rFSH injection involves the administration of recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This type of FSH is produced using recombinant DNA technology, making it a highly purified form of the hormone used primarily in fertility treatments.
Understanding rFSH
- What it is: rFSH is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone FSH. In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs. In men, it supports sperm production.
- How it's made: Unlike older FSH preparations derived from animal sources or the urine of postmenopausal women, rFSH is created in a lab using genetically engineered cells. This process ensures a higher purity and reduces the risk of contamination.
- Components: rFSH is composed of two distinct glycoprotein subunits, alpha (α) and beta (β), which are non-identical and linked non-covalently. These subunits are crucial for the hormone's biological activity.
Uses of rFSH Injections
rFSH injections are primarily used in the treatment of infertility in both women and men.
- In Women:
- Ovulation Induction: Stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple follicles (and thus, eggs) in women who are not ovulating regularly or at all (e.g., due to polycystic ovary syndrome - PCOS).
- Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH): Used as part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to develop multiple mature eggs for retrieval.
- In Men:
- Spermatogenesis stimulation: May be used to treat male infertility caused by low sperm count due to hormonal imbalances.
Advantages of rFSH
- High Purity: Manufactured using recombinant DNA technology, it ensures minimal contamination from other proteins or substances.
- Improved Efficacy: Studies suggest rFSH may lead to higher pregnancy rates compared to urinary-derived FSH in certain patient populations.
- Batch Consistency: Recombinant production allows for greater consistency between batches, leading to more predictable results.
Administration
rFSH is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). The dosage and frequency of injections are determined by a fertility specialist based on individual needs and response to treatment.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, rFSH injections can cause side effects. These can include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Multiple pregnancy
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Injection site reactions
It is essential to discuss potential risks and side effects with your doctor before starting rFSH treatment.
