Medications are normal part of infertility treatment and in vitro fertilization IVF procedure. The medications are used to prepare the body for treatment . They also  increase the probability that more healthy eggs are released  from  the ovaries.

A reproductive specialist can help you decide which medication is best for you after evaluation.

Medications used for ovarian stimulation

Clomiphene citrate (CC) : There are two types of medications. These are Clomid® and Serophene®. They work by increasing  the amount of FSH the pituitary gland secretes.  They are used to stimulate ovulation in women who have no periods, irregular periods or long cycle. It is usually started with 50mg a day for a certain amount of days.  Dosage may be increased if no ovulation has occurred. It is recommended by The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)  that clomiphene be prescribed for only 3-6 cycles.

Synthetic Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) :  These are intra muscular injections used to stimulate ovulation. It is often used when other medications have been taken to induce ovulation. Common human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) medications include: Pregnyl®, Profasi® Novarel® and Ovidrel®.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) :  This  injection is given just below the skin and  bypasses the hypothalamus  and pituitary glands to directly  stimulate follicle growth in the ovaries . Some of the medications include Bravelle®, Follistim® and Gonal-F®.

Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG):  This injection contains equal parts of FSH and LH (luteinizing hormone). It is given to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during one cycle. Some of the medications include Menopur® or Repronex® .

Bromocriptine and Cabergoline : This is an oral medication. It is used to reduce the amount of prolactin  released by the pituitary gland. The brand name for bromocriptine is Parlodel® and the brand name for cabergoline is Dostinex®.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) : This is a medication used to stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH. Common names for GnRH medications include: Factrel® and Lutrepulse®.

Medications that are used to prevent premature ovulation

GnRH Agonists (Analogs) : These are two types of this medication.Lupron® and Zoladex® are injections given below the skin and Synarel® is a nasal spray. They are used to enable the body produce a higher number of quality eggs. They are also designed to prevent  a mid cycle hormonal surge which can result in a cancelled cycle.

GnRH Antagonists :  Ganirelix Acetate® and Cetrotide®, are injections administered for three to four days. They operate as an antagonist of the gonadotropin causing the hormone (GnRH) to  be released. This will help prevent premature ovulation.

Other medications used to enhance fertility treatment include the following :

Doxycycline : This is an oral antibiotics . It is given to the male partner during stimulation cycle to reduce the level of bacteria which may be found in the semen. It can also be given to the female partner to decrease the risk of infection after aspiration of the follicles at the time of egg retrieval.

Medrol : This steroid is provided daily for 4 days during the cycle to assist with pre embryo implantation.

Progesterone : Inntra – muscular injection   provided daily 2 days after retrieval and finishing when the placenta is creating appropriate amounts of progesterone. Progesterone may be administered through a vaginal gel, suppository or in a pill.

Fertility supplements : These are natural , non prescription fertility supplements that contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants  and / or herbs. The help improve their reproductive health.