Thursday, November 13, 2008

Infertility Drugs

Common Infertility Drugs and Their Usage

When a couple is dealing with the issues of reproductive challenges and possible infertility, there may be some simple measures they can take to increase their chances of conceiving.  For others, however, they may get a recommendation from their doctor that they begin a round of infertility drugs in order to help them along.  If this is the case, we have assembled some helpful information about the most common infertility drugs, typically prescribed to the woman, along with their usage.  Here is the rundown:

Bravelle Inj


This medication provides the hormone (FSH) that helps cause the ovaries to produce eggs.  This medication is usually used in combination with other infertility drugs, including a hormone (hCG) for the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).  This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

Bromocriptine Oral

Bromocriptine is one of the infertility drugs used to treat hormonal problems caused by high levels of a certain chemical made by the body (prolactin).  Such problems include unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, decreased sperm production, and decreased sexual ability.  Because of possible serious side effects (e.g., high blood pressure, seizure, heart attack, stroke), bromocriptine is not recommended for stopping unwanted breast milk after pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion.  Note that this is true for all infertility drugs – they should be used for their intended purpose and nothing else.

Chorionic Gonadotropin IM

This medication is used in women to treat fertility problems.  It is given after finishing another other infertility drugs (menotropins) to cause the release of an egg (ovulation).  It should not be used in women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

Clomid Oral


This medication is used to treat infertility in women.  It works by stimulating an increase in the amount of hormones that support the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).  As with many infertility drugs, this medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary pituitary or ovarian failure).

Menopur SubQ


This medication provides follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that help healthy ovaries to make eggs.  This medication is usually used in combination with other infertility drugs, including another hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin-hCG) to help you become pregnant by bringing about the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation).  This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary ovarian failure).

As with all infertility drugs, be sure that you are in constant communication with your doctor about their dosage, storage, possible side effects, and of course the length of time for which you should take them.  Make sure that you are very clear on all the necessary information and don’t hesitate to speak up if you have questions or need further assistance in understanding these things – after all, infertility drugs are very strong medicines, and you will need to make the decision about whether or not they are the best course of treatment for you.

Fertility Treatment

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