Fertility Drugs
 Several
fertility drugs may be used to treat infertility based
upon the couple's diagnosis. We discuss the five major
categories here.
Ovulation
induction medications stimulate ovulation or cause the
ovaries to develop multiple eggs within the follicles.
These include hormones such as follicle stimulating
hormone (Gonal-F) which act directly on the ovary and
clomiphene (Serophene) which stimulates ovulation through
it's action on the hypothalamus. Drugs such as human
chorionic gonadotropin (Ovidrel and Profasi) stimulate
the ovary to ovulate the eggs in preparation for fertilization.
Some fertility drugs, such as Parlodel or estrogen are
used to correct hormonal imbalances.
Progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to thicken,
become infused with greater blood supply, and provide
a optimal developmental environment for the embryo.
GNRH agonists, like Lupron, are often used to time ovulation
and treat endometriosis.
Fertility
drugs, such as GNRH antagonists (Antagon, Cetrotide),
directly block the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary.
These drugs are used to time ovulation and optimize
cycle response. Each fertility drug is discussed in
detail in separate sections of the Web site.
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