Fertility struggles can be heartbreaking, but modern technology and medical practices have come a long way in helping people become parents. In vitro fertilization in Orange County, CA, is especially useful, as it has a high success rate. Embryos are made in a lab with an egg and sperm and then implanted into the uterus. Although IVF is a surgical procedure, you will need to take several medications. Here’s the lowdown on which medicines you may need to take and the side effects you should expect.
Common Medicines
Your fertility specialist will work with you to determine exactly which medicines will be best for your situation. The four medications below are the most common for IVF. Some are taken orally, while others are injected.
- Clomiphene: This medicine blocks estrogen by triggering the release of three hormones (GnRH, FSH, and LH). It signals your ovaries to produce eggs, which will be needed for a successful egg retrieval.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): You may need to take additional FSH to stimulate egg production.
- Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG): This medication is another supplement for clomiphene, which combines FSH and LH.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): After egg production stimulation, this medicine may be used to trigger the release of your eggs into your ovaries.
Side Effects
Like any other medication, fertility medicines come with side effects. You’ll receive a full list of side effects for the medication you’re given either from your doctor or the pharmacist. Generally, the side effects of these medications include:
- Hot flashes
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Acne
- Abnormal menstruation or spotting
- Tender breasts
Be sure to follow the directions your doctor gives you when taking your medicine, as timing is everything for in vitro fertilization in Orange County, CA!
Schedule a consultation with Rise Fertility if you’re interested in fertility help or in vitro fertilization in Orange County, CA!