Medication And IVF Go Hand In Hand
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fantastic option for couples or unique cases struggling with conception. These struggles could be due to infertility or, in the case of same-sex couples. A successful IVF cycle requires the use of fertility medication in crucial moments. These hormone-boosting drugs help women develop and release mature eggs or get ready for implantation. Women are required to take gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and missing even a single dose may affect IVF cycles. Working with the fertility team and pharmacists can improve adherence and possibly lead to pregnancy.
Understanding the role of GnRH
Multiple hormones play a critical role in each reproductive cycle. GnRH, however, stands out above the rest. Created in the brain’s hypothalamus, GnRH is the primary hormone that triggers the others during ovulation. GnRH moves through the bloodstream and stimulates the pituitary gland. The hormone then tells this gland to release gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which then travels to the ovaries. FSH is necessary to produce the required follicles for fertilization. GnRH also tells the pituitary gland to release more LH for ovulation. Thanks to this step, an egg can be released from the ovary. GnRH is also necessary to produce essential hormones, like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in men and women.
What are GnRH agonists?
GnRH agonists are a class of fertility medications. The drug is administered via injection at strategic times during an IVF cycle. The goal is to boost the body’s natural GnRH production. GnRH agonists bind to existing GnRH receptors in the initial stages of ovulation. The additional flood of GnRH boosts FSH and LH production. The fertility medications allow the IVF team to control the timing of ovulation and optimize egg retrieval. More FSH can help produce multiple follicles which are then extracted. At some point, GnRH agonists also desensitize the receptors, preventing overstimulation and premature ovulation.
Medication adherence makes or breaks IVF
Most IVF patients agree that taking medication is a challenging part of the process. As a result, some patients may fail to take the correct doses at the right time. Timing is everything with IVF cycles, especially when using GnRH agonists. Failure to do so means the fertility team cannot effectively control hormone levels and optimize follicle stimulation. Insufficient medication disrupts the quality and quantity of eggs retrieved. Poor medication adherence can also lead to premature ovulation. Remember, GnRH is continuously used during the cycle to decrease FSH and LH production. If this step fails, the eggs can be released prematurely, leading to the cancellation of the IVF cycle. The result can be costly to the patient, emotionally taxing, and disrupt the treatment's potential.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
The first step after missing a dose is to seek advice from the fertility team immediately. Failing to speak to the team can be costly or limit the best possible outcome. Avoid taking a double dose, as the flood of hormones can lead to side effects. The fertility team, especially the pharmacist, can advise individuals on the next course of action. The pharmacist can recommend taking the dose quickly based on the circumstances or changing the IVF timeline. The pharmacy can also provide guidance on future doses, discuss side effects, and adjust the treatment accordingly. Cancellation is only considered if multiple doses are missed or there is a poor response to the medication. The IVF patient must continue the schedule as best as possible to prevent possible IVF failure.
Don’t skip your GnRH
Fertility medication is necessary at almost every stage of IVF. The fertility team’s job is to ensure the IVF patient has the correct doses of medication. The patient’s job is to take the medication on time and correctly. Complications and mishaps can arise, leading to a missed dose of GnRH agonists, arguably the most crucial medicines in the process. The ideal situation is to stick to the schedule and strive not to miss any GnRH agonist dose. In the unfortunate case of non-adherence, don’t panic. Contact the fertility team immediately and discuss the following steps to ensure a successful cycle. Missing this crucial step is likely to end in restarting the process.
