Think about both the benefits and possible drawbacks of these drugs.
Fertility drugs for women were introduced in the United States in the early 1960s, and they have helped numerous women achieve pregnancy. Most fertility drugs enhance the likelihood of conception by inducing ovulation. Apart from infertility, these fertility drugs can also be utilized to address a variety of medical conditions in women.
Learn more about the best medications for increasing the chances of pregnancy by reading this article. It explains the mechanisms of action of these fertility drugs and discusses the pros and cons of their usage.
At what point do women require fertility drugs?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 19% of married women aged 15 to 49 who have not had children have trouble getting pregnant after one year of trying.
Infertility, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a medical condition that impacts the reproductive system and is marked by the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy following 12 months or more of consistent unprotected sexual intercourse.
Although fertility drugs are widely used, the most in-demand fertility service is actually fertility advice, which is utilized by 7% of women. Following closely behind is fertility testing, used by 6% of women. Meanwhile, fertility drugs are sought after by about 5% of couples seeking fertility services.
Fertility drugs are recommended for individuals experiencing infertility as a result of one or multiple health issues such as:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as well as endometriosis and additional issues related to ovulation.
- Problems with the thyroid gland
- Eating disorders can be described as a range of conditions that cause individuals to have an unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies.
- Weight issues whether it be being underweight, overweight, or engaging in intense exercise routines.
- Problems related to the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Your doctor may recommend fertility drugs to address your specific problem if you experience infrequent or missed ovulation due to the conditions mentioned above.
How do drugs that enhance fertility in women function?
Fertility drugs function by:
- Encouraging the ovaries to generate a greater number of eggs.
- Increasing certain hormone levels in the body to promote the development and release of multiple eggs in a single cycle, is a technique known as controlled ovarian hyperstimulation or superovulation.
- Avoiding premature ovulation during procedures involving assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Fertility drugs can also be used in combination with assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
What are the top fertility drugs for females?
The majority of fertility drugs help stimulate ovulation, but the most appropriate fertility drugs for you will vary based on the particular factors influencing your ovulation and fertility.
1. Clomiphene citrate
Clomiphene citrate induces ovulation by prompting the pituitary gland. It is commonly prescribed for women experiencing PCOS or other ovulatory problems. It is also advised for enhancing egg production in women who ovulate normally.
- During the first part of the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to take oral medication for five days.
- This regimen should be followed for a maximum of six menstrual cycles.
- Researchers have found that 80% of women experience ovulation when taking this medication, and half of those can become pregnant. The success rate of this treatment depends on factors such as age and individual characteristics of the women.
- There is a possibility that the medication could also raise the chances of having multiple pregnancies.
- There are multiple brand names for this medication, including Clomid, Clomidac, Bemot, and Clomifene.
2. Letrozole
Letrozole is commonly used to stimulate ovulation. This oral medication works by stimulating the pituitary glands to produce more FSH, which in turn triggers ovulation and the release of eggs. It is beneficial for women with PCOS and also for those without PCOS to improve egg production.
- During the first part of the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to take the medication for five days.
- It might be more effective than clomiphene for women with PCOS.
- Women who do not respond well to clomiphene citrate show a higher rate of ovulation when using letrozole.
- It can be found on the market with the brand name Femara.
3. Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)
hMG is a blend of FSH and LH hormones. The primary function of these hormones is to encourage the ovaries to generate and mature eggs. Gonadotropins are beneficial for females with normal ovaries but are unable to ovulate (produce eggs), which commonly occurs when there are issues with the pituitary gland.
- It is a medication that is typically administered through injection under the skin.
- The injections are administered two to three days after the beginning of the menstrual cycle and can continue for a duration of seven to twelve days.
- Menopur, Pergonal, and Repronex are three brand names for the drug.
4. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
This medication functions similarly to hMG in that it prompts the ovaries to generate additional follicles, leading to increased production of eggs.
- It is a medication that is administered through injection.
- The duration of the treatment ranges from ten to 12 days, determined by the period needed for the eggs to reach maturity.
- The medication can be found with various brand names including Gonal-F, Follistim AQ, Fostimon, Bemfola, Puregon, Pergoveris, and Bravelle.
5. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
The injectable drug helps the eggs to develop and release.
- It is prescribed as the ultimate step in ART therapy.
- The medication can be found under different brand names such as Choragon, Ovitrelle, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, and Profasi.
6. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists
GnRH antagonists are given to women undergoing Controlled Ovarian Stimulation (COS) in conjunction with IVF. These medications reduce the production of FSH and LH, hormones responsible for triggering egg release from the ovaries. By inhibiting spontaneous ovulation, GnRH antagonists ensure eggs are only matured during IVF treatment.
- They can be obtained in the form of injections.
- Typically, they are used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy.
- The brand names Lutrepulse and Factrel are where they can be found.
7. Metformin hydrochloride
Metformin is commonly used to enhance the body’s response to insulin and manage diabetes. It can also be effective in addressing ovulation issues in women with PCOS. This medication taken by mouth can help regulate estrogen and testosterone levels, thereby promoting regular ovulation.
- Metformin is sometimes used in combination with clomiphene in certain situations.
- The dosage and length of time for taking metformin will vary based on the patient’s specific medical needs.
- It can be found under the trademark Glucophage.
8. Bromocriptine and Cabergoline (Dopamine antagonists)
These medications are prescribed to address irregular levels of prolactin hormone that disrupt the process of ovulation. Elevated levels of prolactin can be induced by pituitary tumors, thyroid disorders, renal issues, and certain antidepressants, resulting in ovulation complications.
- They are taken by mouth.
- These medications can be found with the brand names Parlodel and Cycloset (Bromocriptine), as well as Dostinex (Cabergoline).
What are the potential adverse effects of fertility drugs on women?
Similar to any other medical intervention, fertility drugs also come with potential side effects, particularly when used over an extended period. Adverse reactions associated with certain fertility drugs may include:
- Some medications can result in minor side effects like changes in mood, hot flashes, headaches, restlessness, and irritability.
- The medication raises the likelihood of having more than one baby at a time.
- Multiple births are linked to an increased chance of premature labor.
- Ovarian stimulation syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries swell abnormally due to fluid accumulation. This syndrome can result in symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, difficulty breathing, swelling, and decreased urine output.
- Women who receive IVF treatments are at higher risk of experiencing ectopic pregnancy.
Fertility drugs have been effective in assisting women with getting pregnant for a considerable period. If you are facing infertility issues related to conditions like thyroid disorders, eating disorders, or weight problems, your physician might recommend these medications. Some commonly prescribed fertility drugs include Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole, which function by stimulating the pituitary gland to trigger ovulation, whereas metformin hydrochloride improves the body’s insulin sensitivity and helps in managing diabetes. While these medications can result in side effects such as headaches, restlessness, and nausea, many women have reported positive outcomes from using them. It is crucial to only use these drugs under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Key Pointers of ‘Fertility Drugs for Women: When to Use Them and How They Function ‘
- Fertility drugs are given to women who have fertility problems caused by medical conditions like issues with ovulation, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
- These medications are used in conjunction with fertility treatments to encourage superovulation, regulate hormones, and prevent early ovulation.
- Some of the fertility drugs that are often prescribed are clomiphene citrate, letrozole, metformin, dopamine antagonists, and gonadotropins.
- Prolonged use of fertility drugs can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, and ovarian stimulation syndrome.
