Fertility drugs – gonadotropins

When it comes to conceiving a child, some couples have more difficult than others. The reproductive systems of the human body are very delicate and sometimes require some outside types of treatment in order to successfully allow the woman to conceive a child. There are many different types of medication that are available that can aid the process, and in this article, we’ll be focusing on a family of drugs known as gonadotropins so that you can learn more about the options that you have for fertility enhancement.

Gonadotropins are a type of drug that is usually prescribed to women who are unable to become fertile after trying to take another type of fertility drug known as clomiphene. Other problems may cause a doctor to prescribe gonadotropins without trying clomiphene first, such as women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome or luteal phase defects. The drug is injected into the body for a period of seven to twelve days, after which ovulation will be stimulated to a point where several eggs are produced. The shots should be taken roughly three days after the menstrual cycle begins, continuing to receive injections until the eggs mature. The shots can be taken in your own home, and doctors often train the female’s partner to administer the injections. You may also have to visit the doctor’s office several times in order to have ultrasounds and blood tests performed in order to ensure that the procedure is working as planned. Once the eggs have become mature, you will receive another type of gonadotropin shot that tells your body that it should release the eggs into the fallopian tubes. Ovulation will then begin in the next day and a half, and during that period, you should ensure that you have sex or schedule an intrauterine insemination with the fertility doctor in order to conceive. This type of procedure tends to work within the first three to six cycles. If a conception has not occurred after six cycles, the doctor may recommend a different course of action.

As with other drugs, gonadotropins have some side effects that you may experience when receiving the injections. Abdominal tenderness, weight gain, and fluid retention are amongst the most commonly occurring side effects. Another important factor to consider before taking gonadotropins is the chance of multiple births that you face. Between ten and forty percent of all women taking gonadotropins in order to increase their fertility end up having twins, triplets, or even more children from one conception. That being said, between twenty and sixty percent of all women who take gonadotropins to conceive are successful when it comes to having children. It is an expensive procedure, however, costing between two and six thousand dollars per cycle of drugs. Some insurance policies cover the procedure, however, so be sure to consult your company before making the decision. Be sure to heavily discuss the procedure with your fertility doctor in order to ensure that it is the proper process for you and that it will help you in your journey towards conception. Good luck!