22 Jun Fertility Medications: What You Need to Know
At Fertility Specialist Medical Group (FSMG), our team understands that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for infertility. This is particularly true of fertility drugs and medications — which are highly individualized.
FSMG works diligently to provide flexible, attentive care while getting to know each patient. By creating this atmosphere, we can address any issues a patient may have while administering fertility medications during fertility treatment.
Whether by injection or orally, taking fertility medications exactly as prescribed is crucial for treatment success. It can appear daunting, as a patient may need numerous injections yet have no experience in self-administering medications in this manner.
Common Fertility Medications
Some of the most common fertility medications include the following.
- Gonadotropins are injectable hormones used to increase the number of follicles (which contain eggs) prior to ovulation or egg retrieval for IVF.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and agonists are medications that prevent premature ovulation prior to egg retrieval or intrauterine insemination (IUI). GnRH agonists, like Lupron, can also be used to signal the body to release mature eggs after the follicles have developed.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) drives the development and maturation of follicles (which contain eggs) in the ovaries.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an injectable fertility medication that signals the body to release mature eggs after the follicles have developed.
Fertility Treatment Injections
When undergoing IVF, IUI, ovulation induction and other fertility treatments at FSMG, it can require medication via injections. These injections are most often done in the patient’s home, not in the fertility clinic — due to the number of injections and timing necessary for treatment.
As some patients may require up to 90 injections per IVF cycle, it is important to understand how to properly administer the different medications.
The more familiar you are with the injections, the less anxiety you will likely experience. Check out injection training, preparation, and administration for commonly used medications during fertility treatment.
We are invested in our patients’ treatment and journey through reproductive care — which includes investing the time and care necessary for our patients to fully understand their fertility medication.