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Fertility Medications and Infertility Treatment

Although drugs and doses vary between patients depending on medical conditions, responses, and other related factors, the following are some of the most common fertility medications used in the infertility treatment programs at the Fertility Center:

  • Prenatal vitamins – Prepare the body for conception and balance out nutrition deficiencies. This supplement is made specifically for women trying to become pregnant or who are already pregnant. Prenatal vitamins often contain all of the vitamins and minerals needed to support a healthy pregnancy such as Folic Acid, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, and so much more. 
  • Baby aspirin – Minimizes the chances of miscarriage. One study suggests that a daily dose of baby aspirin increases blood supply to the placenta due to its blood-thinning properties. In turn, the placenta can then continue to supply nutrients and oxygen to a developing baby. It is important to always get approval from your doctor before using baby aspirin for this purpose.
  • Birth control pills – Used to regulate menstruation prior to an IVF cycle. While the use of birth control pills may sound counterintuitive for infertility treatment, a medical professional may suggest using them to control a menstrual cycle and ovulation period to help schedule the right time for IVF treatment.
  • Zithromax – Helps prevent infection and harmful bacteria.
  • Clomid or Femara (generic Letrozele) – Inhibits estrogen to increase the release of follicle stimulating hormone, resulting in higher rates of ovulation and pregnancy.
  • Bravelle, Follistim, GonalF or Menopur – Controls the timing of egg maturation, allowing more follicles to be produced.
  • Ganirelix – Controls ovulation by rapidly suppressing the production and action of the luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
  • Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) (Brand names include Novarel and Pregnyl) Induces ovulation (release of the eggs from the ovaries) and is the hormone produced by an embryo shortly after conception.
  • Novarel (hCG), Pregnyl (hCG) – Stimulates the release of eggs in the ovaries.
  • Estrogen (Estradiol) – Stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. Estrogen is necessary for the normal function of the uterus. Females with low estrogen, however, can be infertile. Medical professionals may suggest certain techniques to increase Estrogen levels.
  • Progesterone – Prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation and fosters gestation, helping to achieve and maintain pregnancy.
  • Lupron – Controls ovulation by briefly increasing and then suppressing the production and action of the luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse if a woman is younger than age 35. The timing is reduced to six months of sex without conception when the female partner is age 35 or older. 

The use of fertility medications aims to help infertility treatments and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility medications prepare the body for treatment and increase the chances that healthy eggs are released from the ovaries. Our team of specialists can help evaluate your situation to determine the most appropriate medications for your situation.