Myths & Facts About Fertility Medications

myths-facts-about-fertility-medications

The treatment of infertility is not possible without the use of fertility medications. There are several medications used to prepare the uterus for treatment and raise the probability that the ovaries will release many healthy eggs. The type of medication will depend on your situation but in general most women are given at least 2-4 different types of medications.

The first thing to know about these medications is that you will never be told that sometimes they do not work. Doctors will make it sound like every medication works and that is far from truth. No one knows why some women do not respond to these medications and it is a complete “hit and miss” event.

The second thing which many fertility doctors never take time to explain is that every single medication used to treat infertility has side effects. These side effects vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. If the side effects are not tolerable, then the doctor usually switches the medications.

The third thing you need to know is that these medications are also prohibitively expensive. By the time you have been through several cycles, you will have spent enough money for a down payment on a car.

The one medication that all women with infertility are prescribed is clomiphene. The medication works in the brain and is used to stimulate ovulation in women who have infrequent or absent periods. It is only taken for a few days but as the dose is increased it can cause hot flashes, breast tenderness, nausea, headache, mood swings and lower abdominal discomfort.

Another very common medication used to trigger ovulation is an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin. This drug is relatively safe and does not cause side effects as long as it is not taken with other fertility medications.

Women who do not respond to HCG or clomiphene are administered follicle stimulating hormone or human menopausal gonadotrophin as an injection just below the skin. These hormones have several unpleasant side effects like nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and lower abdominal pain. These are very potent medications and only administered to women who fail to respond to the above medications.

Women who have high levels of prolactin are often prescribed bromocriptine or cabergoline by mouth. These medications can cause nausea, severe vomiting, headache, fainting, and dizziness.

Some women are administered medications like Lupron and Zoladex to prevent premature ovulation. These medications prevent the mid cycle hormonal surge which can result in a cancelled cycle. They have a few side effects like hot flashes, headache, insomnia and mood swings.

There are many other medications prescribed to women with infertility and they include steroids, antibiotics like doxycycline and progesterone injections.

The type of medication you will receive will depend on how you respond and your overall condition. The one thing you can rest assured is that you cannot conceive if these medications are not used. Unfortunately there are no herbs, lotions, potions, or magical solutions that can help women with infertility.