Several medications, often called fertility drugs, can help with getting pregnant. The most common pills prescribed to assist with conception are:
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Clomifene citrate (Clomid): This is frequently the first line of treatment for women who do not ovulate regularly or at all. It works by stimulating the ovaries to produce more eggs.
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Metformin: While primarily used to manage diabetes, Metformin can also help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ovulate more regularly, as PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance which Metformin helps address.
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Gonadotrophins: Though typically administered by injection, they are very important in fertility treatment. However, they are more potent and thus may carry higher risk for side effects.
Common Fertility Medications
| Medication | Form | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Clomifene Citrate (Clomid) | Pill | Stimulates ovulation in women by causing the release of hormones that signal the ovaries to produce mature eggs. |
| Metformin | Pill | Helps regulate insulin levels and can help improve ovulation in women with PCOS. |
| Gonadotrophins | Injection | Can promote egg development and release and can be administered when clomifene citrate is not effective or more intensive support is needed. |
How do these pills help?
The primary goal of fertility medications is to improve the chances of conception by either:
- Inducing Ovulation: Clomifene citrate is a primary example; these pills stimulate the ovaries to release an egg which is required for fertilization.
- Regulating Hormones: Medications like Metformin help women with PCOS to better regulate hormones which might result in better ovulation.
- Supporting Egg Production: Gonadotrophins stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.
Important Considerations
- These pills are prescribed by a doctor following a thorough check-up.
- They are not without side effects, so it is important to be well-informed of the risks.
- Dosage and effectiveness will vary between individuals.
