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Which Infertility Drug is Best For You?
Fertility drugs are widely accepted by physicians and insurance companies as a viable form of treatment for infertility. However, don't go into this type of treatment with a blindfold on and expect the best. Pharmaceuticals are not made from natural products and therefore are foreign to the human body. All pharmaceuticals have side effects. Most side effects are mild and create an inconvenience, however in some cases side effects are more severe. Especially when taken with other medications, which can cause drug interaction. These points are not an attempt to scare you, but merely a warning not to take this type of treatment lightly.
There are three "go to drugs" that most physicians will prescribe for infertility. There are other options available, but these three have been well tested and that is why they have moved to the front of the doctor's prescription pad.
The top three prescribed infertility medications are by class: clomiphene citrate (Clomid), HMG or Human Menotropic Gonadotropins (Repronex), Leuproreline (Prostap SR).
If a woman is experiencing infrequent periods and long cycles most physicians will prescribe clomiphene citrate (Clomid). There are many reasons for the use of this drug not the least of which is that it is lower in cost than most other infertility medications. Clomid increases follicle growth by blocking estrogen and causes the pituitary gland into producing FSH and LH the key hormones needed to improve ovulation.
Treatments with Clomid may last up to six cycles with a daily regiment of 1-2 tablets for five days beginning 2-5 days after the period starts. If the treatment is successful ovulation will occur 7 days after the last day of treatment. Doses usually start low and gradually go up with each cycle attempt and other agents may be added during the different cycles.
Side effects may include:
* Reduction in the quality of cervical mucous
* Thinning of the uterine lining
* Ovarian cysts * Hot flashes
* Nausea * Headaches
* Weight gain
* Fatigue
* Increased risk of having twins * Slight increase in risk of miscarriage
HMG or Human Menotropic Gonadotropins (Repronex) is given by subcutaneous injection. This treatment is for both women and men suffering from infertility.
For women it is a step up in treatment for Clomid and used to improve follicle growth and improved ovulation. Women will have a series of shots daily for 5 or more days. The length of treatment depends on the FSH and LH levels achieved during treatment.
In men the HMG is used to treat hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and induce sperm production. Men will require a much longer treatment period. Injections are administered 3 times a week for several months.
Side effects may include:
* Injection site pain
* Lower abdomen tenderness
* Fluid retention
* Headache
* Emotional irritability
* Breast discomfort
* Fatigue
* Risk of multiple births
* Shortness of breath
* Severe pain or swelling in lower abdomen or extremities
* Vomiting or diarrhea
Leuproreline (Prostap SR) has a wide range of uses. Prostap SR is used in the treatment of prostate and breast cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids and even autism.
Prostap SR is also used to for ovarian stimulation in conjunction with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The treatment is a subcutaneous injection once a month.
I have heard of many cases of severe side effects with this treatment. However, it is an outstanding treatment in dealing with endometriosis, which is a common factor in infertility. If you experience extreme side effects consult with you doctor to weigh the pros and cons of continuing treatment.
Side effects may include:
* Loss of libido
* Hot flashes
* Osteoporosis
* Breast tenderness or fullness
* Weight gain
* Fatigue
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Headaches
* High blood sugar levels
Comparing these forms of treatment is but one step toward your successful efforts in overcoming infertility.
Read, read and then read some more before moving forward with any form of treatment. Then consult with your physician on the best treatment option for you. Ask specific questions about risks and side effects. Don't be afraid to seek out a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment options. You will be able to determine how much your doctor cares for you depending upon their reaction to you suggesting of a second opinion. A confident doctor will even make the suggestion himself or herself. Good luck and God Bless.
About the Author
Randy Beckett
is an author, speaker, entrepreneur/consultant who can be read daily at: http://www.randybeckett.com http://www.aboutjuniorgolf.com http://www.keywordmoneymaker.com
Signs Of Infertility In Men And Women - An Overview
There are several early warning signs or risk factors that may hint a possible infertility condition. When you have any of those symptoms or signs of infertility, you ought to meet with your doctor or fertile expert even before you use one year attempting to conceive.
Irregular menstrual cycles or not having period
This is one of the important signs of infertility in women. An irregular cycle, which can be unusually short (35 days), may be a sign of ovulation problems.
If you're not having your menstrual periods (amenorrhea), this will likely also suggest infertility or other underlying medical problem. Unless you happen to be taking birth control pills that could need a few cycles for your period to return to the regular pattern, you'll need to see a medical expert to exclude any underlying medical conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome or malformed reproductive organs (e.g. ovary is twisted or not situated at the right place).
Have had over three consecutive miscarriages
Infertility is usually construed as the lack of ability to become pregnant. But a woman who experiences recurrent miscarriages can also be considered infertile after she has had three recurrent miscarriage.
Presence of medical ailments in the reproductive system
Any of these conditions may contribute to infertility, and they will need medical intervention before you are able to get pregnant:
* Narrowing of the cervix
* Endometriosis
* Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Uterine fibroid
Other risk factors or symptoms of infertility
* You're more than 35 years old – A woman's fertility level drops naturally as she gets older. Should you be over 35 years old, it's best to find assistance if pregnancy does not take place after 6 months of unprotected sex.
* You're either underweight or overweight – Overweight or overly thin can lead to infertility problems.
* You or your spouse smoke or drink alcohol regularly – these kinds of habits have always been associated with male and women infertility.
* There is a history of sexually transmitted disease (STD) – STDs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can result in blockage of the fallopian tubes, making pregnancy either impossible or raising the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
* Your partner suffer from ejaculatory problems – Sexual dysfunction can be a red flag for male factor infertility. Nevertheless this doesn’t necessarily reflect low sperm counts or inhibited sperm mobility, which can only be determined with a sperm analysis.
* You or your partner had been treated for cancer before – cancer therapies, specifically radiation treatment in the reproductive organs area, can be a cause to fertility obstacles.
For the risk factors and signs of infertility mentioned above, some of them inevitably require medical treatments for infertility or surgery, while some may be overcome with holistic treatment methods, such as using the traditional Chinese medicine system.
About the Author
Serena is a freelance health writer, who has written for major pharmaceutical and international medical communications companies.
