photo of different types of medications

A Guide: Understanding Fertility Medications

Fertility medications play a key role in helping people on their path to parenthood. These medications work in various ways, from stimulating ovulation to regulating hormones or improving egg and sperm quality. At Mount Sinai Fertility, we personalize treatments to meet each patient’s needs, offering expert care and guidance every step of the way.

What Are Fertility Medications and How Do They Work?

Fertility medications are used in treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination), and ovulation induction. They can help:

  • Stimulate ovulation in individuals who do not ovulate regularly.
  • Stimulate multiple follicles to develop simultaneously
  • Induce or trigger ovulation
  • Supplement or create the optimal reproductive environment.

Let’s explore the categories of fertility medications and how they contribute to your fertility journey.

1. Ovulation Induction Medications

These medications stimulate ovulation, to help facilitate for and egg to be released from the ovary.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Serophene):

  • Helps the body produce hormones needed for ovulation.
  • Often prescribed for individuals with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Letrozole (Femara):

  • Originally used for breast cancer treatment, now a trusted option for ovulation induction.
  • Especially effective for those with PCOS.

2. Stimulating the Ovaries

Gonadotropins are injectable medications that encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, improving the chances of conception.

Gonadotropins:

  • Contain Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) or a combination
  • Promotes the growth of ovarian follicles containing eggs.
  • Examples: Gonal-F, Puregon, Pergoveris, Menopur, Luveris

3. Additional  Medications

These medications are often used as part of a treatment cycle to ensure the optimal reproductive environment. .

GnRH Agonists and Antagonists:

  • Prevent premature ovulation in IVF cycles by controlling hormone release.
  • Examples: Lupron (agonist), Cetrotide, Ganirelix (antagonists).

Estrogen

  • Prepares the ovaries for stimulation
  • Grows the uterine lining for implantation

Progesterone:

  • Prepares and maintains the uterine lining for implantation.
  • Available as injections, vaginal suppositories, or oral capsules.

4. Trigger Shots

Trigger shots, such as Ovidrel,  Pregnyl or triptorelin, are used alongside ovulation induction or IVF to ensure eggs are ready for release or retrieval at the right time.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each medication is chosen based on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan. Monitoring is essential to ensure safety and success. Blood tests and ultrasounds will track your body’s response, helping your fertility team adjust your medications as needed.

Managing Side Effects and Safety of Fertility Medications

During fertility treatment, medications play a key role in stimulating egg development and regulating hormones. However, they can also cause side effects.

Common Side Effects

Most people experience some bloating and fullness in the lower abdomen during an IVF cycle. This is a normal response and usually means the medications are working. Other possible side effects include:

  • Bruising or soreness at the injection site
  • Allergic reactions
  • Upset stomach or digestive discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Mood changes

If you have concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can provide guidance on how to manage symptoms or adjust your treatment if needed.

Fertility Medications and Long-Term Health

There is currently no strong evidence linking fertility medications to breast or ovarian cancer. However, research shows that individuals with infertility—regardless of medication use— and people never have a pregnancy may have a higher risk of breast or ovarian cancer. More long-term studies are needed to fully understand any potential connections between fertility treatments and cancer.

At Mount Sinai Fertility, your health and safety are our top priorities. Our team carefully monitors your treatment to ensure the best outcomes for your fertility journey.

The Benefits of the Mount Sinai Fertility Onsite Pharmacy

Navigating fertility medications can feel overwhelming, but the onsite pharmacy at Mount Sinai Fertility makes the process easier and more supportive. Our pharmacists specialize in fertility treatments and work closely with your medical team to ensure you receive the right medications, at the right time, with clear instructions. Having experts available onsite means you can get immediate guidance on medication usage, storage, and potential side effects. This personalized support gives you peace of mind, knowing you have a dedicated team to guide you through every step of your fertility journey.

Your Path to Parenthood

Fertility medications provide hope and possibilities for individuals and couples facing challenges in their fertility journey. At Mount Sinai Fertility, our experienced team is here to support you with expert care and personalized treatment plans. If you have questions or want to learn more about fertility options, visit our website. Together, we can take the next step toward growing your family.