|  | Conditions Treatments | Infertility

What Are the Kinds of Fertility Drugs & What Are the Risks?

Certain drugs can be prescribed to women to boost fertility and manage hormonal levels. The drugs may be self-administered by pill or injection or received at a doctor's office. Fertility drugs are prescribed only by doctors who have experience treating fertility issues such as obstetricians and reproductive endocrinologists. A variety of drugs are on the market, and each comes with its own distinct side effects.

  1. Aspirin

    • Low-dose aspirin is often prescribed to women during IVF cycles and suggested to women who have had multiple early miscarriages. Aspirin is a blood thinner that prevents clots in the uterus that would impair an implanting egg. The most common risks of use are gastrointestinal side effects such as heartburn and upset stomach, according to HealthSquare.com.

    Clomiphene

    • Clomiphene, marketed as brands Clomid and Serophene, is a pill taken by women to strengthen ovulation. Risks of consumption include temporary and longer-term side effects. According to Drugs.com, the most common side effect observed during clinical studies is ovarian enlargement followed by hot flashes. The side effects indicated cease after the drug is stopped. A further risk of use is releasing more than one egg; a clomiphene user has an 8 percent chance of having a multiple birth.

    FSH

    • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is naturally released in the body after menstruation to prepare eggs for ovulation. It can be given in the form of a shot during infertility treatment cycles to cause eggs to mature. According to the American Pregnancy Association, side effects may include overstimulated ovaries and mood disorders. Longer-term risks include higher probability of having multiple birth due to more than one egg being released at ovulation.

    hCG

    • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that naturally exists in the human body. It is administered in shot form to trigger ovulation. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are no side effects known.

    Heparin

    • Like aspirin, heparin is a drug that acts as a blood thinner. It is administered by injection. Heparin prevents clotting and lowers the risk of miscarriage. It is given to women who have had miscarriages in the past or who have certain blood clotting disorders that would complicate pregnancy. According to Shared Journey, risks of use include bone loss, nosebleeds, excessively heavy menstruation and hair loss.

    Leuprolide

    • Leuprolide, marketed as Lupron, is a versatile injectable drug used to treat a variety of female reproductive health issues. For infertility treatment, it is given during IVF cycles to prevent ovulation from occurring prematurely by reducing the amount of estrogen in the body. It puts the body in a menopausal-like state. Risks include short-term side effects such as acne, hirsuteness, hot flashes and body pain. Long-term complications may include birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Infertility - Related Articles