Pharmacological Fertility Assistance

At Viera Fertility Center, we often see couples who desire a family but after twelve months of trying have yet to conceive. After a battery of tests to discover what is truly keeping the family from creating life, we often prescribe fertility drugs. Here are just a few of the drug treatment therapies that have proven effective in facilitating conception, and how they are able to work with the body to increase the chances of conception.

Clomid

Clomid is one of the most widely prescribed fertility medications in America. In order to conceive a woman must ovulate and a viable sperm must reach the released ovum. If a woman is having trouble ovulating, Clomid is prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to mature and release an egg. It does this by stimulating the pituitary gland to release the hormones necessary for ovulation to occur,  luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. With the help of Clomid a woman’s reproductive organs will be able to mature and release an egg into the uterus. Depending on the particular fertility issues Intrauterine insemination or intercourse must be timed correctly to coincide with a clomid-induced ovulation.

Because is a drug that stimulates the release of hormones, any other  existing hormonal issues that bar you couple from conceiving a child must be tested and taken into account before beginning the use of Clomid. After testing and the determination that Clomid is the right medication for the job, it will be prescribed in a five day cycle. This pharmaceutical is taken orally and will be first prescribed in a low dosage of 50 milligrams. if a patient does not ovulate the dose will be increased under the supervision of her fertility specialist. In most cases ovulation occurs within five days after treatment. Around  70 to 80% of patients with ovulatory dysfunction find success with the administration of Clomid and 60 – 70% of those patients will become pregnant within six cycles of Clomid.

Side effects from using Clomid include multiple pregnancies ovarian enlargement and cysts, pain and abdominal tenderness, nausea or diarrhea, and breast tenderness. It is important to discuss any side effects with your fertility doctor  If you experience any of these, discuss your concerns as well.

Letrozole

Letrozole is a medication approved by the FDA to treat certain types of breast cancer. However it has proven to be effectively used “ off-label”  to treat fertility disorders. Its function is similar to Clomid and that it stimulates the pituitary gland and the release luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone which cause the ovaries to mature and release end egg. However it uses a different mechanism of  to achieve this end. It has a shorter lifespan in the body and is not associated with some of the side effects of Clomid, such as ovarian cysts and multiple pregnancy.   It is taken in a 2.5 milligram tablet or 5 milligram tablets for five days. Ovulation normally occurs between five and ten days after the last treatment. The use of Letrozole is also timed with IUI and intercourse to achieve pregnancy. It shares a similar ovulation rate of 60 – 70% and a healthy pregnancy rate of 15% per month it is taken.

Side effects of Letrozole include musculoskeletal pain, sweating, difficulty, sleeping, nausea tiredness, and hot flashes.

Gonadotropins

Gonadotropins  are another type of pharmacological fertility assistant. Instead of stimulating the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone  and cause a woman to ovulate, gonadotropin are the hormones that cause a woman to ovulate. These hormones stimulates the ovaries to mature and release multiple eggs. Gonadotropins must be self-administered by injection into the abdomen. They require the watchful eye  and expertise of a fertility specialist. Monitoring the cycles of this drug are extensive and require blood work and ultrasound to ensure the right amount of hormones are used, the length of treatment is sufficient, and to monitor the risk of side effects.

Side effects of using gonadotropins are multiple pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and the twisting of the ovaries which may necessitate surgery to fix.

Fertility treatments are very serious endeavors. Depending which fertility issues is keeping a couple from becoming parents one of these three medications may help them to become pregnant. If you and your partner have been unsuccessful at conceiving a child for twelve months, call our office today. Tests will enable this Melbourne, Florida fertility specialist to diagnose your condition and educate you on your options for treatment.