When ART Meets Infertility
Infertility, or the inability to conceive naturally, was once a definitive diagnosis. Now, that’s no longer the case. Medicine and science have combined to create assisted reproductive technology (ART), techniques that increase the chances of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one such ART technique. By extracting eggs and creating embryos with sperm, the embryos are transferred into the woman’s uterus for each cycle. IVF medication is a necessary part of the process. Working with a pharmacist ensures the correct doses are given at the right time.
Medication requirements for egg development
IVF requires different hormones and agonists at different stages. The types of fertility medication and drug dosage will depend on factors like the patient's height, weight, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. One of the first drugs required is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. GnRH agonists bind to GnRH receptors in the brain to control ovulation. The drug also helps produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), essential for follicle production. Patients also require gonadotropins, a combination of FSH and LH medications, to produce enough follicles for harvesting.
Medication requirements for harvesting and implantation
When the follicles reach the desired size, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggers maturation. This hormone mimics the surge of LH, typical when the egg is mature and ready to be released into the fallopian tubes. The fertility team must retrieve these eggs at this juncture via a surgical procedure. The eggs are then combined with sperm to create viable embryos for implantation. Progesterone is the final IVF medication required. This hormone helps to thicken the endometrium and create the ideal environment for receiving the embryo. Without this drug, the chance of a successful implantation is reduced significantly.
Roles and responsibilities of your pharmacist
The extensive range of medications needed means that pharmacists play a critical role in IVF's success. A pharmacist connected to the IVF clinic dispenses the required hormone treatments. The patient receives the appropriate type and dosage based on the data collected by the fertility doctor. The pharmacist's primary responsibility is to describe the purpose of each drug and how to use each drug appropriately. As most drugs must be taken via injection, the pharmacist can explain injection techniques to make the process easier.
Additional support for better adherence
Medication adherence, or a lack thereof, can make or break the IVF process. The pharmacist's goal is to encourage and support IVF patients to take the medications as prescribed while addressing any obstacles. For instance, the pharmacist can address drug interactions and side effects disrupting adherence. Some go further to recommend vitamins, lifestyle modifications, or even create custom solutions to improve ART outcomes. Pharmacists are also a trusted resource, providing information and even support during what can be a taxing process. The pharmacist's role in IVF is growing, becoming a key figure in ensuring patients stay on track.
Your pharmacist contributes to your success
Fertility medication plays a crucial role in the success of almost all stages of IVF. The medication ramps up hormones and creates the ideal conditions for creating and harvesting eggs. Drugs like progesterone are also necessary for the final stages of IVF. Effective management of these hormones is possible with the help of a pharmacist. Using a collaborative approach, the pharmacist works with the patient to ensure that medications are available and taken at the right time. Pharmacists can also provide a listening ear and expert knowledge between visits with the fertility team. Take advantage of this valuable resource to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
