Types of Fertility Drugs

                                                                                         

There are a variety of drugs used to treat infertility. They have varying degrees of success depending upon the problems associated with the infertility, the age of the participant, and individual reaction to the drug. Successful ovulation rates are not the same as successful pregnancy rates.

Clomiphene Citrate, Clomid, Serophene: This drug is taken orally and causes the pituitary gland to release more FSH and LH to stimulate follicle growth. This drug produces 70 percent to 90 percent ovulation rates.

Nolvadex/Tamoxifen works as Clomiphene does and is prescribed when Clomiphene cannot be tolerated. It has a 65 percent to 70 percent ovulation rate.

Human Menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), Repronex is injected. It directly stimulates ovaries with FSH and LH. It has a high incidence of multiple embryos and a 75 percent to 80 percent ovulation rate.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Gonal-F, Follistim, Bravelle are injected. They stimulate the ovaries to mature egg follicles. They have 70 percent to 90 percent ovulation rates.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Profasi are injected. They are often used in combination with Clomiphene, hMG, and FSH. The follicle is stimulated to release the egg. LH is taken from the urine of pregnant woman. 90 percent ovulation rates.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogs and antagonists, Leuoprolide Acetate, Luproon, Cetrotide, Ganirelex are injected or taken in by nasal spray. They suppress the pituitary gland. These are used with hMG to deliver constant Gn-RH to the pituitary gland. This changes when the body ovulates so that FSH can be used to induce follicle growth.

Letrozole, Femara: aromatase inhibitor is used for breast cancer. It is not yet approved for infertility. It is an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogen. It is used for men and women. Birth defects and miscarriage may be side effects. 60 percent to 80 percent ovulation rates.

Metformin or Glucophage is taken orally for insulin resistance. This may decrease androgens and retard cyst growth.

Bromocriptine, Parlodel inhibits prolactin production. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production in new mothers. Elevated levels convince the body to ovulate.

Progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation. It can be taken in many ways: injection, suppository, gel, or orally. It produces 77 percent pregnancy rates.

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If you are interested in undergoing IVF in Lubbock, schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. Advances in infertility treatment such as egg donation, surrogacy, IVF, PGD, and other assisted reproductive techniques give couples who would otherwise be unable to conceive the chance of having a child.

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