Medications Used for Ovarian Stimulation
In fertility treatments, ovarian stimulation drugs play a crucial role in increasing the number of eggs a woman’s ovaries produce. This drug improves the chances of successful fertilization, especially in procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of medications used:
1. Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are injectable hormones that directly stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a key component within these medications, as it promotes the growth and development of follicles.
Common Gonadotropin Medications
- Gonal-F
- Follistim
- Bravelle
- Menopur
2. GnRH Agonists (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists)
GnRH Agonists medications act by temporarily suppressing the natural hormonal communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. This controlled environment prevents premature ovulation, allowing more follicles to develop and mature for potential fertilization.
Examples of GnRH Agonists
- Lupron (injection)
- Synarel (nasal spray)
3. GnRH Antagonists
Similar to GnRH agonists, these medications also suppress premature ovulation. However, they work more rapidly and are typically preferred during controlled ovarian stimulation cycles.
Common GnRH Antagonists
- Cetrotide
- Ganirelix
4. Oral Medications
While less common than injectable options, some oral medications can be used for ovarian stimulation in specific cases.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)
This medication is an example, although it’s more commonly used for ovulation induction in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles rather than IVF due to its milder effect.
5. Trigger Medications
Once the follicles have matured sufficiently, a final push is needed for the eggs to complete their development and be released for fertilization. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) serves this purpose. It mimics the body’s natural surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), triggering final egg maturation and ovulation. This ensures mature eggs are ready for retrieval during procedures like IVF.
Conclusion
Consulting a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate ovarian stimulation medication for your situation. They can discuss the different drug options, their potential side effects, and how they fit into your personalized fertility treatment plan. With the advancements in fertility medications, there are more options than ever before to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family.
Sishu Fertility Clinic & IVF Center is a leading provider of fertility and IVF treatments in Nepal, known for its high success rates and expert care. With a team of top fertility specialists and gynecologists, the clinic offers personalized treatments, including IVF, IUI, ICSI, PCOS and advanced reproductive technologies, ensuring optimal outcomes and compassionate support throughout the fertility journey.