many women and some men, the use of gonadotropins or "fertility hormones" will increase the likelihood of conception by stimulating the ovaries or sperm production. In women, these hormones can enhance ovulation or cause more than one egg to be produced at once. A physician monitors the body’s response to the hormones to determine the timing of ovulation.
The following medications are included in this category:
Clomiphene Citrate (Serophene, Clomid) is an anti-estrogen (an oral tablet) that acts on the brain to stimulate release of more hormones to stimulate the ovaries. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines recommend a limited use of six months of Clomiphene Citrate.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropins or hMG (Menopur, Repronex) contains luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce more follicles in hopes of increasing production of eggs.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH (Follistim, Gonal-F) is a hormone used to stimulate the ovaries to produce more follicles and increase production of eggs. Patients take these medications by subcutaneous (SQ) injections (just under the skin).
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG (Profasi, Pregnyl) is a hormone that matures the egg(s) in the follicle(s) and triggers its release. In men, it can also enhance sperm production.
Progesterone is a hormone which has a significant role in preparing the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of an embryo. It may be taken by intramuscular (IM) injection, vaginal suppository, or in gel form.
Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron) acts on the brain to suppress hormonal production necessary for follicle development and egg release. It is used to suppress the body’s own hormone production, so that there will be improved control during stimulation of the ovaries when the additional hormonal medications are administered.
For more information about fertility medications....
This information is provided for general education purposes and is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. If you have questions about any aspect of your health, you are advised to speak with your physician.
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