The use of medication in treatment of infertility

The preparation is taken as a tablet. As side effects of clomiphene, hot flushes, sweating, dizziness and visual disturbances have been reported in isolated cases. However, these side effects usually disappear immediately after the drug is stopped. Taking clomiphene can lead to the maturation of one or more oocytes, depending on the dose, and this can occasionally lead to twin or, very rarely, triplet pregnancies.

HMG is a purified hormone preparation obtained from urine which, in addition to a large proportion of other proteins, primarily contains a defined amount of FSH. It is used as an alternative to genetically engineered FSH for ovarian stimulation.
HCG is the so-called pregnancy hormone, which is also available in a genetically engineered form. In the context of infertility treatment, it is used to trigger ovulation because of its similarity to LH, as well as to support the luteal phase. All drugs are proteohormones, which are administered exclusively as injections. Since these hormone preparations are suitable for injection under the skin, self-injection is possible for almost all patients.

To ensure that there is enough progesterone in the uterus, progesterone preparations are prescribed during IVF treatment after egg retrieval. Use of this medication is scheduled until the pregnancy test at two weeks, and beyond if positive.

External ovarian stimulation with FSH or HMG is then started, lasting approximately 14 days. During the entire period, continuation therapy with GnRH analogues is required. GnRH antagonists are used only when stimulation is already ongoing, as their effect is immediate. Therapy with GnRH antagonists must also be continued until egg collection. GnRH analogues have been in use for many years, and administration as a nasal spray is now common. GnRH antagonists have been on the market for many years, and are only available as injections. Which of the two treatment methods is the most suitable for you is best discussed with your treating physician.