Using fertility medications to make parenthood possible

Many patients ask Dr. David T. Vandermolen, “What are the best fertility drugs to get pregnant?” The answer to this question depends on each patient’s needs and family-building goals. Our North Louisiana fertility doctor can work with you to determine which fertility medications are right for you. With our team’s support, you can get the treatment and medication you need to bring home a baby.

Comparing oral and injectable fertility drugs

Medications play an important role in treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In some cases, our North Louisiana fertility doctor will prescribe oral medicines. For other patients, injectable fertility medications are the best option.

Typically, patients take oral medications as a pill with a glass of water.

As for injectable medications, the patient will receive an injection every time they need to take the medication. Sometimes, the patient gives themselves the injection. In other situations, another person, like their partner or a nurse, will give it to them.

What are common oral fertility medications?

Two of the most common oral medications are clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and letrozole (Femara). Each of these fertility drugs works a little bit differently.

• Clomid affects the pituitary gland. It tells the glands to release two types of hormones, including FSH and LH. This causes the follicle that contains the egg to grow.
• Letrozole is known as an aromatase inhibitor. Like Clomid, it also stimulates ovulation (the release of an egg).

Dr. Vandermolen typically prescribes these types of oral medications to patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The patients can take them as part of an IUI cycle or with timed intercourse.

What types of injectable fertility drugs are available?

While no one likes injections, injectable medications are very effective when used with IVF. The following types of medications can be part of a treatment cycle.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of the follicles in the ovaries. These follicles contain the patient’s eggs.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist can prevent ovulation. This allows Dr. Vandermolen to control the timing of a patient’s egg retrieval procedure.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) helps the egg finish maturing. This shot also tells the uterus (womb) to start preparing the uterine lining for an embryo.

We understand how intimidating fertility injections can be. To support you, our North Louisiana fertility doctor and our team provide injection training and assistance. Our goal is to help you feel confident about taking your fertility medications.

What fertility medicines come in multiple forms?

Some medications that we prescribe are available in more than one form. This allows patients to select which one works best for them. These medications include the following options.

• Estradiol (a type of estrogen) stimulates egg growth and thickens the uterine lining, and it is available as a pill or a vaginal suppository.
• Progesterone can improve pregnancy rates in IVF cycles. It comes in the form of an injection, a tablet, a vaginal suppository or a gel.

Our North Louisiana fertility doctor will perform a full diagnostic workup before recommending any medicines. Doing so allows him to recommend the best treatment for your unique needs and goals.

We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vandermolen. He can help you learn more about the fertility medications that can help you become a parent.