Medications
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Medications Commonly Used in Fertility Treatments
| Medication | Description |
|---|---|
| Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) | An oral medication that indirectly stimulates ovulation by prompting the pituitary gland to release more LH and FSH. Typically taken on cycle days 5–9 (or 3–7) for 5 days. |
| Estrogen (Estrace, Vivelle, Delestrogen) | A hormone that helps prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. It can be administered by pill, patch, or injection. |
| HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel, Ovidrel) | An injectable hormone that supports the final stages of egg maturation and triggers ovulation (egg release). |
| Gonadotropins (Gonal-F, Follistim, Repronex, Menopur, Bravelle) | Injectable medications containing FSH (and sometimes LH) that directly stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles and produce eggs. |
| GnRH Agonist (Leuprolide/Lupron) | A medication that helps regulate ovulation by initially stimulating, then suppressing, the body’s natural hormone production. Often used to prevent premature ovulation in IVF cycles. In smaller or “micro” doses, it can be used in a flare protocol to stimulate the release of natural FSH and LH early in the cycle. Lupron can also be used as an ovulation trigger, particularly when reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is important. |
| GnRH Antagonist (Ganirelix, Cetrotide) | Injectable medications that quickly suppress ovulation, commonly used during ovarian stimulation to control timing. |
| Insulin Sensitizers (Metformin, Glucophage, Fortamet) | Oral medications often used for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These help reduce insulin resistance and androgen levels, which can support more regular ovulation. May be used alone or in combination with other fertility treatments. |
| Progesterone (vaginal suppositories, Crinone, Prometrium, progesterone in oil) | A hormone essential for preparing the uterus lining and supporting implantation. Administered orally, vaginally (as a suppository or gel), or by injection, often used during the luteal phase or after embryo transfer. |