Assisted Reproductive Technology: Understanding Your Fertility Medication ART Options

What Fertility Medications Are Often Prescribed?

For some people, getting pregnant takes more than a merry-go-round of baby dancing followed by a two-week wait. Natural methods aren’t always effective in some cases, and working with a fertility specialist is needed. And often, this track requires using medications to boost fertility in men, women, or both members. But not every individual knows what to expect when undergoing fertility treatment, or which medications are most likely to be prescribed. Keep in mind that the medications prescribed will be independent of potential underlying conditions and causes of infertility in an individual.

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Ovulation stimulation medications

One of the most common treatment methods for tackling infertility is to boost ovulation. Although women aren’t the sole party responsible for infertility, poor ovulation tends to be the primary cause. Using an ovulatory stimulate helps the pituitary gland release hormones that stimulate ovulation. An alternative is to use an aromatase inhibitor. This class of medication has been poven in several studies at boosting ovulation for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Stimulators work to help the ovaries produce more than one egg during a menstrual cycle.

Gonadotropins

Gonadotropins are usually an ovulation stimulation drug, but can also be used to treat low testosterone in men. Gonadotropins are usually injected and are considered the strongest option for stimulating ovulation in women. These injectables contain either follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), or a combination of the two. While gonadotropins work to boost ovulation in women, in men the medications help improve testosterone levels or semen health.

Ovulation suppressors

Women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), may also need to take ovulation suppressors during a cycle. While ovulation stimulators help the ovaries produce more eggs, suppressors ensure that the eggs aren’t released into the body. With IVF, released eggs can’t be retrieved and aren’t usable. Instead, the eggs are retrieved through an office procedure. Medications can range from injectables like ganirelix acetate or oral solutions like birth control pills.

Recurrent miscarriage medications

For patients struggling with recurring miscarriages, a variety of medications might be prescribed to treat potential underlying issues. If blood clotting is causing miscarriages, a doctor may prescribe aspirin. Meanwhile, progesterone may be given as a suppository or injection to improve luteal phase defects.

Prescriptions can vary by concern

Keep in mind that the above list is not an exhaustive overview of every medication that might be prescribed. Note that, if present, other underlying health issues may be contributing to infertility and must be addressed first before attempting to correct fertility issues. Additionally, the fertility treatment method picked will also impact the medications prescribed, if any. Couples concerned about infertility should speak with a fertility specialist.

Prescription Refills

For added convenience download our app for Android or iPhone. RxLocal is an easy-to-use app that allows pharmacy customers to manage their entire family’s prescriptions, communicate with the pharmacy via secure messages, order refills, set medication reminders and find pharmacy location information.

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