The Side Effects of Ovarian Simulation Medicine

Many couples experience problems that prevent them from being able to have a child, so they seek the help of infertility specialists. These specialists can recommend forms of treatment and procedures that can help couples increase their chance of conceiving. Many of the treatments require taking medication, and these medications do carry the risk of side effects. Some of the side effects may not be drastic, and others may be more uncomfortable.

Side Effects Associated With Clomiphene Citrate

• In order to help a woman produce eggs, she may need help stimulating her ovaries. There are certain medications prescribed by infertility specialists that can help. One medication is called Clomiphene Citrate. This medication is usually the doctor's first choice when it comes to ovarian stimulation. This medication is given for the first five days of menstruation. It has low risks of side effects, but the most common ones to be seen with this drug are hot flashes, gas and possible minor visual disturbances.

Gonadotropin Side Effects

• Gonadotropins are a natural hormone already produced in the body. In females, they stimulate the ovaries. Gonadotropins produce two hormones: FSH (female stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Doctors often prescribe medications that simulate gonadotropins: Repronex, Bravelle, Pergona, Follistim and Gonal-f. Side effects of these medications are primarily multiple birth (meaning more than one embryo). They can also cause hyperstimulation, which causes nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath, fluid retention and weight gain.

Clomid and Famara Side Effects

• Although Clomid and Famara are generally tolerated fairly well by patients, side effects can occur. For most women, these side effects are mild and generally disappear once the treatment ends. Known side effects of these medications are nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, blurred vision or disturbances, pelvic pain, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Some less frequent side effects are loss of hair, constipation, rash, depression, vertigo and vaginal dryness. Some of these side effects can be treated while on the medication, while others will not disappear until after treatment.

Side Effects of Ganirelix

• Ganirelix is used in tandem with a follicle-stimulating hormone. It is used to help an egg develop to maturity that could not normally do so on its own. Women who are allergic to latex should not use this medication, nor should those who have adrenal problems, thyroid problems, or already have cancer. Side effects of Ganirelix are severe pelvic pain, swelling of the hands and feet, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing and headache. The headache is serious because it could indicate a blood clot somewhere in the head. Headaches that occur with this medication should always be reported right away.

Considerations With Ovarian Stimulating Medications

• Because most medications are known to have a list of side effects, all medications can be dangerous. Many medications also have the potential to produce side effects not associated with them. If you ever experience an unusual problem or symptom, tell your doctor right away. Never assume that a symptom you feel is normal or not a big deal. All side effects related to medications are considered potentially dangerous.

Misconceptions of Ovarian Stimulation Medications

• Many people think that ovarian stimulating medications will be the answer they are looking for when it comes to getting pregnant. Despite increasing the chance for a pregnancy while taking ovarian stimulators, there is no guarantee that a pregnancy will happen. Some women have to go through years of infertility treatments in order to achieve one pregnancy, as well as trying multiple types of treatments. A medication or treatment that works for one woman may not work for another.