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What Are Good Fertility Drugs?

Fertility drugs are used to help infertile couples conceive. The drugs can balance hormone levels, stimulate ovulation and boost sperm production. Several fertility drugs may be prescribed by a reproductive endocrinologist.

  1. Types

    • Fertility drugs can act directly on ovulation disorders or can be used to treat underlying conditions. Some drugs used for fertility treatment are used off-label, because they were intended to treat other dysfunctions but also have proven effective for increasing fertility.

    Function

    • Drugs like metformin and bromocriptine are used to treat underlying conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or adrenal insufficiency that can disrupt ovulation.

    Oral Medications

    • Clomiphene citrate is an oral medication used to induce ovulation or increase sperm supply. This is usually the first drug doctors suggest.

    Injectables

    • Fertility drugs known as gonadotrophins are injectable medications that are taken at different points in the menstrual cycle to induce ovulation. These types of fertility drugs can increase the risk of multiples by up to 40 percent, according to Babycenter.com.

    Supportive Medications

    • Medications such as progesterone, heparin or baby aspirin might be prescribed to maintain a pregnancy. These drugs are usually started during the latter half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation has been confirmed, and they are discontinued if no pregnancy has occurred.

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