Fertility drugs are a common treatment for infertility caused by ovulation disorders. There are several different types of fertility drugs, and they basically work by stimulating the release of the hormones that cause ovulation. Prior to prescribing fertility drugs, your doctor must pinpoint your exact hormonal/fertility issue; this is because the use of hormones is so prevalent with fertility drug therapy.
Clomid
The first fertility drug we will talk about is an oral medication called Clomid, or Serophene, which has been used for over 25 years. Clomid is often a doctor's first choice because it has been used for so long, and it has proven effective time and time again. This particular drug is an anti-estrogen drug that works by stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to release hormones that
induce ovulation.
Clomid is often used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive therapies such as
in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. An estimated 60% to 80% of women who take Clomid will ovulate, and about half will become pregnant, within three cycles. If you fail to ovulate or become pregnant with the Clomid therapy alone, your doctor will place you on injectable hormone therapy in conjunction with the Clomid.
What to Expect
A fertility specialist will train your partner on how to give injections so that your partner can deliver your medication for you. Injectable fertility drugs are hormone based and designed to work with, or against your specific hormonal problem. These hormones, like the Clomid, have a high rate of success, and with the mixture of the two fertility drugs you should find yourself pregnant soon!
Once on fertility drugs, your
fertility specialist will most likely perform several tests to monitor your hormone levels, and estimate an ovulation date. Don't forget many doctors and fertility specialists suggest the use of fertility drugs in conjunction with fertility procedures. This is because many of these procedures are extremely expensive and fertility drugs greatly increase the chances of conception, or implantation, which ever the case may be.
Ultimately the choice of whether or not to take fertility drugs is yours. Just remember the doctor has your best interest at heart, and will perform many tests to ensure you receive the correct drug, or hormone necessary to conceive.