How Far should Medications go in Fertility Treatment?

19:33 23rd July 2019 | Fertility Treatment

Anyone who has undergone a fertility treatment will know that there are a lot of drugs to use. These drugs not only treat specific issues, but they also increase a woman's chances of conceiving and carrying a baby to term. One thing rings true, however: fertility drugs should not be taken without the recommendation of a fertility specialist/doctor. Taking fertility drugs only to boost your chances of getting pregnant may not work and could even lead to other complications.

This is a key point to note because the infertility problem could be a malefactor. Other reasons for not getting pregnant could be irregularities with the woman's cycle, imbalance in her hormones or underlying conditions.

What is the category of fertility drugs that can be used?

• Drugs to prompt ovulation

• Drugs that must be taken to prepare the body before ART (Assisted Reproductive Techniques) is applied

For women with ovary/ovulation problems, hormone imbalance and in cases of unexplained infertility, drugs used to prompt ovulation can help to increase one's chances of achieving conception. 1 in 4 women have problems with their ovulation*

A few medications (which you have probably heard of) include Clomid, Femara and Glucophage, just to mention a few.

Disclaimer: The use of these medications should be prescribed by a fertility specialist; self-prescription can have extremely negative/adverse effects.

In cases where drugs cannot treat the problem of infertility, ART is the next route to consider. ART includes:

• IUI - Intrauterine insemination

• IVF - In Vitro Fertilization

• ICSI - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

The kinds of drugs used when ART is the treatment option include:

• Ovulation drugs

• Ovulation trigger shots

• Progesterone

There are quite a lot of drugs! And as with our regular aspirins and cough syrups, all these medications have their side effects on the woman. The commonest side effects include:

• Mood swings

• Anxiety

• Nausea (and maybe vomiting)

• Headaches

• Breast tenderness and cramps

• OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome)

• Increased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer

All drugs cannot do the magic and ART isn't 100% either. But many people still take the chance just for an opportunity to be a parent, and in the long run, it pays off for about 30-40% of couples.

The truth is that all these side effects can be braved, sailed through and ultimately, the successful outcome is what matters to (intending) parents the most. A very important point to note is that, when seeking fertility treatment, be sure to get the best care available. Watch out for your caregivers, your doctors, specialists and nurses - are they empathetic? Do they feel your pain and always seek to comfort and encourage you? Are they responsive to your symptoms and give you the best advice on the side effects?

No doubt, the kind of care you receive when undergoing infertility treatment is exceedingly vital and impacts the successful outcome of your treatment.

For enquiries, contact Nigeria's most fertile fertility centre today.

Email: enquiries@thebridgeclinic.com

Call: 01 631 0092 / Whatsapp: +234 (0)810 460 7791.

Visit: 66 Oduduwa Way, Ikeja GRA

Book Appointment